Cardinal

Robert, very clean and crisp shot as you mentioned, but unfortunately the position of the braches is what really is pulling me away. I probably wouldn't be as bothered bu them if they were not so symmetrical. I am not a big cloner, but I might make an exception on this one since everything else is so nice about the shot.

A very nice image of this Cardinal. The larger version really shows off the details. Two issues that I see. The reds are extremely vivid. That may be what was really there, but I'd still tone them down a bit especially on the crown and head. The shadowed twigs really compete for my attention. I'd clone those out to help focus the viewer on the subject. I'd also clone the shadow on the biggest branch from the twig in front of it. With the shadowed twigs removed, the light would feel consistent. Congrats on a very nice image.

Lovely light, composition and pose, Robert. I'd be tempted to clone out the 2 dark twigs.

Lovely light and detail Robert. I agree with Kurt about possibly removing some of the twigs.

cheers
Rob

A nicely detailed capture of a gorgeous bird. I find the huge branch that occupies the left half of the image to be very distracting. If this were my image and with the detail you have, I would crop this into a vertical shot, eliminating much of the large branch on the left and then cloning away what was left at the bottom of the vertical. I think this would greatly improve the look of a beautiful bird.

Robert, I too think this would be best shown as a verticle comp. I also am distracted by the two branches that are on each side of the bird's head. I do not like to clone, but the bird is so nice and sharp and the light so good, I would remove those branches to focus all attention on the bird if this were my image. The reds look pretty good to me. If they need to be reduced, I would only reduce the brightness by a very small amount if this were mine. Overall, a nice shot of this guy.

Beautiful shot Robert, the detail in the reds looks good to me. I like the comp as well. The shadowed branches are the only detraction for me. You could consider cloning them out.

Crisp is the first thought I have looking at this shot! It has everything going for it. Beautiful detail.

A lovely look at the Cardinal and the detail and colours are great, bit I agree about the twigs being a bit of a distraction Rob. I'd love to see more, and if you can get one with some minimal bg clutter that would be even better .

Very nice cardinal image. I, too would prefer a vertical on this. Your bg doesn't bother me at all as I like the natural setting. Sharon

What a beauty. Very good catch.

Nicely done Robert. I like what you like but I'm especially impressed by your exposure on the reds and blacks. The twigs aren't a big issue for me - in fact, I kind of like the way two of them sort of enclose the rising crest and match its shape.

Very nice photo of this beautiful cardinal. I like his position, and how he is looking into the frame. I think the branches make a nice frame.

Laura Stafford

One of my favorites birds too. Good capture..