Golden-crowned Kinglet

[Stephen Cunliffe]

I suspect this is more a birder's photo than a photographer's bird. These little guys are in constant motion, and often in low light among conifers. I posted this because to me it describes the bird and its habitat. I am sure there is much scope for improvement, but given the image is what it is, I would greatly appreciate suggestions for improvement of post production.
Canon 50D
400mm DO IS
handheld
ISO 400
f/5.6 @ 1/40s

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Stephen Your are correct in your assessment

You got the bird in a good part of frame with room for the tail, exposure is good, focus is on the bottom center so head is a bit soft. I'm surprised is as sharp as it is with the slow shutter speed. In cases like this crank up the ISO and worry about noise later.

Post production wise you did fairly well .. sharpening the bird would be the most important but is just not possible !!!

btw if using a tripod is not possible you might try a monopod which will be helpful !!!

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Stephen,
I like the bird in the clear and showing the natural habitat...agree with Mr. Forns' assessment...just keep on practicing...looking forward to your next one...:cool:

[Lance Peters]

HI Stephen - agree with AL'S fine critique - shutter speed is quite slow for 400mm which is why AL is suggesting the use of a tripod or monopod.
Looking forward to seeing more.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hello Stephen. Also agree with your assessment, but to answer your question as to how to improve I would suggest the following:

You could help out the harsh lighting by lowering the contrast a bit through a curves layer and trying the various techniques for mitigating the blown highlights on the bird. Lightening and sharpening the eye would help also. You could possibly do a new layer with sharpening and then paint on a layer mask to only show the major features of the bird. These steps won't "save" the image, but could make it a little better.