House Sparow

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks;

Photographed this male House sparrow an top of bunch of branches so I played around with it. First replaced the BG with a very dark green (Nearly black) OK, but it sorta hid the tail, so I tried a medium blue BG change. Still not completely pleased with it, but will get some fresh thoughts from you nice folks.

Gus

Olympus E-3, Zuiko ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD, @ 400 mm equiv.
AP: F/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 200, -0.30eV, CWA, sRGB, AWB

[Gus Hallgren]

Here's my first attempt . . .

[Julie Kenward]

Gus, out of the two I prefer the black even though it's less natural. The area around the head/beak on the blue version really shows the cut/paste whereas the black version he fits right in.

In the black version I'd tone down the white area around his lower neck - feels a tiny bit hot there. I'd also crop the left side off and go vertical since he's so tall and straight on that stick.

[Gus Hallgren]

Thanks Jules;

I'm getting "Go vertical" quite often.

Here's a try per your suggestions

Thanks

Gus

BTW: What percentages do you use as a guide for vertical?
Looks like I need to add to bottom?

[Julie Kenward]

Gus, I tend to use 10" high x 7" wide most of the time when I'm posting on BPN. I see where that puts the ROT's lines and then adjust from there.

[Gus Hallgren]

Thanks, Jules

Here it is at 10x7 prportions

Gus

[Julie Kenward]

I like it Gus. Maybe could use a teeny more room on the right side but that's an easy fix. I like the proportions, though, and the way he's sitting in the frame.

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Jules:

Think this looks good?

I think going through middle of eye with top horiz line would be perfect?

Gus

[Julie Kenward]

I think that's it, Gus! Just that sliver more on the right gives him enough room not to feel so crowded.