Acorn Woodpecker; expectations are higher now

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Photography, and particularly bird photography, is an endeavor that you can improve your skills with practice, study and time. That is the good news; the bad news is that as you improve, your expectations for a good photo get higher. These are 2 pictures of the same species of bird. The first one was taken 4 years ago and I was quite happy with it at the time. The second one was taken a few months ago and I am quite happy with it. Both pictures are of Acorn Woodpeckers, a very common bird in our local mountains and back country. Very animated, vocal, and brash, you do not have to watch them very long before they do some interesting, funny or down right odd.
Both skills-taking the picture and processing the picture need to continue to improve but that is part of the enjoyment of this hobby. At least for me.
20180326-Acorn Woodpecker Santee Lakes dpp.jpg
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20201021-Acorn-Woodpecker-Sunrise-Highway.jpg
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My house is surrounded by a large clan of Acorn Woodpeckers, and I have taken many photos of them, but none better than your 2nd one. They are infinitely fascinating creatures.
 
Everyone, thank you for your comments. I think most of us would agree-a shot we thought was good at the beginning of our photography "career" would not make it past the first cull after we have gained a little skill with time and practice.
 
Everyone, thank you for your comments. I think most of us would agree-a shot we thought was good at the beginning of our photography "career" would not make it past the first cull after we have gained a little skill with time and practice.
agree 100%, and that's what makes this so much fun!
 
@bajadreamer ,, absolutely Brilliant - you can sure see the huge difference and improvement between the first photo and the second .. The second says it all 👏
Thank you. I thought the second picture showed some of the improvement I hoped to have made during the last 4-5 years. At least now, I can better recognize what is and what isn't a good shot when I first edit my shots.
 
Photography, and particularly bird photography, is an endeavor that you can improve your skills with practice, study and time. That is the good news; the bad news is that as you improve, your expectations for a good photo get higher. These are 2 pictures of the same species of bird. The first one was taken 4 years ago and I was quite happy with it at the time. The second one was taken a few months ago and I am quite happy with it. Both pictures are of Acorn Woodpeckers, a very common bird in our local mountains and back country. Very animated, vocal, and brash, you do not have to watch them very long before they do some interesting, funny or down right odd.
Both skills-taking the picture and processing the picture need to continue to improve but that is part of the enjoyment of this hobby. At least for me. View attachment 8123View attachment 8124
Your skills have grown tremendously in these years. The second image is perfect, I couldn't find anything that could improve it. Congratulations. www.photo-sapiens.net
 
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