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Western Bluebird
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Western Bluebird

by Dennis Plank

Gallery: AvianPosted October 20, 2010204 views8 comments
I was digging through some old files from a couple of years ago for someone who wanted a bluebird image and ran across this one. I like the disheveled plumage fresh from the bird bath. I debated removing the branch behind him, but decided I preferred it there. The crop is a bit odd, but I couldn't find one I liked better.

40D, 500mm f4 + 1.4TC, Black Widow on Gitzo legs, f6.3, 1/400, iso 320, Av mode, no compensation. Cropped to 40% of the original. Normal processing in CS4.

I always appreciate your comments and criticisms.

Thanks,

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Luke Ormand on October 20, 2010 at 10:19 PM
Great lighting combined with the wet look. Only nit is location of the secondary branch

- Luke
Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments
Comment posted by Dan Moore on October 20, 2010 at 10:20 PM
I like the crop - good angle corner to corner. I would prefer the branch not be there but do not think it is bad at all. Looks like it has been a rough day for this one.

Dan
Registered on February 11, 2010, 143 Posts, 1248 Comments
Comment posted by Buck Ward on October 20, 2010 at 11:07 PM
The branch isn't so bad. The crop is good. I like the disheveled feathers. A good picture. I think I'd prefer it a little brighter, but of course that can be hard to judge on the web.
Registered on December 8, 2003, 96 Posts, 1917 Comments
Comment posted by Matt Shellenberg on October 20, 2010 at 11:17 PM
Really nice light on this Bluebird, Dennis. Nice and sharp. The branch is not an issue for me. Nice image.
Registered on February 6, 2008, 168 Posts, 3118 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on October 20, 2010 at 11:45 PM
Nice & sharp, like that scruffy look Dennis..Lots of character.
Well done :toast:
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by Darren Colello on October 22, 2010 at 12:44 PM
Wow, you have to be real pleased with this image Dennis. I really like the crisp feather detail and colour and the soft hues of the bg. Well done!!! :smile:
Registered on July 27, 2009, 175 Posts, 1100 Comments
Comment posted by Simon Bennett on October 22, 2010 at 6:17 PM
Very nice - I like the tousled look. Crop works well.
Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments
Comment posted by Steve Balke on October 22, 2010 at 9:04 PM
Fine detail and color, Dennis. I'm fine with the branch too. The background is a little bit peculiar: there seems to be a large light spot in front of the bird. It would look more natural with a gradient....but I bet the gradient would not be natural! :toast:
Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments