Jenny Parbs
December 2025 - Wood Carving Demo
About the Image(s)
Wood Carving Demo
This downy woodpecker was very busy creating the hole in the log. It did not seem to mind me taking its picture or the family with kids who walked past being anything but quiet. The snow was mainly blowing around as the wind picked up, which I think added to the picture. It was fun to observe this guy in action until he flew away. I decided to go for a fast shutter speed to avoid any blur as the woodpecker worked, and also in hopes of catching a few wood pieces as they fell.
Nikon Z8, Sigma 150-600 mm with adapter for Z8, shot at 550 mm, F9, ISO 6400, 1/3200 second, edited in Lightroom
6 comments posted
Jenny - This is a lovely capture and so appropriate to the season. I love the detail in the bird and the falling snowflakes. The bare branches are distracting to me, but I would probably have left them in, too, because they define the season. The bird working, with the inside of the hole so clearly defined, is excellent. Nice job!. Posted: 12/10/2025 21:53:40
(Groups 21 & 48 & 71)
Jenny, this is a gorgeous image that really tells a story. It has great visual impact and interest. Your narrative was very good also. It has sharpness in critical areas and a non distracting background. The only thing I might change is the space to the right and left of the tree stump. Well done. Posted: 12/12/2025 00:16:15
I think the best part of the image is the strength of the story. There are so many elements that speak of winter that the longer one looks the better the story. I may prefer a bit of a crop on the left but it is fine as it is.
A fine seasonal image-=-well done. Posted: 12/12/2025 20:32:33
A fine seasonal image-=-well done. Posted: 12/12/2025 20:32:33
Jenny - a wise choice of settings, especially the Tv - birds can move quickly and I've lost many a good opportunity with too slow of a shutter speed. I think there are three points of high visual interest here - your subject, the dead tree and the snow - the snow is the la pièce maîtresse - so I tried to eliminate everything else while emphasizing those aspects in my VF.
Also, please note, I was creating an image that would score well in a photo club, so by eliminating the branches I'm sure I violated PSA nature rules, but as implied, I tend to think "photo club" and not PSA. Also, the few snowflakes added to the version you submitted, in my VF cropped the three snowflakes that remained in my crop served more as distractions rather than adding environment, so I removed them.
Posted: 12/12/2025 21:44:58
Also, please note, I was creating an image that would score well in a photo club, so by eliminating the branches I'm sure I violated PSA nature rules, but as implied, I tend to think "photo club" and not PSA. Also, the few snowflakes added to the version you submitted, in my VF cropped the three snowflakes that remained in my crop served more as distractions rather than adding environment, so I removed them.
Posted: 12/12/2025 21:44:58
Jenny, I love the story you've captured. The hole is so freshly cut that you know exactly what's going on. The bare sticks and blowing snowflakes tell you about the season, which for me really adds to the story and image. I also was thinking maybe a bit off of the left, but I wouldn't touch the right. Those bare sticks are in good diagonals that make a sort of frame on the right, bringing you right back to the trunk and bird.
Posted: 12/16/2025 19:37:10
Posted: 12/16/2025 19:37:10
Jenny,
Great capture! You have this downy woodpecker at a good angle, so that we can see his face and beak. Love the snowflakes. I agree with others that you might consider cropping of the right side to eliminate the branches. You might also clone out the branches at the bottom. The background is beautifully blurred! Great shot! Posted: 12/18/2025 15:16:50
Great capture! You have this downy woodpecker at a good angle, so that we can see his face and beak. Love the snowflakes. I agree with others that you might consider cropping of the right side to eliminate the branches. You might also clone out the branches at the bottom. The background is beautifully blurred! Great shot! Posted: 12/18/2025 15:16:50