Baltimore Orioles in Poplar

[Richard Stern]

This is a pair that are probably nesting on our property. Although this isn't a portrait, and part of the female bird has part of a tree crossing in front, I felt the overall effect of this image makes it a "keeper", at least for me. Comments welcome.

D300, 80-400VR at 400mm., hand-held, ISO 1000, 1/2500 at f/8.0.

Richard

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Richard,

I love the image, one question. With the high ISO did you run noise reduction on the background. Looks to be a tad on my monitor, but I could be wrong. I absolutely love habitat pictures that show "day in the life" stuff, nice one. Great tree as well, not to dense but elegant.

[Richard Stern]

Hi,

Thank you. Yes - I ran Noise Ninja as a PS Elements plug-in.

Richard

[Nonda Surratt]

I like it Richard! Lovely scene and colors. Would maybe try and brighten the eye a bit on both birds

[Lance Peters]

Hi - glad you will have more chances - lovely scene and nice interaction between the two Agree with Nonda on brightening the eyes's alittle if possible.
Agree with your self critique re the female bird - branch separates her head from her body :(

Looking forward to more - soft light is the key.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Richard

Excellent image love the composition and feel !! Could even work as a strong vertical pano !!!

Check you Noise Ninja and make sure there is no sharpening being applied, its there by default Will give all sort of trouble. Recently I have been using Topaz and getting better results since it does not soften the image as much Also Noiseware is a fine program and I'm still evaluating !!!

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Richard,
This is one sweet image...I love the feel to it...I would open up the ares around the eyes and selective sharpen them...good show...:cool: