Nikon D200, 70-200 2.8 VR + TC 1.7
focal length 340mm
f/8 1/90 sec
ISO 400
EV +0.3
Self Critique, pros: cute bird, perch has character, bird reflected by snow, background OK
cons: More DOF for tail, could be a touch sharper, just a bit more of a head turn,
selected eye & increased mid tones a bit. Dodging looks too fake for me,any ideas on the
best way to lighten the eye? Added canvas top & bottom, is there too much
room around the bird?
Many thanks to Axel Hildebrandt for editing my last post.
You are very welcome. I like the perch, light and details. I think you are too hard on yourself. The shutter speed was already pretty low and you could only have gone to ISO 800 for wider DOF. Since the legs are in focus, I wouldn't worry about it. In order to get a catch light, you could have used fill flash and set the FEC to -1.66 or so. I think the bird is too centered and the whites are on the hotter side. I did some quick alterations, maybe you'll like them.
Caroline I love the light in this image. You've given yourself a very good critique. I would also support more DOF for the tail but the catchlight seems fine IMHO. I think that I can make you out crouching down in the snow in the reflection of the eye.
I think you're too hard on yourself, too. My only thought was that you added too much room, but Axel fixed that. I like your self-critique. That's a great way to learn. I never thought to do that.
Caroline, this is brilliant. Your critique is good. There is nothing wrong with being hard on yourself as long as you enjoy your achievements on the way. I agree with Axel's comments re hot whites and think his crop is good but all in all a very successful image and I look forward to more :)