Motif: High Key Evening Grosbeak

[Gail Spitler]

I haven't posted much lately but not for the lack of lots of photography activity on my part. Getting up to speed on Lightroom 2 gave me an opportunity to look at my full collection of images. Lo and behold this image popped up as a possible high key image.

The image was captured last January. I have not removed the bit of snow from the head as my PS skills aren't there yet. This is the best head angle from among several photos. Comments and suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks
Gail
Canon 30D with EF 70-300mm at 225mm and 1/500 sec, spot metering with 0 compensation, ISO 800

[Alfred Forns]

I like it Gail Well exposed for the birds which is what you want !!

As you mentioned the slightly better head angle would have gotten you sharper tip of beak but not bad as presented. Might increase density in the dark feathers a bit and the perch. For removing the snow is an easy process. Best way is using quick mask procedure and will be unnoticeable.

Exposure wise what were you metering on? Not sure how you ended up with that exposure. When using he spot meter the snow is the usual place to aim and you open 1 1/2 stops. Metering on the bird is also possible but I'm not sure how small the spot will be at the bird? Would probably try the pattern meter in your camera or incident. Either way you got a good exposure !!! Hoping to see many more !!!

[Gail Spitler]

Al - thanks for the comments. Actually the spot metering didn't work very well at all in the original image. I used LR -2 to increase the overall exposure and the brightness of the bird. The original image had an significantly underexposed bird against a white bg. So I think I cheated in terms of doing a real high key. I certainly would handle it all differently now.
Thanks again
Gail

[Lance Peters]

Hi Gail - like the bit of snow on the head, justt that bit of a head turn and it would have been beautiful.
:)

[Robert O'Toole]

Alfred nailed the critique already but I can add a couple of points also.

I like to see images such as this with some type of border to help frame the bird, otherwise its just floating in space.

Also try to put more space in front of the bird rather than behind. Agree about the darkening the perch.

Robert

[Gail Spitler]

Thanks everyone. I tried putting a border around and it certainly does help to anchor the image. Also you can see that the bird is actually on the right side of the canvas.
Cheers
Gail

[Katie Rupp]

Beautiful bird, Gail and I'm impressed with the detail in the snow, nice touch!

[Harold Davis]

you got enough critiquing above!! how can i beat those two guys?!! do like the high key!! that was a nice find and looks to be some nice LR work!! good job!

[Gail Spitler]

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions
Gail