Like this, Jonathan. Though the sun is at a fairly steep angle, his inquisitive look at the two of you had him tilt his head just enough so the shadow enhances the pose. Like the thorny, green leafed, white flowered perch.
This is very pretty.
Nice details in the eye, good comp.
I might be tempted to brush in some green color on the blown out leaf by the foot. I don't think burning the leaf would do much except make it grey.
I really like the meandering diagonal line created by the perch. Man, those thorns look sharp!
Nice one!
Gail
Thanks for the comments everyone. Gail that is awhite petal by the foot, it does look bright but it wasn't blown and I did tone it down. Bill the sky does look blue, it was pretty blue, we have had some good weather recently, but I suspect we will pay the price next week.