Waxwing + reposts

Image taken on: Sat Dec 1, 2012 13:52
Focal length: 850 mm
Shutter speed: 1/400 sec
Aperture: f/5.6
ISO speed: 1600
White-balance: Auto
Flash: No
Camera make: NIKON CORPORATION
Camera model: D600
Lens: 600.0 mm f/4.0
Exposure mode: Aperture priority
Exposure compensation: 0 EV
Metering mode: Center Weighted Average


Winter has finally arrived in Kent with a vengeance. No, the weather is not particularly bad (yet), but the fields and trees are suddenly full of waxwings, fieldfares and redwings. This individual was one of a flock estimated at 200 that I found earlier today. The light was lousy, but for the first time I have seen the benefit of using LR4, which in my opinion at least has made a good job of the processing. Any remaining problems blame the processor.

However, what I would really like feedback on is the composition. As you can see, I have broken the rules. Does the picture still work for you? If so why? I won't say why I think it works yet, so that I do not unintentionally bias the views of others.

Please feel free to disagree totally if you think it does not work, all opinions are welcome.

David

I dont think the comp works sorry, i love the berries i love the waxwing i even love the BG but for me i feel he needs his tail where his head is and his head where his tail is if that makes sense.... would be interested in others views as well and as well as more of your waxwing session

David -
Is it cropped or have you any more canvas?
JR

I do like the comp due to the woderful berries and it would have been a crime to crop them.

Biggest problem for me is lack of sharpness but maybe i am just bitter as they have by-passed me as the places that I usually look are berry free.

Will try for them around Hull at christmas

All the best

Ian

Thanks for the comments so far. John, there is a lot more canvas right, above and a little below. Ian, it isn't lack of sharpness you are seeing, it is lack of light. On the full size version you can see detail on virtually every feather. Unfortunately you can also see huge grain, which is fortunately lost when it is resized down. hopefully I will be able to try again at another site. It won't be this one, they had stripped it by the time I went back in the afternoon.

David

David
I think I would put the right canvas back and do a landcsape. Sorry but as is just seems un easy to my eyes.
(Smooth feathered birds again )
Cheers
JR

Would like to see a repost with the canvas to the right and some above as i feel this, although putting the waxwing smaller in the frame may make for a more comfortable composition

For Phil and John, here is the near full frame, there is a little more but it involves cloning out oof birds and red berries. Feel free to copy this and repost it the way you think it should be framed if you like.

David

I am also posting an extract from the full frame. To me this is sharp, but grainy, and emphasises my point about the light making it look soft. Waxwings are very hard to get looking sharp in my experience.

David

Maybe ... let me know what you think ... the bottom berry is a little tight but i wnated to leave a lot of head room as he is looking up... i agree sharpness is fine

Just an idea

Bob

Hi David, I think the OP was fine as a crop, perhaps just sitting the crop at the base of the image otherwise looks good. I do think you can get more from the image. Not ideal as I working off-site (away) but... The rule of thumb was always 600mm lens you need 1/600 SS, but these days you can push it If you have the time then a little more PP and you can tease out more detail & definition, with some added USM too.

TFS
Steve

Sorry but to me the last one looks over processed on my monitor. Certainly looks over sharpened on the wings and tail area. The sharpening haloes are very distinct.
Hope its not my gear
Cheers
JR

David it's very interesting reading all these different points of view and i applaud you for posting something different,as for the cropping i don't really think i can comment(not very good at it myself ) the first image does still look a bit soft to me and i can only comment on what i see and having skinned a few Waxwings in my time as a taxidermist i do understand about the soft feathers on these birds.I don't have a problem with the composition of your original post but i think Steve has got it spot on regarding sharpness and clarity.Having said all this David i don't have a decent shot of a Waxwing myself.
Keith.

Great bird too see and capture and it's a nice shot, lovely setting. Composition wise, I think Phil has produced a superb composition. But it is all very subjective really.

Thanks to everybody for your input. I personally prefer Bob's crop, although I have added a little more canvas right and above. the possibilities are endless though!

David

Obviously mine was best but if you want to go with Bobs its not such a bad option!

I think most people preferred your version, Phil, but I'm used to being in a minority and I'm grateful for all who have looked and thought about the composition.

David

Hi David, I think the almost full frame version looks fine as the birds head and thus the eye are turned to the camera and the berries at the bottom of the image add to the story. These are very soft plumaged birds and it is easy to over sharpen and contrast the image. Whilst the bird might "pop" it is not natural looking.

Nick.

I agree David, Bob's version sits very well with me too. Either way yours is a good shot of an awesome bird.

Andy...

I prefer Phil's version I think, great shot David

Oscar