Gold finch in thistle

[Tom Redd]

Shot this morning.

Nikon D3s
Sigma 150-500
500mm
1/1600s
f/6.3
ISO 800
0 ev
No flash
AWB
Pattern metering
Crop approximately 55% and to vertical
Sharpened as well as dodged some to lighten shadows on back/neck

C and C welcome and appreciated.

[Lance Peters]

Hi Tom - Like the setting - Main issue is the angle of the light with the front parts of the bird being quite brightly lit and then the back half in deep shadow - best to try and get the light at your back IF you can.
Whilst I like the action would have preferred for the eye to be just that bit more visible - I quite like the BG might be a bit busy for some but the colours do appeal to me.
Looks sharp.
Keep em coming :)

[Tom Redd]

Thank you Lance. I agree, I too would have liked a better angle for the light, but I couldn't get it. Good points and I appreciate the feedback.

[Dave Mills]

Hi Tom, Lance brought out some good points regarding lighting. Usually I like something in the birds mouth but in this case most of the subjects face is masked and would have liked to have seen more. This is my preference but others might not feel that way. The backround on the whole is muted but would prefer not seeing the bright streak coming out of the birds head.

[Harold Davis]

tom, i have to ditto lance verbatim! exactly my thoughts. great job with the composition! just the light.

[Tom Redd]

Thank you all for the comments, I agree with them all.