Crossbill

[Dave Woeller]

I captured this shot of a crossbill a few weeks ago while on a walk. I wanted to offer it up for some guidance here. The shot was cropped to a more square format to loose some dead space, and a few distracting pine needles were evicted. As always, all thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Canon 50D handheld, 100-400mm @ 370mm, ISO 400, 1/200 sec @ F5.6, Pattern metering with 0 ev

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Really sharp Dave. Like your crop and colours. The only thing I find really distracting is the two needles touching the head. Did you crop from the left or right?

[Harold Davis]

a smoother bg and this would be absolutely phenomenal!! nice detail and soft light. agree about the needles. you did real well for what you had!!!

[Gus Cobos]

Well done Dave,
I like it as presented, you have a sweet image and capture...good show...:cool:

[denise ippolito]

Dave, You've got a very sharp image here,agree w/ techs- I love seeing him perched on the pinecone!

[Dave Woeller]

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. Jackie this was actually taken from the center of a vertical composition (don't know what posessed me to shoot vertical). That might explain some (not all) of the noise in the backround. I guess, with some work, I could evict a few more needles. These guys sure get buried deep in the tree sometimes. :)

[Alfred Forns]

I like it Dave Fine image ... just need to figure how to get closer .... and remember to use all your focal length !!! Excellent !!!

[Dave Woeller]

Thanks Alfred......Unfortunately, I think the answer to getting closer is $$$$$$$$$ :D

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Dave, This is quite a good image. I love the detail in the beak, the feathers, and even the foot that is visible. EXP is good. A HORZ at 400mm would have given you more pixels to work with. All in all lvvery well done.

[Dave Woeller]

Thank you Artie and everyone. We can never stop learning.