Male Bullfinch (+ repost)

a fairly run of the mill shot, I know, though my judgement is slightly clouded by the fact that I have a bit of a thing for male bullfinches I'm not convinced about the processing so would like some feedback on that if possible. It was taken in fog at a relatively high ISO and I'm not sure I've got the best out of this image.

Thanks to Eric for the opportunity to photograph this one.

Canon 7D with 400 f5.6 lens. F7.1, 1/160, ISO 800. Slight crop from top.

Here's a slightly larger version.

All C+C welcomed

Matt

This isn't "run of the mill" at all Matt - it's superb! I have been chasing these for a couple of weeks without success. Colours look good, perch is fantastic and the background colours are gorgeous. If anything, maybe a tad central. Frame it and hang it!

I agree, it's a great capture
Not an easy bird to get close to.
Well done.

Geoff.

Hi Matt, having got chased in earlier than planned with the snow on the Dales & Moors I thought I would take the opportunity in throwing in my thoughts for what they are worth, although viewing on an uncalibrated MacBook pro laptop, so...

Agree with Ian that it not run of the mill, but a tad central for me also, but it fits the 'Thirds rule' perfectly. I do like the muted, yet colourful BG, with some nice tones echoing the BF. The catchlight works a treat on these birds, no false or added in on this one I'm not sure about the 'salmon pink' of the chest, looks a little off, but...? It looks stronger in parts especially near the wing, however that might just be how it is. I would like to see more detail in the wing feathers, again more in the 'black' areas, but not sure how much is there. I like the twist & curve of the branch, but the 'perch' IMHO looks like NR was applied to it overall flattening some of the detail and perhaps a bit contrasty, might just ease off on part of the blacks in it, an invert 'S' curve seems to lift it.

Not sure if this is what you were looking for Matt?

cheers
Steve

Lovely image Matt, composition a tad central for me I would have placed him lower in the frame, beautiful catchlight and detail

Nice one Matt. It is a little "gaudy" but thats easily rectified. My only other thought is that the perch seems a little overpowering for that size of bird.(Presuming you provided the perch of course )
Pleasing image though.
JohnR

Matt don't think i can add to what has been said but the bird looks spot pn to me and the perch is what the bird chose to sit on.

Keith.

A superb Bullfinch shot Matt.

Dale

For me it's a lovely shot.

Agree about the perch, maybe a bit less perch and more space at the top, but still a superb shot

Lovely background colours and you got some good detail and light on the crown.Very nice pose, agree it would be improved if you got him on a lighter perch.

Many thanks for the comments.

Steve, yes,that was exactly what I was looking for thanks. The log hasn't had any NR applied to it, but I agree does have a bit too much contrast. Your other comments are also helpful, I'll have another go at processing this one I think.

Matt

Hi Matt, I'm glad, will look out for the next posting, good luck

Steve

here's the re-processed version. The changes are fairly subtle, but the log has less contrast and the colours are less saturated. There is detail in the blacks but it gets lost at 720 pixels.

Matt