David Terao
August 2022 - Goldfinch on a Purpletop Vervain
Original
About the Image(s)
This image was taken at the Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland last month. I've been trying my hand at some bird photography lately and slowly learning the ropes. The goldfinches are very skittish and fast moving. I was lucky to get close enough to this one while it was eating the seeds from a purpletop vervain flower. I used an OM System OM-1 camera with a 300mm lens and a 1.4x tele-converter (840mm equivalent). Exposure was 1/250 sec @ f/5.6 and ISO 1600. For post-processing, I cloned out the stray flower in the lower center and adjusted the tones in Lightroom. I also used Topaz Labs' DeNoise AI to eliminate the noise.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
16 comments posted
Beautiful clear image of the Goldfinch, the eye is pin sharp and the colours of the bird and the flowers contrast well. I also like the fact that the background is diffused but that you can identify that it is in a garden. It is interesting that Goldfinches in UK are very different to this bird, they are much more multi-coloured. Posted: 08/04/2022 16:00:32
That is quite interesting about European goldfinches being so colorful. I googled European goldfinch to see pictures of them. Of course, the bright yellow American goldfinches are male. The female goldfinches are a drab brown. Posted: 08/04/2022 17:17:54
This is a picture of a UK Goldfinch taken on our bird feeder in the garden. Posted: 08/05/2022 03:48:28
Nice shot! Posted: 08/05/2022 06:16:02
I like the contrast between bird and flowers. Also, the background/bokeh. Posted: 08/11/2022 19:37:16
Thank you, Ray. I agree. With the dark background blurred in a monochromatic color, the bird just pops out in the image. Posted: 08/12/2022 06:07:45
beautiful capture and final image, won't change anything on this.
Sometime would just marvel on nature's creation, such lovely match of compliment colors. I mean that AGF love thistle seeds, yellow and purple-like. Although I look it up that vervain is not native here, hope it's not aggressive like others. Posted: 08/11/2022 21:09:28
Sometime would just marvel on nature's creation, such lovely match of compliment colors. I mean that AGF love thistle seeds, yellow and purple-like. Although I look it up that vervain is not native here, hope it's not aggressive like others. Posted: 08/11/2022 21:09:28
Thank you, Charlie. Even though I'm just getting started photographing birds, I'm learning to appreciate the many varieties with all their wonderful colors, mannerisms and distinctive features...not to mention the unique challenges that come with trying to get a decent image. Posted: 08/12/2022 06:12:41
what a perfect nature shot. Everything is handled wonderfully - the sharpness, composition, blurred background and even a catch-light in the bird's eye. Well done and a winner for sure! Posted: 08/13/2022 10:39:07
Thank you, Cindy. I was fortunate to get close enough for this shot. I've learned not to stand up while photographing the bird as they'll take off right away. Instead, I have to crouch and waddle like a duck. Posted: 08/13/2022 12:46:44
Not sure I could get back up if I did that! Posted: 08/16/2022 20:38:13
Such as nice capture of the Goldfinch. The colors are very true, and there is a nice bokeh in the background. Plus, you captured the bird as he was feeding but you can still see the eye clearly. Well done! Posted: 08/17/2022 13:27:55
Thank you, Phyllis. I still have a lot to learn about photographing birds. Fortunately, I enjoy the learning process. Posted: 08/17/2022 13:35:53
(Groups 24 & 48 & 58)
Great shot! Posted: 08/20/2022 08:58:00
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! Posted: 08/20/2022 09:11:50
Very beautiful composition of the bird and the flower. Especially the moment caught the bird's beak approaching the flower. I also like the contrast of the subject and the blurred background. Posted: 08/31/2022 03:35:08