[Lee Woodie]

want to do better Nikon D80 iso-200 shutter 1/640 f.5 fl/195

[TobyH]

I like the shot Lee.

It's well exposed, sharp with a good clean background. I do feel it's a little tight in the frame. A bit more room around the bird, especially the tail would help it I feel.

If i was being really picky (and I am with my own images) I'm sure I can see sharpening artifacts around the beak area especially but also around the bird.

Nice image though, wish we had them here.

TobyH

[Lee Woodie]

Originally Posted by TobyH

I like the shot Lee.

It's well exposed, sharp with a good clean background. I do feel it's a little tight in the frame. A bit more room around the bird, especially the tail would help it I feel.

If i was being really picky (and I am with my own images) I'm sure I can see sharpening artifacts around the beak area especially but also around the bird.

Nice image though, wish we had them here.

Toby

Thank you Toby I will pay closer attention to those areas from now on

[Ecuadorrebel]

Hi Lee,

I agree with Toby. I like the shot but I think I would do a little selective dodging and brighten the jay just a bid, especially in the wings.

Hope you enjoy your D-80, its a nice little camera. I had one until it was stolen about a year and a half ago. Now I shoot with a D300s.

[mike from ebbw]

Agree with the above Lee but very nice shot indeed.With regards to the sharpening halos/artifacts I find saving it at a higher quality helps.I try to save my images for the web (ie 800 pixels wide) at the highest quality but keeping withing the upload limits (around 250 kb).

[Chris D]

I grew up with that jay. Even was our high school's mascot. Scrub jays (for me) now. Great bird - yet not the colors of yours. Our 'Steller's' is closely related - but higher in elevation than where I live.....

Anyway, jays (like all corvids) have much personality. The finest photos I've seen have shown them in more 'agressive' positions with more 'twist' to their frames. Your photo is great - especially the colors and crispness. If you have the ability to get close to this species though (in my opinion) shoot endlessly for that 'raspy/jay' immage.

I was fortunate to be in Australia a tad last summer. Corvids originated there (makes sense - since it's such a bizzare place). I got to photograph some crazy (jay like) honey eaters. The photos I liked best had them being a tad 'sinister' and also more to (one side) of the frame with a branch 'angling' off to one side.