Took this during Fall 2010 - forgot about it, but Doug Brown's beautiful Singing Blue Grosbeak reminded me :)
Canon 1D Mark IV
500/4 + 1.4x TC
1/2000s, f/8, ISO 800
~5MP portrait crop (original was landscape)
Cloned out leaves from around edges of the frame
I also removed some branches/leaves from near the bird's tail, but I am not sure if that makes the image better or worse. What do you guys think? A or B?
I like your caramel BG, and your Photoshoppery in the LLC adds slightly to the image. The light was getting harsh, for the sun was high; the shadow on the tail is unfortunate. Good singing pose.
Charles, Im going for A. IMHO, the lower leaves do not add anything. He looks like he's in full song with this pose, and good to see the open beak. I like how the BG leaves follows the line of the back of the bird.
The leaves don't bother me one way or another but I suppose I prefer A it looks just a little cleaner. The detail is superb and the image is well timed.