OBXGuide wrote:
A great set as usual, Ted. I don't expect anything less. But in the spirit of "critique-ness" I'll throw out a couple of things. The OOF branch covering the chest in 4 and 5 kind of bothers me, but I love the pose. The high angle view in 6 doesn't appeal to me... except, I find the round body with tail pointing up is a unique perspective, and looks sort of like a Christmas tree ornament ball.
My favorites are 7 & 8, more open and a bit brighter.
#9 appears to be a repost of the edited Titmouse... and, I might add, very well done retouching too.. Just right.
In #10- I would be tempted to try cloning the upper half of the branch from in front of the birds head and put it down directly on top of the lower half of that same branch, as if it was a short branch, leaving solid background in front of the beak. Just an idea.
And, the reds of the feathers in 2, 4 & 5 seem a little dull.
Now that's being nit-picky, but doesn't diminish my enjoyment of looking over your shots. Keep 'em coming. (Oh, who the hell am I kidding. I don't enjoy being nit-picky. I'd rather just enjoy.)
Fred ...Show more →
Hi Fred, thanks for your detailed critique. #9 was re-posted because I do not believe anyone commented on the 2nd redo. The opening page, I mentioned I wish the branch in front of the female Card were not there. I am willing to experiment on suggestions offered.
Overall a very nice set. There are a few where branches get in the way of the view and this is OK though not ideal. Exposures are always tricky when there is snow in the frame. Some of the photos could have more detail in the snow for example 6. #2 does not have the pop of your other photos and the huge white area in the bottom left is a minus. You might want to try cropping to a head shot. 7-11 are great with wonderful exposures, detail in the feathers and great use of compositional elements such as leading lines. The last is good and what makes the photo is the way the 3 birds are situated peering out from behind a mound of snow.
Working on the snow Morris. It certainly is a challenge dealing with the extremes in the same shot from deep red to snow white Now the last, especially the snow bg was fun to work with. Thank you sir for your comments.
USM IS wrote:
These are all fantastic Ted. Hard to really critique as I would be happy with any of them, but I am partial to the female Cardinals. I like their subtle colors. Sorry I can't say anything bad!
Mike
That is ok Mike. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Mar 01, 2015 at 08:21 AM
Herb Houghton Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
Ted ellis wrote:
Redo as suggested Herb...thanks amigo
Hi Ted, thanks for the redo. #2 is still super hot, especially above the bird and behind him, and I backed up from my monitor btw. I do see more detail in the snow in front by your watermark. #6 still seems very bright to me especially to the right and left of the bird. New artifacts may have appeared in this edit in the snow ? #8 seems to have more detail in the chest feathers now.
USM IS wrote:
These are all fantastic Ted. Hard to really critique as I would be happy with any of them, but I am partial to the female Cardinals. I like their subtle colors. Sorry I can't say anything bad!
Mike
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davidearls wrote:
Not much to add in terms of critique. #7 to me has the strongest physical feel of the bird in space, and the branch tip in the upper left corner works.
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David Leask wrote:
These all look fab to me Ted. Lovely colours and sharpness in all. No favourites from me, love them all
David '''',
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Plinian wrote:
Looks like you had some fun in the snow, Ted!
My critique (no techs, just impressions)...like Fred, the top down view of the female card doesn't do much for me, but the bird redeemed herself in #7 which (like David said), is beautifully presented.
Greg
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KCollett wrote:
#7 is my pick of the flock Ted. #9 is runner up. Really nice set. Good detail and you must of exposed well as the snow and the reds are not blown.
Gary Lee 44 wrote:
Hey Hero,
Cards are always the birds that make me smile. The only CC I could honestly give you is that you should post more Cards and less Eagles. While I love the Eagles, The Lady Cards are one of the most beautiful birds anyone can post. You got them in the snow which makes them even better. #4-5 & 7 I wish I had taken!!!!! LOVE THEM BUDDY!
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rxgolf wrote:
Wonderful sets!!
Greg
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angel manguel wrote:
Hey Ted, These are all excellent. I especially like the female and male cardinals. Lovely comps and excellent detail in the birds. I am not bothered by which way they are looking. 1 and 3 for me for sure.
Alan
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surfnron wrote:
Another super set Ted. Too many shots to critique them all. but I do see some hot spots in the snow, (as you mentioned). Have you tried cloning some detail into those spots? I will do that if the shot is worth the extra effort. The redo of 8 stands out ~ Ron
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eyelaser wrote:
Your penultimate redo shot is a fave of mine Ted....it's funny how we have delved into getting the whole bird in focus from tip of bill to end of tail feathers but in this case the gentle blurring of the tail feathers as they head to the snow covered branches really really works. I'm waiting for the day I can actually shoot rather than process 4 year old files...won't be long now I hope!
Eric
harshaj1 wrote:
Wonderful work Ted. All worthy of picture postcards.
harsha
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dalite wrote:
Sooo nice. I love to see those cardinals in snow. You and Rod are in the same boat.
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Herb Houghton wrote:
Hi Ted, thanks for the redo. #2 is still super hot, especially above the bird and behind him, and I backed up from my monitor btw. I do see more detail in the snow in front by your watermark. #6 still seems very bright to me especially to the right and left of the bird. New artifacts may have appeared in this edit in the snow ? #8 seems to have more detail in the chest feathers now.
USM IS wrote:
These are all fantastic Ted. Hard to really critique as I would be happy with any of them, but I am partial to the female Cardinals. I like their subtle colors. Sorry I can't say anything bad!
I like where you are headed in this set Ted Lots of folks including myself just say nice set super images etc. We all need to grow and learn and what better place then this forum? I have learned so much just from reading the feed back on this post.Thanks for sharing and by the way nice set
Very nice Ted. The male cardinal is a real standout. As common as they are in my area, that's a a species of which I hardly have any decent shots. These give me motivation!
