American Goldfinch

[Dave Blinder]

Very slight crop from top and left, I have nothing to fill in the bottom with. Not sure if I like how the sunflower pod got cut off here, in retrospect prob should have done a photostitch?

An extra f-stop or two would probably help out here too. All comments appreciated.



Canon 100-400mm, Av Mode, handheld

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 400 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
ISO Speed: 400

[Randy Stout]

Dave:
I like the head angle, food, windswept feathers.

The large OOF element is tough to deal with. The steep shooting angle accentuates its impact on the image. I might try to tone down the bright spots on the greenery that touches the tail. You might try a version with the brightness of the sunflower toned down as well, to reduce its impact.

I know you cropped in a bit from the left, but its a bit too centered for my taste, and might try a version with the extra space on the left.

Cheers

Randy

[Dave Blinder]

Any thoughts on cropping from the bottom and adding canvas to the top? Might look to weird?

[Randy Stout]

Dave:

I tried that earlier, and I think you could go up to just above your sig before it starts to look too awkward.

I also did a quick trial with the changes I mentioned, and by toning down the areas I mentioned, it did seem to reduce their impact to help the image.

Randy

[Dave Blinder]

Thanks Randy, your insight is very helpful.