GC Sparrow & RP#2

I like the mossy perch, and the dramatic side lighting.    The whole scene is sharp where it needs to be, and exposure seems to be right on the money.  For my taste, I think it's a bit tight in the frame and could use a head turn.  With small birds it's hard to get eye contact or a catchlight when they are facing you directly.  I try to imagine what the photo would look like blown up and hanging on the wall, and for this photo there would be a little too much bird imo.   Still pretty nice though. 

Hi David,

You have the technique down for getting close to your subjects.  The lighting is very nice and the gold crown shows up well in this pose.  Compositionally, it is very tight---this will make a fine  smaller sized print  with a large mat.  For big prints, more space around the subject might work better.  Other than that, I like what you are obtaining with your 150-500 mm zoom. Well done............Jim

ID is correct. Nice sharpness and exposure. Good perch and background. I too would like a touch more room.

Here is a repost with a touch more room.  Thanks for honest feedback.

Nice detail, color and DOF.  Love the perch.  Wish for a bit of a head turn and perhaps a bit more room on the right.

Superb detail in this sparrow, David. That perch is great. It is tight in the frame for my taste, I think even the repost could use a bit more room. A bit of a head turn may have given you a bit more eye contact. Very nice image as posted.

I'll beg to differ on the head turn.  While it might be nice, I like a head-on shot at times, and this is the best angle for showing the crown.  I agree about it being a bit tight, but as someone else noted, that can be fixed with matting and framing.  Nice work, David.

Hey David,
Sweet indeed and that perch is outstanding. I'm with Dennis on the head turn, as posted the straight on look gives the subject a bold attitude of confidence that you would not have otherwise and you still have exceptional eye contact IMO. Colors, detail and lighting could not be any better. I do agree that the repost still feels a bit tight and would benefit from even more room on both sides and the bottom. That would also show off more of that really cool perch and complimentary background.
The large version is very impressive . . . 

rp #2  Thanks for the feedback!!!

I came in late on this one David, Wonderful detail, perch, and background. I actually prefer repost #2. Nice work!