Downy Woodpecker Portrait

[Jean Chang]

This little downy is a frequent visitor.

Nikon D300
300mm f/4 with 2X TC
1/1000, f/8, ISO 450, spot metering, -2/3EV, no flash



Jean

[Mark Adkins]

Very nice head angle, exposure, background and color. Some of the whites look a little hot to me. You must have been quite close to not have the neck feathers in focus at f8. Keep them coming.

Mark

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

You should try some NR on the BG. There is a bit of noise and the light appears a tad harsh. But what a little cutie. Thanks for sharing. :) Well done.

[Jean Chang]

Very nice head angle, exposure, background and color. Some of the whites look a little hot to me. You must have been quite close to not have the neck feathers in focus at f8. Keep them coming.

Mark

Yes, I was very close--about 10 feet away. Sometimes a lens CAN be too long. lol

Thanks for looking!

Jean

[Jean Chang]

You should try some NR on the BG. There is a bit of noise and the light appears a tad harsh. But what a little cutie. Thanks for sharing. :) Well done.

Hi Akos,

I had run it through Topaz DeNoise, and on my monitor I didn't see any noise afterwards. Hmmm...maybe an excuse for a new monitor... (Either that or new glasses.)

I agree the light was tough. I had taken this right in the sun, but the little dickens insisted on coming to that same place. Now that I have Alan Murphy's CD, maybe I can change all that.

Thanks for looking and for the tips.

Jean

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

You'll love Alan's CD. I know I do. Lots to digest. :) I think I have Topaz DeNoise, but never use it. I use Neat Image instead.

[Jean Chang]

You'll love Alan's CD. I know I do. Lots to digest. :) I think I have Topaz DeNoise, but never use it. I use Neat Image instead.

Does Neat Image do a better job? I've also heard Noise Ninja is supposed to be good.

Jean

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Jean, I like the inquisitive pose. I use neat image too. I seem to have mastered it.

[Jean Chang]

Hi Stuart,
Thanks! I should try the trial version.