Is the background too distracting?

[Barbara Ponder]

Is the background too distracting. I have gone back and forth and can't decide. For me it's one of those I just can't let go of but maybe should. I just want to stick a pair of glasses on him and put him at the local library! I can just hear him saying shhhhh!

[NorthernFocus]

You'll likely get a mix of responses on this one. It's borderline for me. The eyes aren't quite prominent enough to truly captivate my attention. Which makes the BG more important. This is a comical looking perspective, isn't it?

[Barbara Ponder]

You'll likely get a mix of responses on this one. It's borderline for me. The eyes aren't quite prominent enough to truly captivate my attention. Which makes the BG more important. This is a comical looking perspective, isn't it?

I need to learn to go with my gut! I loved that it made me laugh but knew it was not a "good" shot. Think I need to let it go. I am sure I will get a similar shot with the right eyes at some point. Lucky for me these subjects are pretty easily accessed.

Been meaning to ask how is the trip going?

[Stagecoach]

Is the background too distracting.

Certainly not. If one assumes your alien is within his spacecraft or it's actually a library assistant the background is quite fitting

It is what it is, a great shot whatever the background.

[pnodrog]

Not so much distracting but a bit out of context - even if it was not.

[Mike Buckley]

When you have to ask if it's too distracting, it's too distracting to you. You matter more than anyone else.

I don't know your post-processing skills, but on a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the most difficult background to change, this is probably only a 4 or 5. Even if you don't have the requisite post-processing skills now, keep the image and come back to it in the future when you have them.

[JBW]

why not go the whole nine yards and put in a bg of bookshelves?

[GBO25]

Background may a a little unbalanced but I sure do like the look in its eyes. Nice one.

[bnnrcn]

This is a nice image Barbara. I agree with Mike about the BG. Why not change it later when you are more capable of PP. Please don't throw away the image.

[Barbara Ponder]

Thanks everyone for the awesome input, it is what I so enjoy about this forum! Every bit of input helps make me a better photographer and enjoy it even more!

[John 2]

why not go the whole nine yards and put in a bg of bookshelves?

.....and add the specs.

[Krawuntzel]

I need to learn to go with my gut! I loved that it made me laugh but knew it was not a "good" shot. Think I need to let it go. I am sure I will get a similar shot with the right eyes at some point. Lucky for me these subjects are pretty easily accessed.

Hello Barbara
the birds posture is eye-catching as is your choice of frame. For me personally the background is too distracting. Since you have the possibility to go where he/she is easily, I would keep the picture, until you can manage the "same" shot with a "better" background - I would mark the picture as "to be deleted".
Erwin

[chauncey]

I would mark the picture as "to be deleted"

It would appear that Erwin has a different criteria for defining keepers for, IMHO, this is a keeper.
As has been said, as your PP skills improve, swapping this background is a no-brainer.

[Chri5]

I dont think the background is that distracting. Yes the eyes aren't that prominent but the bird is striking and you have achieved good detail so for me the bird is the dominant but that's just my opinion

[Shadowman]

Not too distracting to me. Nice capture.

[NorthernFocus]

...Been meaning to ask how is the trip going?

Not tripping yet. We leave tomorrow AM. I know it sounds odd that we didn't leave on the weekend. Some odd scheduling needs in play.

[joebranko]

Not in my opinion. The eyes and attitude make the shot.

[Whistletown Wilds]

I like it just fine!