Don Poulton
About the Image(s)
A couple of winters ago (last winter we had very little snow, not like here), I photographed this female cardinal searching for seeds in the snow outside our sliding glass door. She didn't seem to mind the snowdrifts that had accumulated that day.
I used my Canon 7D Mark II and 100-400mm lens at 1/640 and f/5.6, ISO 400. Overcast day.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted
Leslie Larson
who doesn't like cardinals? I'd like a bit more contrast to bring out her colors, but the snow on her beak and the good focus make a nice photo. Wish there were a bit more texture/contrast in the snow.   Posted: 11/07/2024 17:31:57
Ron Spencer
I like the featureless snowy background. The mind's eye knows it's snow, and the snow on her beak confirms it. This is probably an accurate representation of the bird's actual colors, but maybe a little more saturation would be good. A similar picture of a male would be a great companion piece. Maybe you can get one this winter...   Posted: 11/12/2024 00:32:15
Tom Buckard
Don, I like the featureless snowy background as Ron said. Any lighter it would tend to get blown out and darker it wouldn't look like snow. We have many cardinal here in Florida year round and the female can look vivid to drab. Very nice, very sharp image.   Posted: 11/18/2024 22:06:46
Michael Braunstein
This is a very nice image. it made me feel sorry for the bird. I would lighten the eye a little.   Posted: 11/22/2024 15:10:50
Don Poulton
Thanks everyone for your excellent ideas. I'll have to work on them.   Posted: 11/22/2024 16:59:56
Mike Cowdrey
We have had some unusually early snow here in UK over the past few days, so I know how difficult it is to strike a balance. I think you have done well with this attractive bird. I agree that the eye could be a tad brighter.   Posted: 11/23/2024 10:21:39
Don Poulton
Thanks Mike.
  Posted: 11/23/2024 16:30:05
  Posted: 11/23/2024 16:30:05