New Zealand Saddleback

Well Toya, I don't know what the judges saw or did not see, but IMHO this is a very good wild bird photo. You have detail in the dark body, most of the highlight areas in the BG are not completely burned out, so they do not distract, but help to place the bird in its habitat. The bird is nicely sharp, there is a small catchlight in the eye, colors of the bird are good. I do think the body of the bird could be just a tad brighter. It has been my experience not to worry too much about a camera club contest. I have judged a few, but have never joined one. Keep up the good photography!

Thanks for sharing.

Thank you John I really needed to hear that. I have been a camera club member for many years now but the club I am with doesn't seem to focus much on Nature photography. So I am spreading my wings further a field in the hope of learning and improving my shots. If the winter weather would just play nice I would be a happy camper :)

Hi Toya,
It's nice and sharp so well done there. The lighting wasn't optimal here as the bird is in a bit of shade and there is some sun on the background. Using some fill flash in the field would have helped to throw more light on the bird and reduced the impact of the background. I've enjoyed your posts from NZ and am hoping you will comment on other's images as well as that is also a great way to learn.

Nice job just catching him in the open in this forest. Not sure if this is a crop or not but I would suggest having your subject a little bit to the left of the present position, so there is more space in front than behind him. I agree with Nate on the need for a little bit of fill flash, tough lighting for sure! Nice sharpness and love the setting.

I agree with John. There is plenty of detail in the dark areas that could be brought out a bit more. Other than that you have a great pose without anything blocking the bird, a pleasing background, and everything nice and sharp where it needs to be. What more could you ask for?