Mocking Bird

This is better than the previous version. The shadows are still blocked up with no detail - that could be from shooting in harsh mid-day light, from shooting in jpeg mode and having the contrast setting on the camera too high, from using auto settings in post processing, or any combination of those factors. Hard to say without knowing more about time of day, how you set up the D70, or what sort of processing you might have done.

The subject could use a bit more depth of field so the head stayed within the area of focus. The D70 will produce good results at ISO 400, and you could stop down another stop or two and still have enough shutter speed to hand hold this lens if you aren't working from a tripod.

This is a decent image working with only 300mm, by the way.

George: This is a big improvement over the first Mocking bird image. Looks MUCH more natural. Yes, still a few technical issues with DOF, but a nice improvement. Richards advice on a bit more depth of field would be useful. Thanks for posting another version.

George, you've got some good input so far. I'll add that from the standpoint of composition, it's generally best to have more room in front of the bird than behind--so I think this would benefit from more room in front.

Much improved, George. I think I'd like a little looser composition all around, if possible. Unless there are some clouds to filter the sun, mid-day shooting can be very frustrating. I like early morning or late evening. Nice pose and a good catchlight.

Keep working at it, George. I know – we all know – how hard it can be, but you're getting helpful direction and showing real improvement.