Last Fruits of the Year

[Loupey]

At least I think they're fruits.

Was about to delete this image because of the bad lighting angle. But then I thought the near silhouette was applicable in this case.

Shot in the late afternoon winter sun.

[Sushigaijin]

Great shot, loupey.

I think the acute angle is great - you won't see this shot in any field guides, but maybe on someone's wall...

[Pink Dragonfly]

I'm glad you decided to share it rather than bin it! Erik is right - this one has great artistic qualities Which is what I prefer over guide book shots... I really like the colours and composition and I love that the soft light.

Mette

[Ron Kruger]

I think this is a great shot, one of the best bird shots I've seen (and there are a bunch on this site). The blackened background gives it great contrast and isolates the subject and the action involved gives it life and realism.
Over the years, I've had quite a few technically perfect shots of wildlife rejected because "the animal wasn't doing anything."
This, I believe, is a special shot.

[AgingEyes]

Lucky you the eye is visible !

[Loupey]

Thank you all for looking!

Sushigaijin - thanks for the words. I know you and I both love harsh lighting as it is real-world and that photography in such lighting often goes "against the grain"

Pink Dragonfly - I appreciate your feedback. Thanks as always!

Ron Kruger - thank you very much for your take on this image. Your comment that the subject should be doing something echos what I always look for when shooting. Precisely why I can't shoot people portraits or group shots

AgingEyes - without the eye I'm sure it would definitely have been immediately deleted

[Old Timer]

Delete!!! I would have been printing big and hanging if I had one that nice.

[Pink Dragonfly]

I know!!! He's way too humble at times

Mette

[Ron Kruger]

I think you are right, Dragonfly. I think he knew he had something special from the start. He's not only a good photographer, he's clever.

[scott-devon]

That is a beautiful shot Loupey. I love the lighting, the action and the pose makes a perfect composition with the bird making up one diagonal and the branches and leaves another. The more I look at it the more I see to like about it.

[Loupey]

Wow - thanks for the continued responses! You all have convinced me to go back to this file and see if there is more I can do to clean it up.

That is a beautiful shot Loupey. I love the lighting, the action and the pose makes a perfect composition with the bird making up one diagonal and the branches and leaves another. The more I look at it the more I see to like about it.

If it caused you to look longer and see more things, then that is everything I could ever hope to accomplish with any photograph. With utmost gratitude I thank you.

[Pink Dragonfly]

Well, just promise us you'll think twice before deleting images

Mette

[paulnj]

It's got my vote.