This year it seems like the Pine Grosbeaks are at peak color intensity, but that could be me and the effects of a long, gray winter. This bird was part of a small flock of PG's, moving around and feeding in red osier bushes - very dense bushes. I worked hard to keep Al on my shoulder, saying "move to find the best bg." So this is it.
Small crop, tweaking in LR2 and final sharpening in PS CS3.
C & C most appreciated.
Cheers
Gail
Canon 40D with 100-400mm lens at 400mm, 1/800 sec at f/5.6, EV with +2/3 comp, ISO 640, handheld
I like the unusual view of the back, although it seems like there is a oof twig going up the tail feathers. I would like a bit more eye contact, although that might be a difficult twist for this bird's poor neck. I like the tint to the bg, as it complements the coloring of the bird. have you tried more contrast to the bird?? I think the details and sharpness are there, but I would like to see it have more 'punch'.
I also like seeing the behavior shown in the image.
you did well by moving around!!! no intersecting branches!! love the colors on your PG. nice soft light too. might would take a little off the top. i guess you could clean up the bg, but it's just taste. nice job!!
Hi Gail,
I like the composition and capture....the pose is nice, the head angle...well, lets just say that Mr. bird is looking at something that caught his undivided attention...:D I adjusted the mid-tones by giving you some added punch on the color hues and tones...and toned down the warm whites in the background, also diffused the oof branches and leaves in the background and gave you a sprinkle of noise reduction...see if this presents well to you...:cool:
Hi Gail - I really like the feel to this, very nice. Gus's repost does improve. HA noted sounds like you are under survellance :) Personal taste - would probbaly crop a little from the top.
Hi folks. Thanks for the comments and Gus thanks for the re-post. I especially like the idea of toning down and blurring the bg. Helps a lot.
Hopefully i'll get some more chances with Pine Grosbeaks; they are definitely brush babies. The cleanest captures are often in mtn ash trees where they sort of stand out.
Thanks again
Gail
Great capture of a small and pretty bird, Gail. I like the leaves/fern at the top framing the image and I, too, often have Al at my shoulder...he gets around!
Pine Grosbeak
