Hello. I am new to photography and this is my first submission to this forum. This image was taken in my back yard, approximately 2 hours prior to sunset. Technical information: Canon EOS A2, 300/4L lens, probably wide open, shutter speed unrecorded, Provia100F, handheld. I didn't have time to get the tripod or monopod. All comments would be greatly appreciated.

-- Elliot Negelev (elliot.negelev@telus.com), July 18, 2000

Answers

A very nice first submission. I really like the way the bird is framed by out-of-focus foliage. The only thing missing is a catchlight in the eye.

-- Mark Erickson (maericks@netcom.com), July 18, 2000.

Doesn't appear you had to sacrifice much in order to handhold; as I see it your subject is nicely focused. I keep waffling as to whether or not I like the squarish crop; probably better than the original rectangle. I also like the framing with out-of-focus foliage, but then I also agree that some spark of life in the eyes is needed. Overall, a good submission.

-- Christian Deichert (torgophile@aol.com), July 18, 2000.

This has been shot with shade on the bird and has a very slight blue cast to it. When shooting animals I always have a 81A fliter on my lens and then depending on how much shade a animal is in will sometimes use a 81C fliter. Also fill flash would have been nice to add a catch light. Try setting your flash to 1 1/3 to 1 2/3 under and see what you like. Otherwise very nice and in sharp focus, well done

-- Keith Anderson (andos@pacific.net.au), July 18, 2000.