Siskin

Lovely shot, Karen Background looks a good 'un to me! Looks like you've caught the bird in a thoughtful mood!

I agree with the forum going quiet of late but it always tends to at this time of year. My membership runs out soon and I've also been wondering about not renewing until later in the year. I'll decide when the moment comes I expect. Still, keep your website up to date while you're away so we can see what you're up to!

Simon

Hi Karen,

I totally agree with your comments re UKNP, when I joined back in 2006 the forum was a very different place.

This is a classic Siskin shot, the perch is perfect, colours are spot on too. No nits from me, though those specular highlights might have to go.

I for one have enjoyed looking at your images and the forum will be a poorer place without them, good luck with your photography, Karen.

Best regards

Andy...

Karen a cracking Siskin sitting on it's natural perch.
Sorry you are thinking of leaving i think you will be very missed,

Keith

that's a beauty Karen, these are one of my favourite birds. Very nice composition and I like the deep greens. The highlights don't really bother me but I might be tempted to remove them.

Matt

thanks everyone did think of removing the highlights just thought I would see what others think, they really didn t bother me so will have a think about this one

Very nice well composed image Karen.

David

Hello Karen.

Lovely Siskin shot and the perch and composition really help make this a very nice image to look at.

A lovely image Karen. Personally I would tone down both the highlights, particularly in the top corners as I find light patches on the edge of an image distracting. I like the space above the bird so would leave the composition as it is but if you raise the image on your screen as if cropping just below the light patches you should see an improvement (or at least, a difference, whether it is an improvement is a personal matter).
I too will be sorry to see you go but I cannot say anything as my membership has also lapsed. I continue to comment as often as I can but can no longer post any images. Good luck in the future. I'm certain your obvious talent and dedication will prove it's worth.

As there are so many other places on the interweb for free I can hardly blame you Kaz, I was wondering the same thing too recently.

Wonderful shot, Siskin in its element.

Thanks everyone and Robert I will tone them down like you said I think it would look better to, I didn t realise you could still comment if not a member

Hi Karen,
sorry about you think to leave the forum.
I always liked your bird shots you have a good feeling for this kind of photography.

Very nice image Karen. Typical siskin habit! I have also not renewed.I have been around this forum for quite sometime and dont see at this moment in time why i would renew my membership and i have also many times expressed whats i think frustrates me on this forum............ once it was a very good forum....who knows maybe you,me and others will change their mind.
Rene de Heer

Another quality image, sorry you're leaving. Personally I think it is sad to read all these comments re: a lack of comments so I'm off. I know that I am new (not a member for a year even) and not the best photographer but it strikes me, and this will be controversal, that as members we are responsible for the forum and how good or bad it is. How many of us comment on most of the pictures? some members I could name post but never seem to comment others only on certain peoples work. Being in a forum is being part of a community so rather then leaving if it is not what we want perhaps we have an obligation to stay and make it better, particuarly if you (and not directed at anyone personally) have been here a long time. Without experienced photographers this forum will die...

And me? I do see the lack of comments but I am trying to change it, pick a post if i havent commented on it I bet I have commented on the next one you pick, too much time on my hands? I work as a head of year in a large school, kick box 3 times a week and have a demanding wife and cat. my point who doesnt have 5 minutes a day.

Anyway thats what i think and i hope you reconsider

I understand totally what you are saying Phil, it is a good forum and I am not leaving forever just leaving it a while, I agree some do post and don t comment which I think is unfair, I have always tried to make time to comment, I have noticed a lot of people who were on here when I started have gone maybe they will be back soon and its not just the lack of comments on my work why I am not renewing its just gone so slow so maybe will join later in the year when things pick up as Simon has said.

Karen
Been through all this before.
I have posted shots which have taken 50 years to achieve and got 4 comments .
Look at it like this- no comments - nothingwrong with the pic
JohnR

You will be welcomed back your quality will be missed. My mini-rant wasnt aimed at you I appreciate your comments - you were right about the KF the white is grey darkened too much and i have re-done my tiff acordingly. I really feel I have improved so much the last 6 months and comments from you and others have really hepled. I have seen it decliene though even in this time, but it doesnt have to be that way we can change it and that was the point of what I was saying and the reason for my prolific comments I have been trying ... Good luck and hope to see one of your fabulous bird shots again adorning these virtual pages soon

cheers Phil for that, don t want to start a debate was just thanking people and saying I am off for a while but will most probably be back again later on, I to have learnt heaps on here, its just I have to pay for other things and this isn t a priority at the moment so while its gone so quiet I will leave it a while, and thanks for the comments you have given me to I have appreciated it, and like me I have noticed you have improved heaps to so we have both learned well from this forum

Fair enough karen don't leave it too long, chuffed to read you've noticed me improve. Ive always thought your shots have been top draw. Take care

I love the setting Karen and the water droplets are a real bonus. Good eye contact and a catchlight as well.

Cheers

Austin

You've captured this siskin in a beautiful setting. I like it very much.
A pity that you are leaving the forum, but I understand your point. Hopefully you will be back soon.

Love the composition Karen and as ever well presented. I wish you well in your photography and all the best

I am very sorry to hear about you leaving, Karen, even if, hopefully, it is only a temporary thing. It says somewhere on the NP site to aim for a ratio of at least 5 comments for every picture you post. Far too many lately seem to think it does not apply to them. I think we all find it disheartening when we can see that lots of people have looked at our shots, but not bothered to comment.

Hopefully it is a seasonal thing, and will get better. In the meanwhile, good luck with your photography and come back soon.

David

Lovely shot, as ever Karen; puts the bird nicely in habitat context.

Lovely shot as always....look forward to seeing your shots later in the year when you come back!

Ian