Here is recent image taken a few days ago. Since I tend to focus too closely on critters, this year when I positioned my blind for backyard set-up I moved it about 2 feet back from where I positioned the year before. I also cut a small hole to utilize my SB400 for slight fill flash (catch lights). The back drop is a bunch of cedar trees that I have draped sheets of burlap among the branches to block out annoying hotspots of light for a more pleasing BG.
Look forward to comments. (not sure if I like this perch)
Nikon D200
80-400 VR lens @ 400 (effective 600)
ISO 200
f5.6 @ 1/160 sec.
I'm OK with the perch - love the lichen, and good idea about the BG. Chickadees can be tough to expose, you did a good job (the soft light helped for sure!). You got more than a catchlight in the eye - I'd do a bit of reflection clean-up in there and just keep the main catchlight. I also find the pose a bit awkward - I wish for more of an overall profile (P.S. the particular angle of that twig combined with the close proximity of the main stem won't allow for many ideal poses - certainly a cause for this particular pose)
You are brave photographing chickadees at ISO 200...these guys are in perpetual motion!
Thanks for comments Daniel. Thanks for note on the eye. I usually clean them up, but forgot to here. I find quite often that the blind reflects in the eyes to some degree - probably should have painted the blind black this past summer to minimize that issue a bit. I will be changing the perch for my next round of shooting in the blind. I immediately thought it was going to be problematic once I began shooting with it in place.
These chickadees are a lot of fun to shoot. I would pick a more open perch next time. With my set-up I keep a couple of perches handy and change them up until I get the one I like. Look forward to seeing your next one!
Nice perch, but not an ideal shape. Still you managed a decent image considering your constraints. I have never seen one of these birds, but they sound pretty "busy" meaning they are never still. Well done mate, looking forward to some more images from your backyard. :)