Jay Portrait

Gallery: AvianPosted January 22, 2017177 views7 comments

When I'm in my blind and the Steller's Jays come in, they're usually too close to fit the frame at the zoom level I'm using for the smaller birds, so until I can find a good opportunity to adjust without spooking the birds, I have to either wait for just the right angle or take portrait shots. In this case, I decided to go for the portrait, and I liked the head turn it gave me.

7Dii, Sigma 150-600 C @ 600 mm, Jobu Gimbal mounted to blind window, f/11, 1/640, iso 1000, aperture priority, pattern metering, -2/3 EV (set for Chickadees). Processed in LR5 & CS6. I did have to crop considerably for the portrait, so I ended up with a 6.7 MP 4x5. Taken January 4th at 10:27 AM under sunny skies.

Comments and criticisms are always appreciated.

Thanks,

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Max Waugh on January 22, 2017 at 11:39 PM

Dennis, I think it was a good choice to crop tight, and I'm glad you were able to isolate the crest against the lighter part of the background so the shape stands out. Also a nice job getting the blue lines above the beak... it's a feature on these guys that isn't always readily apparent.

Max

Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on January 22, 2017 at 11:42 PM

Very nice as posted. It takes a lot of light to bring out the dertail in the black plumage - this is just right for my tastes.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on January 22, 2017 at 11:46 PM

I really like this, and I think it was a good decision, especially with that head turn.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by David Bogener on January 23, 2017 at 9:44 AM

Very nice portrait with excellent detail.

Registered on October 30, 2013, 417 Posts, 1255 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on January 23, 2017 at 3:11 PM

What you managed with this crop and frame is to express how most of us know these birds: inquisitive and rather bold. For me you captured its essence, well done ! Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on January 24, 2017 at 12:08 AM

Nice catch light and hair doo here Dennis. Clean, nice colors.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on January 24, 2017 at 5:14 AM

Super sweet close-up portrait of this raucous visitor Dennis!

Nice head turn, sharp details and complimentary background!

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments