This shot is a case of 'close but no cigar' i my opinion. There is so much I really like here. The colour palette is just perfect, I really cant think of a better combination of colours for the muted feathers of the bird. The pastel hues work nicely and make the most of the black/white contrast of the birds head.

The out of focus areas 'bokeh' shows classically poor characteristics, with the outlines clearly visable it all loks rather crunchy and you might argue it was distracting. However I personally really like this, I think it creates a somewhat dreamy appearance to the image where a smoother background might have been a little too simple.

I am somewhat indifferent to the birds pose, whilst its quizzical nature comes through, at the same time, because of the lack of eye contact, I am not transfixed by it as a subject, but rather find myself enjoying the iamge as a whole.

My main criticism comes witht he birds separation from the background. The out of focus areas are excellent however the branch directly behind the birds head spoils the definiteion and outline of the bird. Were it not for this branch it really would be a brilliant image.

Alex

What a beautiful photo. The composition and focus is fantastic. I love how the branches in the background are faded and give a sense of motion to a stationary subject.

The blue sky in the background gives a nice pop of colour to an otherwise neutral palette.

The only detail that bothers me a little bit is the out of focus branch on the far right bottom corner. The rest of the branch is sharp and in focus all the way across except that part. I would say it is a good trade off for getting the focus you did though, if the branches were in focus in the background I think the photo would have looked much too busy.

You did a great job! Love the photo.