Common subjects like this Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) have a special appeal and challenge for me. Can I photograph them in an unusual way?
The foreground and background in this image almost blend together and highlight the beauty and personality of the mockingbird. The background makes it look a bit like it was taken in a studio setting. Only the chipped paint gives away the fact that the curious bird was perched on the man-made railing of a boardwalk. I also really like the way that the color and pattern of the weathered wood almost perfectly match the bird’s feathers.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wonderful Mike! Beautiful bird with the perfect background.
Thanks, Pete. It’s not common that I manage to get a completely unobstructed shot of a bird and I am glad I was able to take advantage of the situation.
Nice bokeh in the background too, Mike!
Thanks, Chris. It’s rare for me to get an uncluttered background, but this one worked out splendidly. I was wondering if anyone would comment on the bokeh. 🙂
Stunning!
Thanks, Dan.
Stunning portrait, Mike! The detail in the bird is fabulously crisp and I love that muted background with the bokeh. It does indeed seem like it was all posed which just speaks to your talent.
Thanks, Laura. Once again your comments are both insightful and uplifting. I love trying to capture little moments like this, when it is just me and a subject in a simple setting.
Nice!!
Thanks. Sometimes it is tough capturing subjects in the bright sunlight, but this time it worked out well for me.