Amur Falcon v2 (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by MacDonald:
I like this crop a lot more. The bird has more space to fly in to and the bottom part of the first edit didn't catch my interest, actually took away from the shot (from my point of view). To me the horizon isn't defined, as it would be if it was a sky line, so I don't see this shot as not being straight. Having more room at the top of his wings is also a better composition IMO.
Came back to state that while I feel this is a better crop for the stated reasons, it's less crisp and wouldn't do as well if it was used for an illustration in a book. I don't know if you could sharpen it more without it looking over-sharpened.

Message edited by author 2013-01-09 03:33:27.

...to photograph more wild Birds in Flight.
by HarveyG

Comment by Lydia:
I love that "blank" background! I wish, though, that the bird's eye were more in focus... it seems like the tail feathers are here...


(commenting only)

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by HarveyG:

Originally posted by bassbone: Spectacular details on this shot and lush green smooth background! I agree that the crop does seem a bit off (not enough behind the bird and too much on the bottom - the square crop seems to give this more of a static look.

That's pretty much what I saw too. I did the square crop as an experiment. Will post another in due course with a traditional Landscape crop.

Thank you everyone for the expansive and time consuming critique. Very very welcome and appreciated.

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by MattO:
I love the details captured in this. As mentioned on your comments, crop might leave something to be desired. I would prefer a more horizontal shot and not such square or almost vertical.

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by bassbone:
Spectacular details on this shot and lush green smooth background! I agree that the crop does seem a bit off (not enough behind the bird and too much on the bottom - the square crop seems to give this more of a static look.

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by ursula:
Good in-air catch of this falcon. The background is beautifully blurred, and the colours are pleasing overall. I like how the bird seems to almost be looking at you. What I don't like as much is that the falcon looks so very much just suspended in the air, looking as if he isn't doing anything, just suspended there. Also, the large empty area at bottom, but little space at right for the bird to fly into, doesn't work for me. It's a good photo to identify this bird, but, as a photo to enjoy, it is lacking something. I hope that makes sense.

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by MacDonald:
It's a great shot with excellent detail for a bird in flight. The thing I look for is the glint in it's eye and, if applicable, it's beak and it's talons and you nailed both. As for the crop - I usually like to see them more in a landscape mode with the bird having lots of room to fly into but that's not always possible - considering this is a true wildlife shot, it's good enough to be in a bird identification book. Great job!

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by BeckyT:
This is stunning!

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by mitalapo:
Great capture with an amazing focus. I would try also with a little more space at the top.

Amur Falcon (PAW 1/52)
by HarveyG

Comment by Abra:
Excellent capture! Thanks for the additional information on falcon too.