Red Wing Blackbird
by Swashbuckler

Comment by OneSweetSin:
Very nicely exucuted bird photo. It's the kind you find in the bird watching guides and magazines.

Red Wing Blackbird
by Swashbuckler

Comment by thatguy:
this image has an errie affect to it, i like it, good range of color and nicely focused

Red Wing Blackbird
by Swashbuckler

Comment by frisca:
a lot of detail is lost on the bird because of the brightness.

Red Wing Blackbird
by Swashbuckler

Comment by pesinn:
Too much contrast, too much sharpness... - 6

Red Wing Blackbird
by Swashbuckler

Comment by tomzinho:
its one of those days where the sun is strong and (i have this problem too and don't know how to fix it) so the focus comes out a little soft, making it look more like a snapshot instead of a portrait.

Wood Hysynth and Fennel
by Swashbuckler

Comment by kiwiness:
The shallow DOF works well! Well done.

Clouds over Rainier
by Swashbuckler

Comment by dsidwell:
Greetings from the Critique Club!

I concur with all of the compliments below!

In this image, I see Mt Rainier, a rare enough occurance! It is centered, which gives the photo and mountain a solid, anchored look. The large dark portion adds to this feel in a (wisely) needed way, because the mountain, disappearing into the clouds, tends to look higher and in need of anchoring. The rule of thirds would have, in my opinion taken from this, when it is what is needed for the strong mountain look. This is an extremely difficult shot, because you have different whites on white and different grays on gray and black. You have a few other very subtle hues mixed in just to make it interesting!

Below, folks said that the image was too dark, but to me an image is too dark only when it should be lighter. In this case, I think the darkness adds to the drama of the mountain and clouds. What's missing for me here are strong contrasts. It is a very subtle image with grays on grays on lighter grays. It would be nice, perhaps if more whites were present, which would increase the drama without lightening it too much. The clouds you've captured here are quite marvelous, and I love how they float in three distinct levels, giving the image depth and interest. In this photo the focus is the clouds, which also get focus in your title. In fact, the mountain seems appropriately hazy and a bit blurry compared to those sharp clouds. I suppose some may be perplexed that there is a mountain here, but the clouds are stealing the show! Mountains do have the corner on being majestic, and focus on the mountain is probably anticipated, but I'm glad you made the choice to show us that clouds can hold their own, too, even if your exploration did not pull an exciting score. Again, perhapas more contrast in the clouds may have increased their importance in the shot.

In sum, this is a solid shot. You've managed to give clouds the focus and provide some drama through lighting and good composition. Many of the elements that really work well in your photo are not evident with a mere cursory look, which is what most folks give images here these days, but I want to congratulate you on crafting an image that is both interesting and engaging.

Best of luck to you in the future!

David

Red Wing Blackbird
by Swashbuckler

Comment by Olyuzi:
I like this photo alot cause it's so reminiscent of spring and has a great feel to it. The foliage and flowers and sky are just so bright they make me feel so good...I do however, think that you lost too much detail in the subject of the photo. Possibly spot metering of the bird would have gotten you more accurate exposure. I still like it alot all the same.

Wood Hysynth and Fennel
by Swashbuckler

Comment by scab-lab:
Lovely lush colors, another version without the branch coming in from the bottom right hand corner would be less of a distraction.

Wood Hysynth and Fennel
by Swashbuckler

Comment by Journey:
Just wished that front fennel branch wasn't there; it's too much in sharp focus. Appreciate the beauty of the flower opening up. 6 Journey