Sandhill Preening

[Joanna Trescott]

I am learning so much from all of you. I suspect you will say this is too tight,

Taken at sunset. Canon 20D, 100-400 hand held at 400mm. 1/400 @ f8, ISO 400, +2/3 EV.

[Shawn Marques]

Hi Joanna. The warm light is very nice. The crop does not bother me; though I often get the same about cropping too tightly. I like that close-up view of the eye, though I think it can be a bit sharper. There are several sensor spots that are best cloned out.

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Hi Joanna,
As you have probably gathered, I love a close-up! I would be tempted to crop this even tighter to really emphasize that beautiful face.
Regards,
Nicki

[carole wiley]

I often do not like things cropped to the max but, in this case, I like the close up very much. You have lovely light, a nice low angle and a riviting eye. Lovely.

[Glenn Bartley]

Nice comp for this tight portrait. I would definitely clone out the dust spots ;)

[Mark Schmitt]

Have no problem with the crop; it is a portrait image and the head, eye and bill are the focal point. Deffinition of the frontal lores and fore-head are good: eye is good. As everyone has noted, without seeming to be too tautological, you could remove the sensor sports; more importantly the sensor should be cleaned. Well done.