Magical Lighting!

Shooting into the light made for some interesting background

lighting and effects. Comments?

You really need to look at the larger version to see how the vibrant cardinal anchors the shimmering background colors.

Boy, you're quick, Mark! I would have liked to get closer to the bird, but in this case, I guess it works out okay having him small.

Kim, glad you mentioned to look at him larger as he seemed so small. The larger version helped to see him better. Did you consider a vertical crop? Hope you don't mind another version. The vertical crop solved the problem of size, but I think I like your crop better.

I like your crop, Sondra - only problem is it would be a substantial crop and I wouldn't have it a good print size. That's why I wished I'd gotten closer, but this was about as close as I could get.

Exquisite! Very beautiful image and light.

Preciosa imagen,, color y belleza en la luz y composicion, un cordial saludo KIM..http://www.hectorbrandan.com/images/julio-carmona.gif

 

Very very nice ...love the background .

Stunning background, Kim, and the small cardinal is placed just on the right spot. I'd consider the vertical crop as center-right there are the great elements of the photo.

Nice shot, the colors in the background are great but being that they are so much brighter than the bird my eye is drawn to that part of the image and I bypass the bird. I like the vertical crop but strongly suggest lightening the bird and toning down the background.

The bird is small but I like how it emphasizes the bird's fragility. Great light!

Tood, I kind of like how the background competes with the bird, since usually a redbird will get all the attention, but the light was really outstanding that evening. I'll probably play some more with this one and see how a variety of different crops might work. Thanks for the comments and suggestions, everyone.

I like the feeling of the photo the way it is. If it was about the bird it is to far away but to me it is about the atmosphere. Great shot

Beautiful composition and exposure. I wouldn't change anything about the picture. I get not only a sense of place for the Cardinal, but also a sense of mood from the lighting. Perfect DOF

I would not change a thing. I see this as the bird within a magical setting. Your choices of DOF, camera angle, placement of subject in frame, etc... work nicely. The emotion and sense of place can be felt, at least by me.

The quality of light is ossum, cheers Jana

Beautiful shot Kim...

It seems like most of you are getting the sense of what I saw that evening - the atmosphere and brilliant colors of the light and bird. Thanks!

As always, the perfect bird shot.

Beautiful it is Kim...7/7

Mark's right the larger version makes a difference.

 

I know we all like to be able to fill the frame with the bird but I like these shots that show some surroundings and remind us of what a big place these little creatures live in. I like the composition, the crop, the color and the feel of this picture. I'm not too crazy about the twig thingy just behind the bird but that's just me.

 

You've done a wonderful job of capturing the mood here, Kim.

Hi Kim, I think this photo is about the beautiful light you have captured, great timing! The bird in red just completes the photo....You do wonderful work! So Happy New Year and I know we'll see more great photos from you!

All the best, Sarah.

Thanks, everyone - Happy New Year!!!

I like your original crop. Cardinals have gorgeous coloring anyway ... but you've captured this guy with the perfect background because he really pops out at you. Great!

It's risky shooting into the light but this turned out perfectly. . . you did capture the magic. . . and even though the background does capture your immediate attention, your eye is pleasantly surprised as it falls on the bright bird and the nicely balanced delicate foreground. .