Hi Robert, the side profile does illustrate the birds head and especially the beak well, set against a very simple BKG which helps. I think the IQ is lacking sadly, I would have cranked up the ISO to give yourself more shutter speed, or if possible, pop it on a tripod so you could also have had more DOF ie f/9. Now it might just need some more selective sharpening based on the larger version, plus some more clarity/contrast to give more definition in and around the beak. The eye needs to be pin sharp with this, so if you get another chance always pop the focus point on that. Wouldn't go darker as the detail in the feathers could get lost and choke any darker shadow areas.
Just tried applying some more sharpening, it works nicely. Just my take.
TFS
Steve
Posted by Phil Ellard on September 28, 2012 at 2:17 PM
it looks sharp to me, granted I haven't loaded it in PS and seen if applying extra sharpening would add anything, so you may wish to play a bit Robert, but from where i am sat it looks sharp. Poke it with a stick next time so it snarls a bit. Nice portrait BTW
Discussion
7 replies1/125 @ f5.6 iso 200
300mm.
Nick.
Oscar
Cheers
JR
Just tried applying some more sharpening, it works nicely. Just my take.
TFS
Steve