Cock Robin Attitude

I love the attitude of the little guy. The background and the water drops on his head and chest tell a story. It's not just a mug shot. I also really like the way you've managed to frame the bird with the landscape elements. I've occasionally tried photographing Robins but am yet to get an image even close to this.

One thing I've noticed with my Robin attempts is that their plumage seems to be shinier/more reflective than most other birds. Shots usually seem to come out lighter than expected. I haven't figured out how to compensate for this yet. I notice your -0.3 eV and am wondering if you did this for the bird specifically or just the scene in general. I suspect a polarizer would help me, too. Did you use one here?

Regards,

Chris

I didn't use a polarizer and the -0.3 EV is pretty much standard, though I change that not infrequently depending on the subject. I can't say that I remember having specific problems with robins but I don't shoot them very often. Crows are the tough ones for me. Thanks for comments, Chris.

Charlie

Great attitude and the habitat you've included really adds to the overall image.

I agree he does look like a cocky little guy. They sure seem to like to bath. I like the stream in the setting and techs look fine. I'm not so sure about the somewhat dominant oof foreground area, but I imaging that there was not likely anything you could do about it in the field.

Gary I know just what you feel about that forground. I feel the same, but it is such a large area and with my skills at altering it, I hoped the pizazz of that Robin might get me by just leaving it alone.

Great details and I like the natural setting Charlie, you've managed the bright sunlight well too..
He's trying to take a bath so give em' some privacy eh
Well done

Charlie,
well composed and neat image of this fearless guy. I love the expression you caught here and the detail in the bird is great. Well done.

I like this, Charlie. Looks like he's popped up just specifically to take a look at you. I agree that Robins are tough- Looks like your chosen settings here worked well.

Charlie, I like the setting and the robin looks good. I just wish we could see more of the bird.

Thanks all for comments. And Angela your comment caused me to look at the setting listed and I forgot to list that I used a 1.4 teleextender on this. Your so kind as to not ask how I got the 283mm FL.

Nice to see you Ron and sorry I won't be seeing you as moderator. Say hi to Mia for me. As to seeing more of the bird. You bird-in-flight experts are just spoiled cause you get to see the entire bird.

I like the sharpness of the bird, the bg stream, and residual bath water droplets on the bird. Not crazy about the large OOF foreground objects but I agree that it's too much to try to eliminate.