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Hold me

© Stephen Shoff

Hold me

Uploaded: March 14, 2013

Description

Exif: F Number: 4.5, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/60 seconds, Flash: fired, compulsory flash mode, return light detected, ISO: 1600, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 26.60 mm, Model: NEX-7

Comments

Stephen Shoff March 14, 2013

Which one of these says "pet" better? This is for my local photo club's "monthly challenge" print competition. It is very informal -- one image submitted for the theme, winner picked by attendees rating each picture on a scale of 1 to 10. Top score wins. While the evaluations are supposed to be done based on image quality, in this kind of judging, "cute" will always prevail.

For the first, "Hold Me", I've already taken are of the excessive blue in the printed version. #1519202

Dale Hardin March 14, 2013

For me "Hold me" is the winner because it is more defined. By that I mean, it draws you in right away, while the second one looks as if snapped the shutter at the wrong time. Just a perception, mind you.

Also I like the compositional look of the first one better with the L shaped left border helping to frame the bird. #10610123

Elaine Hessler March 15, 2013

I like the first one too. Is this your bird? If so, what kind?

I like the cocked head in the first one and it is kind of cute you have a painting in the back that looks like it is of your bird. The clipped wings are bothering me in the second picture. I know itis a necessity-you are a good bird owner! #10610335

Jeff E Jensen March 15, 2013

I agree, the first is stronger. I like how the image on the wall ties into the story. #10610579

Rita K. Connell level-classic March 15, 2013

I agree the first one is stronger, I also notice the picture in the b/g and thought the same thing. looks like a smart guy! #10610655

Stephen Shoff March 15, 2013

The bird is a Molluccan Cockatoo. It is my neighbor's pet. The painting in the background is from a picture I took of the bird the day she brought the bird home.

Good catch, Elaine. The obviously clipped wings were bothering me too. I really wanted a picture with action. The bird's color doesn't show up either unless the feathers are spread. But the balance within the picture just isn't good enough. It would be a lot harder to get a picture of the bird with owner interaction. So I'm using the painting to imply the family relationship.

Thanks, all, for the feedback.

#10611275

Beth Spencer March 15, 2013

My vote is for the first one! I like the composition and the expression on the bird the best. I also noticed the picture in the background, is it the same guy? Is he yours? #10611278

Stephen Shoff March 15, 2013

Thought I'd put up the original used for the portrait. Wish I could take credit for how good it is, but it was total luck. The nearly solid black background was from sliding glass door with an external shutter that was closed behind the bird stand. #10611308

Peter W. Marks March 16, 2013

The first one Stephen for the reasons the others mentioned. But I wouldn't want one as a pet as I nearly lost the tip of a finger to one that was over enthusiastic in taking a nut from my hand. They have strong beaks! #10612074

Debbie E. Payne March 16, 2013

I like "hold Me" best. He is more focused on his intended playmate and he isn't so close to the left-handed frame. The picture you took when the bird came home is amazing. #10612576

Stephen Shoff March 16, 2013

You are right, there, Peter. I've learned that all the "hooked beaks" are very strong. The only wood you can use in their cages is ironwood. They can chew everything else up. This bird is very demanding. About the only time he'll bite is when he thinks you aren't paying enough attention to him. Her Amazon parrot, by contrast, seems to bite just to make sure you understand he is the boss. Then he settles down. and lets you hold or carry him.

Thank you Debbie. I was blown away when I saw that image on he monitor, too. #10612610

Kristin Duff March 17, 2013

Stephen-I like the last post the most. I find the backgrounds in the first 2 very distracting. A very beautiful bird and I am sure he rules the roost! #10613763

Stephen Shoff March 17, 2013

the last post is the best, Kristin. Thank you. I would put it in the portrait category of a more formal competition, though, rather than a "pets" theme of a monthly club exercise.

The background is busy, but that was my attempt convey the the bird's status in the family, not the beauty of the bird itself. The 2nd image was an attempt to show the bird playing (no, Dale, didn't that the picture at the wrong time though the timing might have been better for composition and the reduce the "clipped wing"). Pets playing do well at grabbing attention. The personal interaction in the first image will only be recognized by other bird owners.

Unfortunately, neither does the last post meet the club's monthly challenge criteria, similar to Dale's challenge, that the submissions must have been taken within the last few months. They are both, after all, attempts by the organization to motivate their members to get out shooting, expanding their horizons, and actively contributing to organization. #10613819


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