Here is another picture from the same session as the dove.
Olympus SP-570UZ, 92 mm zoom; ISO 100, f5, 1/40 sec.
Edits: general sharpening; rotated to make BG horizontal; minor cropping; increased clarity overall, some fill light; blurred background extensively (used to be the same as that of the dove picture); selectively sharpened the eye.
I do not think the horizontal crop works for this image. I have attached a suggested crop for your consideration. I have put the head of the bird in the upper left 1/3 of the image. This is a representation of the rule of 1/3rds that is very helpful in composition. I use the rule as a guide to start my review of the images prior to finalizing the cropping of them, either in the camera, if I can, or in PP.
I have also given about twice as much open area ahead of the bird as behind it. This allows the bird to move into the open area. Your original had too much room ahead of versus behind the bird.
Another rule is to fill the frame with the subject. This can include the background, if it is part of the subject. But generally it is about 75% of the image area. That is why the vertical works better here; you can more closely accommodate the 75% rule. The background, being out of focus, really is not an element of the subject in this case.
Additionally, the image is dark. I did some lightening, but only a quick adjustment. I still don't like what I see. It might be that your exposure is too dark. You want to see the detail in the wings, which is not present in the original image.
Finally, rules are made to be broken. Don't look at them as finite, but rather guides to get you where you want to go. As you learn more about composition and photography, you can bend them to fit your "vision".
Good Luck and welcome to the boards.
There is a lot of good advice here. But I will give you one final one. Do it your way, in the end. Take what is given and make the image say you.
Finally, rules are made to be broken. Don't look at them as finite, but rather guides to get you where you want to go. As you learn more about composition and photography, you can bend them to fit your "vision".
Hi Massimo The first thing that jumps out at me is the under exposure Remember when opening later you will have lots of noise with any camera ...... crop factor cameras lots worse !!! I like the pose and positioning for your intended framing and there is nothing wrong with it and might even look interesting just lightening the bird !!!
Hi Massimo,
I like your base image...it is a bit under exposed with a little bit of noise in the background, I recommend on adjusting your blacks and opening up the area around the eye...you were given very good advise from Mark and Mr. Forns...Your background in the original post does not bother me...looking forward to more...:cool:
Grackle
