As common as they are in some areas I have very few quality images of Western Scrub Jays. They frequent scrub woodlands dominated by pinon pines or oaks in the west so it isn’t unusual for them to be found in Utah neighborhoods adjacent to the mountains where they sometimes visit bird feeders. I prefer to photograph them in their native habitat but they’re more shy there which partially explains my lack of images of the species.
1/2000, f/5.6, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this one two days ago high on the “back side” of the Wasatch Mountains during a drive over the Alpine Loop. The bird is perched on a clump of scrub oak whose leaves are just beginning to get their fall colors so they’re a little bright. I like the look back at me from the jay, the light angle, the clear view of that long tail (which I somehow managed to get sharp even at f/5.6) and the natural perch.
While I was processing the image I was struck by the stubbiness of the wing tips. At first I wondered if it might be a juvenile bird whose flight feathers were still growing even this late in the season or if they were an anomaly of some sort but when I compared it to an image of another adult jay I took within seconds of this one the length of the primaries was the same. Then I checked out some field guides and found the same thing so I chalk up my initial question to my inexperience with the species.
I also struggled with composition while I was cropping the image. I like the slightly better detail and less featureless blue sky provided by this vertical crop but including the entire oak clump in the image means that the bird is centered in the frame. In the end I couldn’t make up my mind and decided to include both versions and ask for feedback from my readers.
So if you have a preference I’d appreciate hearing about it. As usual, I need all the help with aesthetics I can get…
Ron
Chiming in late since we were traveling. I like the second one much better. I don’t know if this makes sense, but the explanation I come up with for liking that one is that the bird is much more present in the photo. Maybe it would be better to say that it really dominates the photo. I’m glad you posted these because they bring back fond memories of these birds from childhood. The ones in our neighborhood were pretty tame, and would take peanuts out of our hands.
I prefer the second image. The curved shape of the Jay allows the eye to move through each horizontal third of the photo yet gives the impression that the bird is looking at the photographer/viewer from the left vertical 1/3 rd of the image. The result for me is that the subject does not appear to be centered in the image even though it is. Also, I think the portrait crop works well because it enhances the length (head to tail) of the Jay as it looks back at you.
Dear Ron,
I prefer the first image. But both are beautiful. The bird is looking right and the space gives it somewhere to look and fly. Also, the composition follows the rule of thirds. Most cameras have a grid
with thirds to aid in composition. Don’t be afraid of having negative space. It is also a part of the composition and gives the eye a place to rest. The S curve gives a dynamic movement to the
composition. Love your posts.
Thanks
I like both photos but prefer the second. Everyone has said eloquently, compelling reasons for their choice but I do like the centered imagery of a really attractive bird. There is enough oak and sky to fulfill the sense of nature and the bird’s position looking back, gives a nice view of it’s eye and face markings.
Sorry I’m late,but sometimes I don’t get to view your images until later in the evening. If I had to choose between the two I would go with the vertical . I love the great detail on your close crops. I love seeing every little feather. But, after reading Devin Griffiths reply, I have to say to him “well said”. He really expresses my feelings of both images. Great job ,once again Ron.
And now it seems that 8 prefer the first image and 7 the second. Almost neck and neck. As for me I still can’t decide, or I do and then I waffle. These matters of taste can be so fickle…
ron, I prefer the vertical shot. I mainly photograph birds and I believe the vertical shot with its close crop better portrays the bird as it is clearly the subject of the photo. The landscape shot portrays the bird and something, with the something for the viewer to interpret.
My greedy self likes both images. And wants them both.
They convey different things. The second is a stunning portrait and the first gives a sense of how the jay ‘fits’ in the world and, as Devin says, gives a sense of the enormity around it. I suspect that purpose dictates what crop you use – without detracting from either image.
Both are effective images, for me. I might lean a little toward the second one. If the Jay had been looking directly to the side, then maybe the first would have more impact. With the bird looking back toward you I like the “fuller” frame effect, even if centering an image is against interplanetary law.
I like the second one, despite the rule of thirds and other speculations about where my attention will be drawn. With this shot, what am I going to look at besides the bird? the large expanse of blue sky? or the not-all-that-attractive leaves of the perch? No, I’m going to scan all aspect of the bird looking for all the detail I can find and there is more of that in the close crop. Perhaps my attention would reach the eye of the bird more quickly with the top image, but it must be a matter of milliseconds difference and I’m retired. The crop is not so close that the bird will be feeling claustrophobic and the perception is of a little extra space in the direction in which the bird is facing. Rules are to be broken and I’ve seen some artistic photos with a square crop and centered subject recently that I like very much.
Well so far at least it’s pretty close but by the way I count (and interpret what you said) there seem to be seven “votes” for the horizontal crop (image #1) and 5 for the vertical crop. I’ve been very interested in your preferences and your explanations as to why you feel the way you do. Thanks to all! My education continues…
I like the first one, I think for the reasons Michelle and others have given; more sky makes the bird seem less confined. So much oak strikes me as unnecessary for establishing a sense of place. Thanks for asking!
