1 For C&C

[bazooka]

What I don't like about this shot is the highlights are just a bit blown, but other than that, I'm looking for other things that I'm not seeing... things that I could improve upon before I take the shot. Any comments are welcome, but I'm hoping I can get specific things to try, look out for, avoid, or otherwise think about the next time I have a similar shot like this. Thanks!

For what it's worth, this was taken with my DiMage Z2 (cheap "SLR-Like" P&S).
F/5
1/640
ISO 50
This is straight out of the camera.

 

[SushiWarrior]

Besides the fact that it is blown out, I do like it. I would consider cropping the left half so the birds head/eyes aren't quite so centered and removeg some of the dead space. Some radical PP might also make it shine. B&W would be good also because the only real colour is a relatively boring green.

 

[sburatorul]

i think it needs a warming filter and some contrast, possibly throw a soft focus layer in photoshop and you get this:

hope you dont mind, but i like your photo and i thought to give you some hints on how to improve it but in the end it comes down to each individual's style.

 

[PerfectlyFlawed]

I'd make it b & w

 

[bazooka]

Thanks to each of you for the comments. I actually really like the color of the wood and the pier caps but I agree that the contrast in sburatorul's edit is an improvement and a tighter crop off the left side would help. I'm not sure I like the warmer color though.

Here is a tighter crop with contrast only. I'd play around more but I only have XnView at work to edit on.

Another thing I noticed is that the rope at the bottom right keeps distracting my eye.

 

[robdavis305]

Good depth of field.

 

[Noonz]

Sweet shot man! Love itttt

 

[bazooka]

Thanks! Anyone else agree with the above critiques or see anything else that could have been done differently?

 

[javafriek]

The depth of field is great, the subject is focused pretty good, and I agree the wood and pier caps are nice. The only thing throwing me off is the washed out area below the birds face.

 

[bazooka]

The only thing throwing me off is the washed out area below the birds face.

Yup, agreed. I only have this in jpeg though so I guess it's not repairable, eh? Oh yeah, handing out "thanks" to all C&C'ers.