Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

[Jim Dahl]

New member, first post.

Wild Sulphur Crested Cockatoo eating sunflower seed that I put out for them.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Welcome to BPN, Jim! Very nice first post. I like the sharpness, eye contact, head angle and crest. The bird could go a bit bit lighter for my taste. I wish the eye were a bit lighter or had a catchlight. There is a slight sharpening halo around the beak, which you can avoid if you select within the borders of the bird before sharpening. Keep them coming!

[Jim Dahl]

Thanks for the comments Axel, much appreciated.

It's nice to be here, I've looked around at a lot of peoples photos and there is so much talent here.

[Arthur Morris]

Welcome Jim. Sharp and a nice basic COMP. Looks a bit dark from here. Is that a seed in its bill?

[Jim Dahl]

Thanks Arthur, yes it's a seed husk in the birds beak.

Here is another shot with the bird looking straight at me.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for the confirmation. Best to try to make your images without the seed visible or to remove it in post-processing.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

Hi Jim
I like your image just the way it is presented especially if you want to portray feeding behavior. In that case then I don't see the seed being visible as an issue. On the contrary, I am surprised no one yet asked what camera and lens you used and at what settings. :)

Regarding the composition, I think cropping from the right and above to place the Cockatoo off center would strengthen it. The light was great for shooting a white bird. They're one of the coolest Aussie larrikins in bird world. :D

Welcome aboard.

[Jim Dahl]

Thanks Akos.

I used my 5DMKII with my 70-200mm f2.8 and a 1.4x TC.