'Bird on a stick'?

This wasn't set-up, nor was the branch a prop. I just waited for this female to come back just after feeding. The question I ask is, "When is a bird image, NOT, a bird on a stick?' This has had mixed reviews from different people, (both from pros & amateurs), however, I do feel that it falls into that catergory.

When I first processed it, I really liked it, for several reasons, but now I am unsure. Therefore I would welcome any thoughts, comments & advice in the hope that in the future things do not fall into the same trap. Seems like a good idea?

Booted Racket-tail Hummingbird (F) (Ocreatus underwoodii)
Thank you David S

Steve
MKIII 300f/2.8 plus 1.4x f4.0 1/800 ISO 400 -0.67

very nice image, the detail and colours are great and the plumage is lovely here too

as for "When is a bird image, NOT, a bird on a stick?' surely the answer is when it isn't on a stick? This image is of a bird that is sitting on a stick therefore it is a bird on a stick. Don't see what the contention about that term would be or am i missing something???

Hi Jack, what I am trying to say is, that when the 'phrase' is being used it can be rather dismissive if you know what I mean? Does that clarify? I hate typing because I can sometimes never express it in words

Steve

I think if you had posted Hummingbird nobody would be thinking "Bird on a Stick" I think it depicts the Hummer really nicely. Aesthetically however I think its a shame that the stick doesnt continue out of the frame and the leaf in bottom left slightly detracts. Otherwise a fine image.

I think the BOAS is a generic phrase and should not be derogatory although sometimes comes across that way, This is a classic BOAS image-and does look like a set up even though its not-a good image but not the most attractive perch

Dave

Beautiful colour and detail, not your usual BOAS.

Regards

I don't mind birds on a stick at all and I was slightly perplexed first time I heard the term. If they land on a stick, then by definition, they are....

This particular stick is a bit square where it has been broken off, but I find the whole image to be very pleasing indeed. You could of course clone out the leaf

Looks good to me, regardless of whether it is a boas or not. My only nit is that the eye is slightly too central for my taste - but that is a personal thing.

David

Hi Stephen.
Know what your saying and must admit am a little confused by the saying you refer to i think a simple perch and a nice bg really can show a bird at its best.Looking at this superb bird on a simple if not the best perch shows me a perfect picture.
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keith.

Jack's given the answer I would have given to your question! I think its a really nice image except for the bottom left corner.

Hi Stephen,

I think…

…therefore WILL be shot down in FLAMES!!!

Honestly I think this one is older than cloning!!!

Photographers have since Arty Morris started doing this!!!

BOAS (Bird On A Stick) Vs BIH (Bird In Habitat). I think this boils down to the basic of a Set-Up or Not! The BOAS is more the Set-Up where the perch is positioned along with a feeder in order to achieve the shot! Where as a BIH shot may well be a bird on a stick but not via a set-up but natural means!

Often that smooth background (which is so Arty Morris Style) can be perceived by photographers as BOAS! Not always true however as many of us strive for this within the natural world now with no set-ups!

I hope this clarifies the question!

Great image!

Paul, this is what I wanted, many thanks for the clarification.

Steve