This is one of those serendipidous events in photography. This is the one and only shot of this bird I have. It was a target species of the day. After observing it's behavior around some of it's trap lines ( trees where it has been working sap wells) one particular Live-Oak was chosen. After waiting for some time in the cold, the bird landed in this one shaft of light, on the only exposed patch of the Live Oak (note fresh drillings in bark). All of the camera settings were pre-set and pre-focused and previewed in histogram for best result. When the bird landed only one shot was recorded...this is it.
Self critique: most will suggest that the lower leaves be blured or cloned out, but I chose to leave them in. The same will be said of the upper leaves protruding into the frame, I would agree will do later. The dark shadow near the head might be cloned out, as well. The shadow on the tree might be placed into a layer and givien more contrast to develope more delineation between bird and trunk.
All critiques welcome; I welcome the suggestions.
EXIF Camera: Canon 30D Lense: Canon EF 500 IS L Meter: pattern Mode: Av priority ISO: 500 Exposure: 1/1250 @ 7.1; Exp comp. -.66: fill flash -1.33 comp White bal: custom 5300 K
All things (including less than an ideal lighting situation) considered, this is quite well done. Perfect head angle, very sharp, good body position and perfect head angle, and a nice COMP.
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Thanks for sharing your set up. I like your comp, and the Sapsucker is pin sharp, and great flashwork to show up the colours. The leaves coming out of the back of the subject are a bit distracting, but we cant choose the perfect BG every time, and he is in his own enviroment. Still, a great image Mark.
Terrific details and good flashwork- I don't find the leaves distracting, and good job on exposing the reds. Congrats on getting your target species Mark, a fine comp. of this guy.