European Robin

[Stephen Stephen]

We were 11 days into our 14 day trip to Southern England when I finally came across a little robin. It was a drak overcast day and this fellow appeared under a picnic bench. He finally decided to explore the top for a few seconds before we had to leave.

Canon 40D & Sigma 50-500 at 417mm handheld. ISO 640, 1/500sec, F7.1 and cropped to about 65% of full frame. I decided to not use fill flash because I didn't want to frighten him away before a created a couple of images. I have some other images with better head turns but there are distracting OOF pieces of fence in the Background.

[Julie Kenward]

Stephen, I really like this! I think the head angle is nice as he is towards the plane of the camera sensor and he does have a very intent look on his face! I love the composition and background but the overall image could use a little adjusting as far as leveling out the boards of the bench and overall it feels a little bit dark. I'd try raising up the levels or curve just a bit and trying to straighten the boards beneath his feet.

I've never seen this version of a robin but I have to say I really like it! He's just as cute as he can be and who couldn't love that red breast?! You captured it beautifully!

[Lana Hays]

Stephen
What a beautiful robin. I agree with Julie on the brightness of the image. I like the mood and I think that with a little levels adjustment you can brighten the image without losing that feeling. Well done.

[Beth Goffe]

Very nice-looking bird! I agree with Julie and Lana about the brightness and the mood. Does the image need a little clockwise rotation? The bench seems a little crooked to the left. There's an interesting blog article comparing British robins to the ones we have here in America. http://10000birds.com/the-real-red-red-robin.htm I can't choose between them - they're both too beautiful. :)

[Stephen Stephen]

Thank you Julie, Lana and Beth for taking the time to look at this image. I agree with your comments on the Brightness and the table angle. I'll make some adjustments and re-post the image as soon as I have some time.

[Stephen Stephen]

Here's the reworked version everyone. The table edge is still at an angle because it was octagonal in shape. Thanks again! :D

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Stephen,

Very nice re-post. I would remove some of the noise and the white spot next to your signature!

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

I prefer your repost, is better, I agree with Maxis.

[Stephen Stephen]

Thank you Maxis and Jaun Carlos. I should have noticed the white spot. I'll look at the original again.