Critique please!

[R.T.]

I posted this pic over in the Nature forum and it's off the first page with only one person that made a comment about it. So I guess it's not as good as i thought it was, and would like your opinions on it and where I went wrong? I'm pretty new to this and want to improve, so feel free to hit below the belt if necessary! Shot was taken with a Canon 20 D and 100-400 Lens at F5.6, ISO 400. It was a heavy overcast day and the shot was hand held. Thanks!

http://www.penturners.org/forum/uploads/WoodChucker/200551965014_FemaleOrioletwoCrop.jpg

[pjd83]

I think its excellent.

I don't see how it can be changed to make it better (If its possible with such a good photo). I think its ace. A lovely shot. Well done.

[dannym]

It's a beautiful photo. You have every reason to be proud.

[Vetteography]

SPot on, no changes needed. Good job!

[gmaize]

Wow....I'm very impressed. Good execution. If it was my shot I would try a sample in PS and bump up the contrast slightly and see how a little sharpening might bring things out a little. No other changes needed. This is a keeper!!

--gmaize

[BlueTit]

Excellent, specially when you say it was hand held on an overcast day. Just because you got no comments does not always mean it is not a good shot, they go done the page very fast. I never even saw it there and I visit regularly - use a good title for your post - that seems to help.

If there was anything negative to say about this shot and it is only a small thing it would be great if there was more space in front of the bird than behind. Lovely bird and great photo.

[gmaize]

Excellent, specially when you say it was hand held on an overcast day. Just because you got no comments does not always mean it is not a good shot, they go done the page very fast. I never even saw it there and I visit regularly - use a good title for your post - that seems to help.

If there was anything negative to say about this shot and it is only a small thing it would be great if there was more space in front of the bird than behind. Lovely bird and great photo.
Good point.....I concur.


--gmaize

[henleg]

I posted this pic over in the Nature forum and it's off the first page with only one person that made a comment about it. So I guess it's not as good as i thought it was, and would like your opinions on it and where I went wrong? I'm pretty new to this and want to improve, so feel free to hit below the belt if necessary! Shot was taken with a Canon 20 D and 100-400 Lens at F5.6, ISO 400. It was a heavy overcast day and the shot was hand held. Thanks!

http://www.penturners.org/forum/uploads/WoodChucker/200551965014_FemaleOrioletwoCrop.jpg

Don't worry about the photo having only one comment on it. After all, that is the "photo sharing" section. I found the same thing. But nitice how many views the photos get. Just because you don't get many replies, doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the photo at all. It can even depend on the time of day that you post it as to how many responses you get. If you want opinions, this is the place!!

To me, the bird seems a tiny bit soft. Then again, it might be the fact that I have a crap monitor. Otherwise, the photo is great. Nice composition, great use of background, nice contrast of colours.

Anyway, keep up the good work.

Henny

[henleg]

If there was anything negative to say about this shot and it is only a small thing it would be great if there was more space in front of the bird than behind. Lovely bird and great photo.

I like the "rule of thirds".

If you divide the picture into thirds in your mind, try to keep the main focus of the subject on any one of the dots, or at least one of the lines, it generally creates a very effective composition.

[Viking Joe]

I'd be proud to take a shot like this. That being said, however, it looks as though the lower left branch is the main focus, not the bird. I actually like the way the lines of the branches and needles contrast with the fragility of the bird. Great shot.

[reidr]

Great pic... Keep up the good work...

[R.T.]

Wow, thanks everyone, I appreciate all the comments and tips! And well give them a try for sure. I forgot to say that this was shot through a double pane glass window, glad the glass was just cleaned. I went outside 3 times to get a shot of the male Oriole and scared him off each time, he was really pretty.

Well thanks again and I'm really glad you liked it because I did too. I know now to post here for critique and tips, and the other forums for gloat. lol

[rosco1971]

great photo....i like the colours and the photo is very sharp!

[R.T.]

Thanks rosco1971

[MAD DOG]

Looks fine and dandy to me.

I know what you mean about comments though.

Being fairly new to photography myself, I can appretiate that it's nice to get feedback, both positive and negative, it's the only way to improve.

There is certainly a wealth of experience out there and I for one would love to encourage them to share it with us. WE REALLY DO APPRETIATE IT.

[soupdragon]

Henleg:

I am impressed, someone who remembers the thirds rule (whilst if photography is an art form there should be no rules)
I feel you are correct on this one and, if there was any room on the original? I would have left slightly more on the right of the bird to bring its eye on to the upper right point, given that the eye is the normal focus point for wildlife and people.
Other than that a really good photo.

[aam1234]

I don't have a critique, but have some suggestion(s)/idea(s).

You didn't tell us what the shutter speed was, and at what focal length. In any case, the photo could have benefited from higher shutter speed I guess, as there seems to be either a bit of camera shake (from you) or motion blur (from the bird).

Related to the above, don't be afraid to crank up the iso (for higher shutter speed). You will be amazed how good the 20D at high ISO.

Also, it seems the camera focused on the branch, on the left, not the bird. Did you use all focus points.

Lastly, and as I have the same lens, it's a bit soft when wide open. So now I go a stop or two lower/smaller when using this lens (higher ISO comes into play here too).

[R.T.]

Thanks Mad Dog, appreciate the comments!

soupdragon, thanks for the tip! To be honest I had a better plan when I first seen this bird, but she kept jumping around to different branches and I guess I just got scared she was going to fly away. So most of my logic went out the window and I just took the picture and hoped for the best. lol But I'm sure your right and will work on that next time, thanks again!

aam1234, I'm only guessing here, as stated above, the bird had jumped around on me a few times. At one point the shutter speed was 1/500sec at F 5.6, but I'm not sure of the final shutter speed. I'm pretty sure I had the lens zoomed all the way out. The focus point was set for (center focus) because the night before I was doing some close-up work and just forgot to set it back. It seems I'm always taking two steps forward and three back when it comes to trying to remember what I learn. I'm sure the stuff I'm having the hardest time trying to remember is force of habit for most of you guys/gals. Thanks for your advice, I know it will help!

Thanks again everyone for your input and your help, it's truly appreciated!

[aam1234]

It seems I'm always taking two steps forward and three back when it comes to trying to remember what I learn.

That's not bad really, at least you took two steps forward :D In my case I'm always stuck somewhere :D

Don't forget, this lens is soft wide open.

[R.T.]

"Don't forget, this lens is soft wide open."

Thanks, I'll try to keep it down a stop or two. Has this held true for all 100-400 lens or is it a hit and miss type of thing? I know I really like this lens and wouldn't part with it. :D

[aam1234]

I believe it's the nature of that lens. It doesn't hurt to ask members here for their opinion I guess, just to confirm it.

[LadyHawk]

To me, the bird seems a tiny bit soft. Then again, it might be the fact that I have a crap monitor. Otherwise, the photo is great. Nice composition, great use of background, nice contrast of colours.Henny

First of all, your photo is absolutely beautiful. The bird is only slightly soft, but I think it's because the camera focused on the pine branch in the foreground... notice how clear that is. It looks like a hard shot because the bird is in such close proximity.

As far as feedback goes, remember that many of the hits you get are from visitors who, because they aren't registered, can't participate.

Hope to see more of your good work!

[R.T.]

I believe it's the nature of that lens. It doesn't hurt to ask members here for their opinion I guess, just to confirm it.

OK thanks again! I've not really tested my lens yet, having too much fun with it right now. But one day when I'm stuck in the house because of the rain and need something to do I'll play around with it and see.



LadyHawk, thanks so much for your comments! I think you and the others are right about the focus point. The first 3 or 4 tries at taking the shot I focused on the bird and held the shutter part way down then composed the shot, but the bird took off each time before I was ready,lol (stupid bird). And I'm not 100% sure if that works or not? I remember reading something about it but never really knew if the camera was doing it or not. How can you tell for sure if that in fact does work on the 20 D?



Anyway, thanks again! I was able to learn a few things in just this one post and I appreciate all the help. It's funny how much more you get out of a post when it's your own. Maybe that's why you always see so many of the same type of post; it's easier to understand when you read an answer to a question of your own. At least it is for me. OK sorry, I went way out in left field here, I'll stop now. lol

[aam1234]

Ha ha, you are fun to critique R.T. Post more please, we both learn something in the precess.

[R.T.]

lol, you can count on it!

[Barb42]

Something to remember - you want to keep with the rule of thirds, as suggested, but also remember where the subject is directing the viewer. The bird is a bit close to the edge and although birds see out of the sides of their head, the beak leads the viewer outside the image.

It is NOT a bad image - its a great start and you will get much better. In time, it will all become so natural you won't need to even think about composition.

[R.T.]

Barb42, thanks for the comments!

I think what happens, and I have to stop it. I try to fill the frame to get as much of the subject in as I can to see it better. Obviously I have a lot to learn and you guys/gals have been a great help today, so thanks! Will you be here tomorrow? lol

[CappuccinoDavid]

I like the "rule of thirds".

If you divide the picture into thirds in your mind, try to keep the main focus of the subject on any one of the dots, or at least one of the lines, it generally creates a very effective composition.

could he crop the pix and get the birdie on the third to make this effect??

[aam1234]

could he crop the pix and get the birdie on the third to make this effect??

I often do that (to my pics not R.T.'s :lol: )

[Croasdail]

Its ready for Audubon.... next.

[R.T.]

Its ready for Audubon.... next.

lol, don't I wish! :lol:

[henleg]

could he crop the pix and get the birdie on the third to make this effect??

There's no reason he/she couldn't. However, I think that would diminish the effectiveness of the background, as part of the bird would be lost.

This is how it would look, still nice, but I prefer the detail of the larger background, as it gives you a better concept of the true size of the bird. (A cute small one!!)

I hope you don't mind, RT, that I took the liberty of cropping it to show an example.

[R.T.]

henleg

don't mind at all, it's nice to see it from another point of view!

[lomond]

I'm pretty new to this and want to improve, so feel free to hit below the belt if necessary!

http://www.penturners.org/forum/uploads/WoodChucker/200551965014_FemaleOrioletwoCrop.jpg


I know how difficult it can be to get a good image of a small bird, even with the 100-400L.
This is a good image, however, I hope I'm not hitting bellow the belt when I say the colour balance is not quite right ( a bot on the green/yellow side) also a touch of contrast in curves might help.
I know this lens is a bit soft wide open at 400 so a bit more USM.

The example below might look over cooked due to recompression.

[R.T.]

Lomond, not hitting below the belt at all. I appreciate your input and taking the time to improve my photo, and your version looks really nice. I like what you did with the contrast; it gives it a little more punch and brings out the details better. But I have to respectively disagree about the color being off. Only because this tree is right outside my window and I look at it several times a day along with the Oriole. The pine tree this time of the year does have a bit of yellow in it and the color of the bird is just as I see it. So I feel the colors are right on the money. Thanks again for your help and comments, I appreciate them very much!



R.T.