Ash-Throated Flycatcher

[Mark Schmitt]

How long has the small, sun dessicated branch persisted against the elements. How many visitors on wing have have taken rest on it? The oak tree, of which it is a part, has been dead some time now and from where it stands it commands an expansive view of the valley and hill sides. Above are emense, weather worn, granit boulders: monoliths sculpted by the wind, water and Sun into the centinels of the valley. Below the oak, spreads the valley, undulating sensuously toward the Kern River. What changes has the long dead oak seen. Oaks live a long time and changes there surely must have been: and drama! Drama from tumultuous storms, limb rending winds; ice and ravaging Sun. It is here, that the Ash-throated flycatcher has come, to alight on the small branch, on the dead oak, to take in this spector. But the is another taking in the view, and he has a camera. The bird only completes the scene, consumating it. And now it is preserved for reviewing and to recall the splendid view at a later time.

Self critique: the exposure values are good. I'd thought of cropping off some the the end of the branch but opted not to. BG is a strong point; the dark region to the left of the bird might be a little distraction, but tolerable.

EXIF
Camera: Canon 30D
Lense: Canon EF 500 IS L USM @ 4.0
Mode: Apeture priority
Metering: Partial
ISO: 500
White bal. custom 5500K
Exposrue: 1/3200 @ f 6.3, -1 exp.comp: fill in flash, 1/4 power ( just enough to bring out contrast in grey)

Feel free.;)

[Jon Thornton]

Great use of flash as the key light and natural sunlight as a kicker. Did you wax lyrical about the perch so people wouldn't say that it was a dull lifeless twig? I know, I'm being cheeky.

[Tony Whitehead]

Good self critique and use of flash, Mark. The dark area could be lightened up quite easily with the clone stamp in lighten mode using a large soft brush and building up from a low opacity. Maybe tone down the sharpening on the face feathers a little? Good job.

[Dave Leroy]

Well you certainly right about the bg Mark. It really compliments and brings out the colours in the bird nicely. Nicely exposed as well. Very nice. Dave

[Daniel Cadieux]

Great read, and an excellent photo to accompany it! Can't find much fault here, except I would crop a bit at right as per your thought -the stubbies near the edge don't add much. I actually don't mind the dark area in the BG. Great stuff :-)

[Mark Schmitt]

Good self critique and use of flash, Mark. The dark area could be lightened up quite easily with the clone stamp in lighten mode using a large soft brush and building up from a low opacity. Maybe tone down the sharpening on the face feathers a little? Good job.

Thanks, Tony. I thought it might be caught by someone; I agree it looks a bit "specular" and could be toned down. Thanks for critique.

[Mark Schmitt]

Great use of flash as the key light and natural sunlight as a kicker. Did you wax lyrical about the perch so people wouldn't say that it was a dull lifeless twig? I know, I'm being cheeky.

Apreciate the humor, Jon. ;-)

[Mark Schmitt]

Great read, and an excellent photo to accompany it! Can't find much fault here, except I would crop a bit at right as per your thought -the stubbies near the edge don't add much. I actually don't mind the dark area in the BG. Great stuff :-)

Apreciate your evaluation of the image and glad you enjoyed the write-up ;)

[Stu Bowie]

Great flashwork,to bring out the detail nicely Mark. This is also pin sharp. Comp wise, I would take a bit off the right to change to a vertical crop. Still, a great image.