Common Grackle

[Eric Freeman]

I'm fairly new to bird photography and would appreciate input on this photo (one of my fav's).

Taken at 0858 hours (why does typing 8-:-5-8 without the dashes turn into 88 ?)
Canon T1i
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L lens
1/100 second, f/5.6, ISO 400

In addition to basic NR, levels and curves adjustments, I cloned out some specks on the chest and dirt on the bill, and blurred the background for added NR. Cropped ~50% by area.


Common Grackle by ScubaDude1960, on Flickr

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Eric, and welcome to BPN! This is a good looking image and one of my favorite birds. Nice job with the exposure, color, and detail. Are you sure this isn't in my back yard? I have a fence exactly like that with trees behind it! One thing to note about this image is the position of the sun - looks like it was high and to the left. The shadow areas are pretty much lost and would benefit from a more direct light source. Looking forward to more from you.

[mohibahmad]

Hi Eric,

You've done a pretty good job with this bird.

Welcome to the forum. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

[Jeff Cashdollar]

Eric,

Much better that my first post welcome friend, this is the place to learn. Keep posting and comment on other images once you feel up to it. The opportunity here is the fence IMO, i might consider a tad less fence ensure it is level and a little off the top. Subject placement and composition are subjective but removing distractions in the foreground and background usually help make the picture stronger. Keep em coming glad to have you on board.