Watercooler conversation

[Jay Shah]

Pair of Russet Sparrows having a drink and deciding on plans for dinner.. Image was made from a hide in the mountainous region of Central China.

Nikon D810
600 mm F4
f8, 1/640, ISO 1000.

[William Dickson]

I can see what you were doing here Jay with the crop, which I like. The bird on our right is in focus and quite sharp, with a nice pose. The other bird is OOF, which I don't think works with this image. I like the BG colours, not keen on the perch, which looks unnatural.

Will

[John Mack]

I agree with William on this one.

[gail bisson]

Welcome to BPN Jay!
This image has a few problems:
1. It is very contrasty and underexposed
2. The OOF bird really detracts from the image.
3. There is a cloning/ghosting mark just above the front birds neck. Easy fix.
4. Perch is not great. Since you were in a hide, it would be better for you to set up some natural perches for the birds to land on.I would clone out the little bit of OOF rock on the right.
You do have a nice background and the front bird is nice and sharp.
Hope you do not think I am being too hard on you, but I do shoot from the hip and this is how we all learn!
Gail

[Jay Shah]

Will,

Thanks for taking time to make constructive comments. It is really helpful to get such feedback.

[Jay Shah]

Hi John,

I too agree with Will !