I prefer the 2nd picture. The bird is the primary object of the picture, what he/she is sitting on is second. The sky is background. BOTH are lovely. Your photographs are those of a well establishrd professional.
I’m a fan of the first one.
Ah, Scrub jays! They are often our alarm clock this time of year here in the Willamette Valley. They nest in our yard regularly and face dangers, here, such as predation by Cooper’s hawks who also nest in this ‘hood. So, since I experience them as active, vocal participants in the avian life in our yard, I’d have to vote for photo #1. S/he could fly off quickly to go grab some suet, chase off a cousin (a Stellers Jay) or dive down to try to convince a squirrel not to climb up the bush to get seeds, etc. The parents this year raised two young to fledging and those two are still around, so I guess they’ve managed to outwit the Cooper’s hawk this year. … So far at least! But photo 1seems to allow for the bird to go about its active life at any moment!
Evil iPad is at it again…just look at the mispellings! Nasty thing waits until I think I’m finished and click “send”…then it does its thing…makes these jerky changes…too late for me to catch them!!! I wouldn’t be surprised if it decided to run for office…it has all the right (wrong) instincts for that kind of BS (in this case, the “B” stands for Bison)….
Both ate beaitiful images, but I’m with Jorge (and his extremely well-trained, experienced eye)…-and honor the “golden means”, the “rule of thirds” . To capture detail is the main goal, which you always do… Those certainly are stubby looking wings…look like they’reand inch or two too short! retty little guy, though…
Michelle is right. I would add, the top picture would be perfect for greeting cards … the space to the right is where the “Happy Birthday” would go!! I often shoot with that in mind, though I’ve been creating less and less greeting cards lately. ; ))
I prefer the vertical crop. Even though the jay ends up centered, the branch and leaves help to balance the composition by filling in the left side.My tendency would be to tighten the crop a bit on the left, letting the leaves lead off the page a bit and bring the top crop in as well.
Just my 2 cents worth!
Both are beautiful portraits, however, the top one very slightly edges the bottom one in my opinion….very, very, slightly! By the way, how is the color on the Alpine Loop currently?
I understand both opinions (Michelle and Devin) but for me the main purpose is to see the bird so I would choose the second one with a little change. I would cut a little more on the left side and in the bottom so the bird could stay less centered.
Thanks for sharing.
Both are gorgeous……but the top one slightly edges the other in my opinion….very very slightly! By the way, how is the color on the alpine loop currently?
First one, first one definitely. To my eye it is the difference between a portrait and a snap-shot. (‘Course I’d be thrilled if I ever pulled off a snapshot with so much detail and clarity.) First one!
Well, I’m really not the one to give advice, but simply state what I do which should go for what I like. I tend to feature my primary topic that I’m photographing as the center of attention. Yes I know some feel that the center should be off a tad, by maybe 1/3, but I like my focus to be close to center, maybe with part of the environment/habitat with it. Consequently, when I take an image of a bird, butterfly, dragonfly, etc., I will crop so that the viewer will see who is the center of attention. Probably why I don’t try to sell what I photograph.
Thus, I’m more attracted to your second photograph than the first. The Jay is the center of attention and therefore should, in my mind, get top billing! I could go on, but I’m sure you get my point.
Love your photography Ron and your information, all well appreciated by this viewer!!
Beautiful portraits either way Ron.Though a rule of thumb (or in this case beak),which ever way the subject is facing,you may want to give more space on that side so the subject doesn’t feel cut off in the composition.For what it’s worth.
I know the general rule is to not have the subject centered in the frame, but I treat that as more of a guideline. Centered subjects can be wonderful, depending on what you’re trying to communicate, what position the subject is in, and what else is in the frame. Your second image, for example, is a beautiful portrait of a gorgeous bird. The position of the jay’s head and tail add interest, as does the oak clump. However, I find (as Michelle did) the empty space around the bird in the first photo very compelling. As you know, birds face a myriad of challenges in their day-to-day existence, and the shot of the jay against the featureless blue expanse really communicates, to me, the sense of the jay setting out on its own against the world. Also, the look back over its shoulder speaks to the struggles it’s already overcome (at least to me). Either way, it’s a wonderful photo.
Thanks very much, Devin. I like the way you explained your position. Much appreciated.
That is a tough call. I find that my answer to the question of which I prefer changes depending on what the use of it will be. As a picture in a bird book? A lone framed print on the wall? A framed print with a group of other prints? As a screen saver on my computer? Which picture I would choose changes for each of those situations. But I think I am going to vote for the top picture. The empty space around the bird just seems to provide more of a story for me. I see this bird, all alone in a vast space. The bottom picture I get the feeling tons of things could be happening around it and I just don’t know because they are not included in the frame. That might sound crazy. It is also a bit of a lesson for me because I tend to crop everything pretty close in my pictures. Maybe I need to stop more often and ask what story is being told by my pictures.
You make some good points, Michelle – partly it may depend on how the image is used. Like you, my tendency is also to crop close but sometimes I think I overdo it. Thank you for the thoughtful feedback.