Tim\\\'s Redbirdby
crooksightComment by mpeters: Hi from the Critique Club.
Here are a few thoughts about your photo. Hopefully I can offer something you will find valuable.
First impression: Nice pretty picture, distracting dark lower part of picture and does it relate to challenge?
Composition: You really did a good job with composition except cropping to elimnate the dark lower part of picture would have been a big improvement. This is a good example of where a center subject works. The lighter areas to the right draw the viewers eye into the subject and the red is a great contrast to the wintry looking green tree. The cardinal is in a perfect position, good timing with the shutter release.
Technical: Mentioned below, but the window ruins some of the sharpness which would have improved the pic. It would be interesting to know what your shutter speed was for this exposure. I believe the rule of thumb is 1/focal length minimum. Lighting is good although maybe a touch more contrast would really make the bird pop and give more depth to the tree's needles.
Challenge: This would likely score a full point higher in a wildlife, red, or bird challenge. Judging by your vote distribution and some of your comments, most voters couldn't make the connection.
Keep shooting and PM me with any questions.
Mark
