Mockingbirds

redleash

I took these at the Botanic Gardens last week. Looking for some C&C, please. I know there is detail missing due to the lighting but I've done what PP I thought I should. Are these worth keeping? What else can I do (besides find a better time to shoot)?

Thanks, Lauren

1.


2.


3.

Maestro

Number 1 Lauren has a nice composition with the mockingbird looking to the right. There is nice light in all but I think 1 is the strongest. It has a nice turn of the head, strong eye contact and a fair amount of detail. Two needs more space in the direction that the mockingbird is facing for composition's sake. Number 3 interesting for the pose and that tail sort of sticking up, but I still think number 1 is the winner.

redleash

Thanks, Stephen. I almost didn't post #1 b/c of the dark tail, but I did like the pose. I agree about #2 with the bird facing away--that seems to be a common problem for me. I've had other critiques about that, so I am going to work harder at it. I like the pose in #3 also, but that greenery really bugs me. Wish I could have gotten that bird to sit where I wanted him to!

raptorcaptor

I think all three could be cropped a little tighter to improve the composition, Lauren.

On the second one I would crop about 2 inches above the tail, and about 4 inches behind the tail.

On the third one I would crop just before the end of the stone step behind the mockingbird.

Also you might consider opening up your aperture a bit next time to soften the background. That will help make your subject stand out more.

redleash

NOTE: I cropped as suggested. I gave up on #3--when I cropped it I saw how blurry the face was. Also added 2 more shots from the same day, same bird. Thanks for looking and critiquing.

#1 - New crop - too much?


#2 - New crop


#3 - New image


#4 - New image - still looking away but at least he's looking at something!