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Hi
This was taken on the banks of Lake Bunyoni in Uganda. I had twisted my ankle and was confined to my tent for the day, which just happened to be on stilts at tree level, there was a beautiful Flame Tree right outside our balcony. The perfect location to sit quietly and watch the local bird population flitting around.
Would this be classed as a Natural History shot at competiton level? I've darkened the background and added a small amount of vinette to the corners but as far as the bird is concerned, I've just added a little sharpening, I know you're not supposed to tamper with a Natural History shot.
Critique and mods greatefully accepted, hopefully this time I've included the metadata per comments on yesterdays image. Can someone please let me know if this did not come over.
Thanks
Tracey
| Title: | Yellow Weaver on Flame Tree |
| Username: | 
Tracey_McGovern |
| Uploaded: | 7 Nov 2011 - 10:03 PM |
| Camera: | Canon EOS 400D |
| Lens: | EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM |
| Recording media: | RAW (digital) |
| Date Taken: | 7 Jul 2011 - 8:55 AM |
| Tags: | Bird, Flame Tree, Lake Bunyoni, Nature, Uganda, Wildlife, Wildlife / nature, Yellow Weaver |
| Votes: | Voting Disabled |
 | Critique Wanted |
| Modifications Welcome (Upload a Modification) |
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Comments
I think I would have liked a bit more DOF, since that red foliage is every bit as intersting as the bird. But what a great shot of the bird! Pin sharp detail and perfect timing capturing the creature in an attitude that conveys movement far more effectively than blurring would do. And the colour rendering is something to die for. This would certainly have had a vote from me if voting had been in effect.
well i love the eyes starring at me. the colors and splendid details are well done but i am no expert.
the beautiful back ground blends in so softly and well. I fine that i just like and in the end that is what is important .
best wish,s in your future work.
frank.
a lovely bird in a very interesting pose. the shot is sharp and the eye contact is superb!
I might have cropped a bit lower to have a bit less blurry red leaves and concentrate more on your extraordinary bird!
Hi again Tracey,
I rather like this.
I'd be inclined to trim a little from the top as, although I quite like the red foliage, I think it's just a bit too much. I think also that you've gone just about as far as you dared with the sharpening on the bird. Any more would be too much.
The colours are first class though and I particuarly like the pose from the "wrong" side of the tree. It makes a pleasant change to see a bird that's not positioned conveniently on a twig. Very well captured.
As for whether or not it would qualify as Natural History in a competition, I'm afraid I've no idea.
Hope this helps.
Bren.
Extremely colourful image Tracey. Dont forget to assign the sRGB colour space to the image when uploading, - its another box to click in CS5. Also, on the load page for EPZ, about halfway down on the right, theres a box called More Exif Options you should click. It will add camera model, lens type also.
Overall, for me its over sharp, mainly due to the fact that contrast is very high. I can look better, - more "natural" with less contrast, which also drops sharpness a little.
The red is quite heavily oversaturated, - and draws a lot of attention. When red apperas in any image, its where the eye immediately is drawn, so less sat is a good thing. ( I suppose thats why Bulls get peed off at the red flags)
the mod has less red sat; slightly less contrast and sharpness. Ive also shifted the bird more to the left with a crop.
Regards
Willie
Excellent work here Tracey,love the inquisitive pose......You were obviously spotted 
Thank you for all your comments and feedback, of which I have taken on board. I agree that the top needs cropping a bit and maybe desaturate the red a bit. Thank you in particular to Willie for the modification, much appreciated.
Best Wishes
Tracey
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