Pigeon C&C appreciated

[Brownbear]

I photographed this pigeon this morning and I'm very fond of the shot because it is colourful and unique... even though the composition is unconventional and I missed the tops of its wings...

As shot



Cropped to the rule of thirds



Is it better as shot or cropped?

Thank you.

[Dave Humphries]

Cropped Christina - but I would have left more space in front than behind, which I also think would get more of the 'interesting bits' on to the 'third' lines.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Dave... May I ask why it seems that extra space is something that is generally avoided?

Yes, I wish I could've captured him a little sooner... No more space in front. (:

[jprzybyla]

Good work, nice color and detail. You need to work on not cutting the wings off, if close zoom in give yourself room around the bird and then crop for the best composition. Here is your pigeon with more room in front. I opened the image in Photoshop Elements, clicked on Image and then Resize. Under Resize I picked Canvas from the drop down menu and added 6 inches to the width. For choosing the background color I chose Other and then using the eyedropper picked the blue background near where I wanted to extend the image. Then I used to Clone Tool (Rubber Stamp symbol) set at an opacity of 40% to blend in the added background.

[Brownbear]

Thank you Joe... There is always something new to learn. Thank you for the great explanation and yes, I will work on not clipping wings off.

[nimitzbenedicto]

Fantastic shot!

Pigeons fly/shift direction fast. How you got it this close shows panning/anticipation skills.
It's so clear, I get the impression you used flash!

[Jim B.]

Very nice. You nailed exposure and focus. Love the colours.
I agree, you want to give the animal some space in the direction it's moving.

[Brownbear]

Thank you!

Victor, I don't know how to use my flash, yet...

Jim, Thank you. Yes, I need to work on capturing BIF on the right composition, too.