A parrot

[jgredline]

Hi Folks
This was a one shot deal and no time to compose.
Comments are appreciated.

[gahspidy]

I really like the composition here alot. I think though that there is too little dof. The cars blurred in the bg is fine, although there is maybe a little too much. It looks as if there is a halo around the parrots head because of how sharp it is and colorful over the dull and very blurred bg. The Bokeh from the lens in this particuliar shot does not look attractive.
Also, having the keepers face just a bit sharper would be nice. I do like this, but there is a strangeness as if the Parrot was cut and pasted in.
what lens was this?

[jgredline]

Gary
Strangely after I down loaded the pictures of the day, I was about to send that one to the trash can, but the more I looked at it the more liked it. It grew on me...Then I would look close and like you noticed, It looked like a copy and paste Job...So a part of me really likes it and part of me does not...

The lens I was using was the Pentax SMC 50mm F/1.4 and shot this parrot wide open... It was late and getting dark, hence the wide open shot and with no time to compose or reset this is all I have...When I asked the person If i can take another picture of the parrot, he said it will cost me a buck, I said ''If it can say my name, I will give you 5''...He asked for my name, I told him and he said ''MY parrot does not speak spanish''...So I left...Laughing I might add as I had no comeback and he got me... LOL... I should have paid him the buck...But then another part of me says, ''Well, it would just be another parrot pic'' ...Oh well, now I am ranting...

Gary, Thanks for the comments.

# Exposure Time (1 / Shutter Speed) = 1/400 second = 0.0025 second
# Lens F-Number/F-Stop = 14/10 = F1.4
# Exposure Program = aperture priority (3)
# ISO Speed Ratings = 400
# Exif Version = 0221
# Original Date/Time = 2008:02:16 17:09:15
# Digitization Date/Time = 2008:02:16 17:09:15
# Shutter Speed Value (APEX) = 8643856/1000000
Shutter Speed (Exposure Time) = 1/400 second
# Aperture Value (APEX) = 970854/1000000
Aperture = F1.4
# Exposure Bias (EV) = 3/10 = 0.3
# Metering Mode = center weighted average (2)
# Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
# Focal Length = -1/1 mm = -1 mm
# Image Sensing Method = one-chip color area sensor (2)
# Image Source = digital still camera (DSC)
# Scene Type = directly photographed image
# Custom Rendered = normal process (0)
# Exposure Mode = manual exposure (1)
# White Balance = auto (0)
# Focal Length in 35mm Film = 75
# Scene Capture Type = standard (0)
# Contrast = normal (0)
# Saturation = low (1)
# Sharpness = hard (2)
# Subject Distance Range = close view (2)

[Loupey]

I think the interaction between the keeper and the parrot could have been played up more. Pointing the camera more to the left to eliminate the right space would have had more impact. But because this is a city scene with a typically non-city subject, a shot from further back would have had a nice effect.

As for the DOF, I think it is too shallow. Even if you had nailed the focus across the parrots eyes, the beak would have still been OOF - which makes it look slightly odd IMO. Your data shows 1/400s and f/1.4 at ISO 400 - which is rather workable. I would have brought it down to around 1/60s to 1/125s in order to stop it down.

But I can appreciate it as a quick grab shot. At least you got it :thumbsup:

[gahspidy]

Yes, i thought this must have been a 50mm with a large aperture. As Loupey stated there was plenty of shutter speed to close the aperture a bit more, 2.8, 3.5 whatever. Still, I know how it is when your just trying to grab the moment before it goes away. Shoot first to get the shot, then, if there is time try to get it again with the ideal settings.
That dude sounds uptight. I find alot of times people are annoyed or suspicious of me when I'm walking around with my gear. I think the Paparazis and their crazy behavior and ethics(or lack of) make it difficult for alot of us to be trusted or looked at in a positive light.

[jgredline]

Loupey
Thanks for the advice. I would not have really thought about changing the shutter speed, so that is something ''I will'' remember for next time..Thank you...

Gary
Having to do it over again, I would have choses 2.8 as you suggested.
As for the dude, you nailed it...He was really uptight. Had he been polite, I would have happily given him a buck for the picture, but as it is, it worked out better for me, because I learned a little bit more...Even though I don't comment on all the threads here, I read through them daily...There are so many great folks here from which to harvest great advice..
Thanks again.
javier