Northern Cardinal in ice storm

[Bill Dix]

Yesterday's ice storm didn't seem to create too much difficulty for the birds at my feeder, but made for more interesting perches. I had been set up for sparrows on a different perch with darker bg, so when this female cardinal landed here unexpectedly, I underexposed the first frame by about 2/3 stop. Subsequent frames were better exposed, but didn't have the nice HA of this one.

D90 | 80-400 VR @ 360mm | ISO 640 | 1/400s @ f/10 | -0.3 EV | tripod

[Kaustubh Deshpande]

Loved the design here, Bill. Ice adds a lot here. Excellent sharpness and HA. Terrific image.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Cool icy perch! Pun intended, sorry. I especially like the two clear icicles hanging down. I like the vertical comp and high-key feel. From your text this is the better HA you got, but I wish she would have turned her head even more towards us. I think the midtones can go even brighter especially on the cardinal's breast and face.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Kaus and Daniel. Looking at the image as posted, I'm thinking the whole image might go just a bit brighter. Yes Daniel, this is the best HA I got of the perched female. I also got some interesting shots of both male and female in the snow, that I may post in due course.

[Allen Hirsch]

A rare opportunity, as you don't get those freezing rain and ice storms to coat everything every day.

I really like the pose, but I think the eye and face can go brighter, too.

[Marina Scarr]

The ice really makes this one unique. I truly like the dicotomy between the cold/ice and the fuzzy/soft bird.

[arash_hazeghi]

beautiful ambiance!

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Allen, Marina and Arash. Here's a repost with some adjustment to mid-tone brightness, esp. around the face, and a slight adjustment to overall brightness. Makes the snow bg look less dirty. I appreciate the comments.

[James Salywoda]

A beautiful composition Bill she sure looks cold.