Phainopepla (first post)

[Tom Grey]

In addition to general comments/critiques, I'd be curious about folks' preference between versions, the "bird on a stick" (posted) and the "bird on a stick, plus stick" -- http://www.geocities.com/tgrey41/Phainopepla3x.jpg .

Taken in Anza-Borrego Park, east of San Diego. 20D, 500/4 + 1.4s, 1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 400.

[Blake Shadle]

Hi Tom! Great first post. This image is full of detail, so sharp. I'm a fan of the bird on a stick, plus stick. I think that version fills the frame a little more nicely, and doesn't draw my eye away from your subject. In this version there are some noticable cloning artifacts, just bits and pieces of the branch structure still visible :)

[Stephen Stephen]

Nice capture Tom and welcome. I don't know this species. I like the exposure and the BG. The cloning of the second branch needs a bit more work.

[Del Cockroft]

An excellent image. Good exposure and composition and nice BG.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Great first post, Tom. I like the details and exposure control. I don't think the second stick adds to the image but agree that there are cloning marks. Keep them coming.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Welcom Tom . Its great to have you and a wonderful first post. Love it that the crest is up and the detail and eye contact is excellent . Nits have been mentioned. Look forward to future posts !!

[Arsdel Fluesmeier]

I like the bird on just one stick.

[Glenn Bartley]

Welcome Tom. Great first post. I like the single perch better. The image is great all around though!

[Robert O'Toole]

HI Tom,

Like the single stick version, but I can show you a better way over cloning, or the patch tool, without any artifacts.

Also I would protect the birds head and darken the image, it would improve the saturation.

Thanks,
Robert

[Fabs Forns]

Big welcome, Tom, great first post!!!

Great advise given, I also like the single stick better.

[Tom Grey]

Thanks for the welcome, folks, and also the good advice -- especially Robert's about protecting the head and darkening the image, which I am going to try now. Thanks to all for noticing my hasty cloning:o. I redid it more carefully and I think it looks ok now on my website, though I'd be happy to learn Robert's different methods. I end up slightly preferring the single stick version, as did most of you.