Reed Warbler

[Stuart Hill]

Another early start on the local patch and I heard chicks calling from within a reedbed. So set-up and waited. Spent an hour with them watching them constantly bringing insects in a then diving in to the reeds.

Critiques appreciated.

D300 Sigma 500+1.4x
ISO 400
1/640s @ F9 (best image quality on this lens with the converter)

kind regards.
Stu.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Stuart, Nice position of the subject with a backround muted enough to not be distracting. The bird is sharp with an added bonus of the bug.
The light is a bit harsh and would like to see the bird toned down a bit(not drastically). I also would crop a bit off the left but still keep the bird off center...

[Alfred Forns]

Agree on all points by Dave !! Can add would try moving (slightly) left/right as needed to avoid merges with light sticks in bg if possible !!! ... meal sure adds to the image !!

[manishkshukla]

Nice pose, and sharp all-around, even the meal! I agree with the suggestion to tone down the bird a bit.

[Desmond Chan]

I like the warm feel of this shot. Light to me is not that harsh but certainly could be improved :D

[Stuart Hill]

Thanks for the help. Light was strong, even at 7.30am! Not normal for this part of the UK.

Tried a rough retouch. Dropping contrast and highlight/shadow tool in ps.

regards.
Stu.

[Bill Dix]

Lovely image, especially with the bug. Background has just the right amount of detail for me. Repost helps knock down the highlights. To my eye the bird could use a bit of contrast, but with the highlights reduced as you have done.

[Stuart Hill]

Thanks Bill.

regards.
Stu.

[Lance Peters]

HI Stuart - repost is good - address's the issues raised above.
Like this a lot - the meal really adds to the image.
The sigma 500 is a very capable performer - have owned it myself and is one sharp lens!!
At its best without converters.
Keep em coming :0

[Stuart Hill]

Thanks Lance. Agree with the Sigma, great lens for the money. Saving for the nikon 500 though. Rented one and the Sigma wide open can't touch it. Dropped down to 6.3 becomes difficult to tell them apart!

thanks again.
Stu.