7D + 500 f/4.5, ISO 1250, 1/640, f/5.6, DodgePod + beanbag, stormy evening light, medium crop to eliminate bright weeds in bokeh. Post included making layers in PS and applying NR to the BG.
I could have dropped the f stop and gained some shutter speed. I don't like how the eye looks. It would have been nice to try the flash for a catchlight. BG is a little busy with the seedheads.
Hi Meesh - like how you have left room on the right for him to look into - Personally I dont mind the BG.
I am not familiar with the bird - could be a little dark as presented though - Light angle a little off?
Eye needs a catchlight - could of course add one - there is a thread in educational resources about how to do it.
Hi Meesh Was thinking the same thing as Lance, bird looks dark but one I have never seen before !!! ... the tail is solid black so I think its a little under !!
Do like the pose and room given to the right, would lessen the room to the bottom for moving away from the middle of frame !! btw the one thing that bothers me the most and this is just personal preference are the black borders, if I want something around it might just do a slight drop shadow ! Reason it takes your eyes from the bird in a big way, its the first thing you see and focus !!!
I think I've mis-ID'd the bird. Possible a female brown headed cowbird? The eye should be yellow on the female Brewers, as it is on the male. :) Color on these is about the color of a Chocolate bar. :)
Hi, good comments by Lance and Al.
Regarding framing I agree with Al that it is disracting to the viewer in some ways.
Some folks think it's pretty to add a colored frame or even one thats elaborate not realizing it's taking away and not adding to their presentation.
I don't want you to think I'm singling you out but gave me the opportunity to state how I feel about it.
If you want to add a black border you might make it alot thinner. Not quite so bold.
Nice pose and composition. Agree with above comments. A bit lighter on the belly and under-tail might have helped - maybe lighten the whole bird a bit? I like the bg, with the possible exception of the light spots above the bird; the rest makes for very nice environment.
Brewers Blackbird (female) - high ISO practice
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