Loggerhead Shrike #2

[WIlliam Maroldo]

SonyA700~Sony70-400G@400mm~ISO500~F6.3~1/320 sec~manual exposure~HH~overcast~12-31-2009~Houston, Texas~CS4
I posted a Shrike image that had well meaning comments about head angles, which I might add I generally agree with, but not at the exclusion of other types of images. I sometimes think that what I consider to be a guideline has become a rule, and this has a limiting effect in the creation of unique images (in my humble opinion). So here is a Shrike photo, taken at the same time as the last one.
comments and critique welcomed. regards~Bill

[Aaron Lee]

Very interesting BKRG,although the straight lines of the bokeh seem distracting to me for some reason. I would also calm down some of the perch branches. Nice work.

[WIlliam Maroldo]

Thanks Aaron. The whites of perch branches do need to be darkened. Forgot completely about the branches! Appreciate your input. regards~Bill

[Aaron Lee]

What was in that background? If you don't mind saying.

[Christopher Marek]

Hi Bill

I like the shot based on the nice lighting, background, and the perch is appropriate for this bird (that some of us know as the butcher bird). I wish that this bird didn't have the somewhat stray feathers jutting out as they are. But that is a minor thing. I agree with you so much on your comment dealing with guidlines becoming rules. I have been thinking the same thoughts on some of the critiques I have read. Often one person will complain about a "guideline" that has not been met, but then the next reviewer(s) will come to the rescue with praise. That is a sure sign that the guideline did not matter much in that case. The last example I saw of this was in the various comments on a red bellied woodpecker head angle yesterday. But yes, I know, out of focus eyes, bad backgrounds, bad lighting and bad subjects and bad head angles need to be laid bare when they happen.

[WIlliam Maroldo]

Thanks Christopher. Aaron, it was on a steep slope going down to a flood control reservoir, with trees in the background. I also did some background blurring, probably too much, which I should have mentioned. regards~Bill

[Gloria Hopkins]

One of my favorite birds! Not much to critique on this. Comp is nice, light is nice and soft and the branch is so perfect (and appropriate). I like the diagonal background very much as well. Nice!

[Arthur Morris]

SonyA700~Sony70-400G@400mm~ISO500~F6.3~1/320 sec~manual exposure~HH~overcast~12-31-2009~Houston, Texas~CS4
I posted a Shrike image that had well meaning comments about head angles, which I might add I generally agree with, but not at the exclusion of other types of images. I sometimes think that what I consider to be a guideline has become a rule, and this has a limiting effect in the creation of unique images (in my humble opinion). So here is a Shrike photo, taken at the same time as the last one.
comments and critique welcomed. regards~Bill

There are no rules. If the bird's head is turned away it is rare that an image will be effective or pleasing. Very rare. Most images are unique to one degree or another so uniqueness is not really a plus unless the image is pleasing, interesting, dramatic, etc.; all the usual stuff that we are looking for.

The head angle here is pretty much perfect. Do you like it?

[Arthur Morris]

Too dark. Too flat. Yellow color cast. Correct all plus some Eye Doctor work. :)

ps: Bill: thanks for the invite to the Green Cay GTG. I may be able to make it.

[Arthur Morris]

ps: There was/is some artifacting in the BKGR angling up to the right from the bird's head.

[Aidan Briggs]

I like the repost better. Nice BG, HA, and thin perch. I still don't have a decent image of this species. I might sharpen the bird some more.