Another effort: I think this is an improvement. Do discerning eyes agree? I was still using manual focus; set shutter speed to 1/1000; f/8; auto ISO (camera chose 1250); on tripod...

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

I think this is an improvement. Do discerning eyes agree? I was still using manual focus; set shutter speed to 1/1000; f/8; auto ISO (camera chose 1250); on tripod using remote shutter release.

I did crop-a-lot, sharpened a bit, tweaked saturation and contrast. Should I post SOOC for critiquing?

Canon 60D; Sigma 150-500.

As always, play with it if you are so inclined.

Thanks for all your help. I'm still trying and will explore more of your suggestions.

A better effort?

smcaleer Loc: Dearborn Heights, Michigan

It sounds like you posted a version of this shot before which I did not see. I'm not very experience so I'm not the best at critiques, but I'll give it a shot.

I like this photo, it's better than any I've gotten.

The only thing that bothers me is that the bird has more room behind him than in front of him. I feel like the direction he is facing comes to an abrupt stop at that limb. Maybe if there was a little room between the limb and the edge of the picture??

Over all, I think it's got good focus, beautiful color and it's not too busy.

Nightski

STVest wrote:

I think this is an improvement. Do discerning eyes agree? I was still using manual focus; set shutter speed to 1/1000; f/8; auto ISO (camera chose 1250); on tripod using remote shutter release.

I did crop-a-lot, sharpened a bit, tweaked saturation and contrast. Should I post SOOC for critiquing?

Canon 60D; Sigma 150-500.

As always, play with it if you are so inclined.

Thanks for all your help. I'm still trying and will explore more of your suggestions.

I didn't see the other one, but this is well framed, in focus, good contrast with background. It looks good. I don't know, but is it possible to bring out the highlight of the birds eye a bit more. I think it would give it that extra something special.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

smcaleer wrote:

It sounds like you posted a version of this shot b... (show quote)

Yesterday, I posted a Cardinal and received several helpful suggestions for that photo that I tried to employ today.

In cropping, I was concerned about not crowding the Jay's tail. There is more space in front of the bird than behind, but I do see what you mean -- that fat twig really creates a visual stop.

A tighter crop?

Thanks for looking and commenting.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Nightski wrote:

I don't know, but is it possible to bring out the highlight of the birds eye a bit more. I think it would give it that extra something special.

I agree. I haven't delved into PP yet so I have no idea if it can be done or how.

Thanks for looking and commenting. If this is in good focus, then it for sure is an improvement on yesterday's cardinal.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Looks pretty good! You mention using remote shutter release and tripod. Are you pre-focusing on a certain spot, then?

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

I like the cropped version a little better. Color and saturation look really good. Focus could be a little sharper but it is pretty good. You are on the right track!

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Linda From Maine wrote:

Looks pretty good! You mention using remote shutter release and tripod. Are you pre-focusing on a certain spot, then?

Thanks, Linda. No pre-focusing. I'm still right behind the camera still trying to do my own focusing, just punching the button on the remote release so I don't shake the camera which I think may have been one of my problems.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

STVest wrote:

Thanks, Linda. No pre-focusing. I'm still right behind the camera still trying to do my own focusing, just punching the button on the remote release so I don't shake the camera which I think may have been one of my problems.

OK, thanks. Looks like you're making good progress. Don't give up :)

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Heirloom Tomato wrote:

I like the cropped version a little better. Color and saturation look really good. Focus could be a little sharper but it is pretty good. You are on the right track!

Thanks, Heirloom. I have seen so many bird photos where the focus and detail is just phenomenal! I know I have a long way to go to get there!

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

My personal feeling, i would have removed one or maybe even two of branches over the birdie. I just found my eye going that way. That's about all I can say, the rest is spot on.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Bill Houghton wrote:

My personal feeling, i would have removed one or maybe even two of branches over the birdie. I just found my eye going that way. That's about all I can say, the rest is spot on.

Thanks for looking, Bill. Yes, those twigs do just poke down out of nowhere. I am not yet doing any PP. I'm hoping to be able to take a Photoshop course at one of the local universities this spring. I am saving a lot of photos that I hope are salvageable through PP - but I may have to buy the miracle version of the software.

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

STVest wrote:

Yesterday, I posted a Cardinal and received several helpful suggestions for that photo that I tried to employ today.

In cropping, I was concerned about not crowding the Jay's tail. There is more space in front of the bird than behind, but I do see what you mean -- that fat twig really creates a visual stop.

A tighter crop?

Thanks for looking and commenting.

Just so you can see if you prefer this photo without twigs, I extracted them so you can decide.

Nightski

Heirloom Tomato wrote:

Just so you can see if you prefer this photo without twigs, I extracted them so you can decide.

This was a good suggestion from Bill. Good work HT.

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Heirloom Tomato wrote:

Just so you can see if you prefer this photo without twigs, I extracted them so you can decide.

Thanks, Heirloom, for showing me what PP can do. I like when the twigs create a frame, but those were just poking in from out of nowhere. And I couldn't crop any more without cutting into the Jay.