Arizona Woodpecker

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks;

Captured this Male Arizona Woodpecker at Madera Kubo B&B, Madera Canyon, AZ in the shade of the main patio. Pickin' were slim.

Comments & redos always welcome & appreciated

Keep smiling

Gus

Olympus E-3, Zuiko ED 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD, @ 400 mm equiv.
AP: F/4.5, 1/250s. ISO400, 0.00eV CWA, sRGB, AWB, Fill flash with Olympus TTL +0.3
PP LR3 & CS5. Folks may want a bit more room at the bottom? Would be easy to add.

[Ray Rozema]

Good detail Background is a little distacting but I still like it. Looks a little flat might selectivley add some contrast w curves adjustment to the bird and tree. HA little less than ideal. Crop is OK

TFS

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Ray;

Gave it my 10 minute BG change (Described in last post with Anna;s hummingbird)
Also jazzed it up a bit as you suggested

Comments welcome & appreciated

Gus

[annmpacheco]

Hi Gus, I like the improvement on the bird, however the BG doesn't work for me here. My immediate reaction was "that doesn't look like any clouds I know!" even if that wasn't your intention, for me it makes my eyes move to the blue then the other color. Thanks, Ann

[Ray Rozema]

Hi Gus

Like the repost.

[Dave Leroy]

Hi Gus. Nicely done. Exposure of bird and sharpness look right on. Just a slight head turn would have been even better.

I liked colours of original bg as it complimented bird. Just a slight blurring may have been nice.

Dave

[Paul Guris]

I have to agree with Dave. The original looks like the bird is in the woods, which is where a woodpecker belongs. It just seems more natural than being out in the wide open. If you can simply blur and tone the original down, I think it would be a nicer BG.

[Julie Kenward]

I like the first one better as well. I do wish the head turn wasn't what it is, though as that eye isn't making any kind of contact with the viewer and I really miss that here. I also think you might be a tad oversharpened on the tree and lower area of the bird - head and BG both look good.