American goldfinch feeds on seeds

[David Stephens]

Aperture Preferred f/8.0
ISO 200
EF 500mm f/4L IS
EF 1.4x Extender II
-1/3EV
Resulting in 1/500-second
Induro/Arca-Swiss/Sidekick support
Low afternoon sun
Processed with DxO Optics Pro 6.1.x
Minimal cropping

[Fabs Forns]

Nice action to get him feeding. Mixed light is really problematic because you can't get the EXP to cover all the tonal ranges of the image. Using a wider aperture would have given you less details in the BG, but at the same time, you may have lost DOF on the tail. TFS.

[Lance Peters]

HI David - Fabs nailed it - that mixed light is always going to make it a real challenge.
Like the catchlight in the eye - does look sharp.
Hope you can get him in even light.
TFS

[Alfred Forns]

Hi David Hope you can get one in better light !! Mixed lighting will always give problems !! .. btw dof wise for these I rather go shallow for eliminating detail in the bg as much as possible ... I think it takes precedence !

[Dave Mills]

Hi David, Agree with comments above. Very difficult to get a shot that works well in mottled light. Good suggestion regarding DOF and the backround...

[David Stephens]

Thanks to everyone for the comments. It's VERY educational for me to read what others think and focus on.

I actually find the mixed light attractive and appropriate for this typical feeding behaviour, in the bird's typical habitat, and would not have thought of it as a potential negative. I understand what you're saying and appreciate it being said.