Gray Jay Portrait

[Stephen Stephen]

I created this image in Ontario's Algonquin Park a couple of weeks ago. We had found a pair of Gray Jays along a grove of pine trees. Unfortunately the birds were heavily backlight

This image is full frame but I had to clone out two branches from the left side of the frame one of which pierced the lower breast.

This is only my second time photographing this species so overall I'm happy with this image.

Canon EOS 40 & Sigma 50-500mm at 500mm on BushHawk. Fill Flash used. 1/200 seconds, f/6.3, ISO Equiv.: 640.

Ran Topaz denoise to clean the BG.

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Sweet pose Stephen with excellent exposure and detail. IMO I would like to see this as a possible vertical too since all the space on the left is empty space. Awesome eye contact too. Many thanks for sharing and glad to see you back !!!!!! :D

[Fabs Forns]

Thanks for participating in the project, Stephen. Very nice portrait. I would crop the little branch in the lower right corner.

[Aidan Briggs]

Nice flash work and HA. I would crop closer and try to smooth out the BG a bit.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Hey Stephen, this full-frame close-up shows how friendly these guys are! He looks totally comfortable with your lens pointed at him. I agree with the crop suggestions, and would eliminate the reflection in the eye that is placed around the 4 o'clock position. You were successful in using the flash reduce the backlit conditions - way to go! Nice and sharp too.

[Stephen Stephen]

Thank you Judy, Fabs, Aidan and Dan for your comments and suggestions. Since I have the full frame image to work with I'll post a reworked version soon.

[Stephen Stephen]

OK here's the re-worked image as a portrait with the 4:00 o'clock catchlight removed. What do you think?

[Steve Canuel]

Excellent job on the repost. The BG colors compliment him well. You did a nice job of capturing this handsome fellow.

[Stu Bowie]

Good repost Stephen, fluffy little guy, and just love those BG colours.

[Stephen Stephen]

Thank you Steve and Stuart.