Bar-shouldered Dove

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

We get lots of these along the river close to home, but they don't often perch like this. I took this photo not long after I got my 500 in 2011.
Imitating their calls, they can be a bit dopey, and may come in, like this one did in plain view, right in front of me.

Canon EOS 1DMkIIn
500/4L IS USM + 1.4x
Av mode with +1/3EC
ISO 800, f/8, 1/1250th
Tripod and Wimberley gimbal used, small crop

[Jim Crosswell]

I like the angled pose, details, IQ, colourful feet, composition and BG. The mourning doves we have over here are kind of dopey too. Well done Akos!

[dankearl]

A nice subject but the DOF is just too shallow for me...
The sharp areas look great.

[David Salem]

I think this one looks fantastic. I don't mind the shallower DOF and I actually like it in allot of frames. It accentuates the sharp head even more and gives this shot a real sweet clear look to it. The detail looks great and the green BG sets this off nicely. Love that strong clean light!

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Akos, I would echo Davids feedback, Doves are very underestimated as photo opportunities, so nice to see them posted. Techs look good to me, my only thought, if ethics allow, would be to remove the vertical stump, very easy to do and I feel, would elevate the image considerably.
Nice to see the old cameras coming out.

TFS
Steve

[Joseph Przybyla]

Lovely image, Akos. Doves may be common (at least they are here) but quite beautiful and dainty. Lovely colors, background, and perch. Thank you for sharing.

[Don Lacy]

Very nice image I would also remove the stump.

[Ian Wilson]

Hi Akos,
I feel it is just a bit bright on the head causing the contrast of the feather detail to be a little less than optimal.
Regards, Ian.

[Bill Nuttall]

spooky bird Akos - I agree about the stump if it can be removed and still look natural, I don't think it adds anything and distracts a little

I also agree about the head being slightly too light which has softened the feather detail ….. maybe just adding a little contrast will change that

maybe remove that little bit of fluff on the birds beak ------- (but you guys on here are getting me so ultra "picky" since I started looking at your work and comments)

I am a fan of smooth bf's like that in these type of shots ……. really good colours in the bird …. I can appreciate the quality in your work

well done

Thanks

[gail bisson]

Lovely image Akos.
The only thing I would change would be to clone out the vertical branch. Doesn't add anything IMHO!

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Thank you for your constructive feedback.
I made some changes with your suggestions having been considered.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Akos, love the angled pose here, and due being so close, you have nailed the DOF in the right places. Excellent sharpness, and I like various colours on this fellow. Killer smooth BG.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

Beautiful bird and killer light. The BG is to die for and your repost with the pruning jobs takes it up several notches IMHO. Pigeons and doves really are underrated; thanks for showcasing one.

[Karen Pleasant]

Excellent work on the re-post! Wonderful image !