Hummingbird Critique

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gaknott

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I really like the clarity and detail of this photo of a hummingbird in hiding, but I posted a few hours ago and got minimal response. Too busy, bird does not stand out enough? Ideas and guidance please.
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I'd say you did a great job with critical focus, the eye and beak are razor sharp which is awesome.

I'd say the bright white areas are distracting as is the stalk running up in front of the bird's beak. The complex foreground kind of works as a peekaboo shot but it's a shame that the back half of the bird is obscured and overall I'd say the image has a bit of a cluttered look.

But you nailed the focus, the simple smooth background is great. The image can definitely work as a sort of 'birds blending in' or 'nature's camo' kind of thing but the bright white areas might still be problematic.

You clearly set up for the background in this shot which is really good. I'd say think of foregrounds the same way and look for shooting opportunities with a bit less clutter between you and your primary subject unless you're going for a hidden surprise kind of look.

Unfortunately wildlife hasn't gotten the memo and they tease us with situations like this all the time. I watched a beautiful pair of Western Tanagers hang out and interact in great light a couple of weeks ago. They didn't seem to care about me and I could have captured plenty of great images except for a couple of twigs running right in front of them obscuring their faces and breasts. I didn't release the shutter once but I did enjoy watching how they interacted, some days are like that.

Just my 2 cents since you asked.
 
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Thank you very much, DRwyoming. I share the same thoughts but wanted outside opinions. I was going for the camo effect, even with the branch across the beak. I tried to burn the whites some but couldn’t do without overwhelming distraction. I was curious if I were overly concerned about the clutter since the head was spot on. Thanks for replying!! I really like your work, by the way!
 
You did a wonderful job with capturing the hummer in the foliage. Here is just one idea that you could do to help emphasis that. It maybe a bit too much cloning out for you, but just an idea of what can be done.

I did a tighter crop, cloned out some of the foliage, painted in some dark areas over some of the white ones. I also did noise reduction a sharpening.

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Thanks, Birdied! I like that you were able to effectively get the branch off his beak. That helps a lot. I had already cropped some and did not want to go too far, but I do like yours! Thanks!!
 
When I first opened the image I had to search for the hummer. I understand your frustration with the sharp hummer but the clutter of the rest of the image is problem some. After shooting birds for 7 years now I know there will be other opportunities to find a better shot. Keep shooting. You obviously know how to get a great shot.
 
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