I tend to be a bit obsessive about trying to get my subject in sharp focus when capturing wildlife images. So I was a little disappointed, but not surprised, when I saw that the focus in this shot of a Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) was a bit soft. I was quite a distance away when I saw this little bird moving about in the tree branches on Monday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and I was able to snap off only a couple of shots before it flew away.
The more I looked at this image, the more I have come to like it. There is something really pleasing about the bird’s upward-facing pose; the lighting around the chickadee; the out-of-focus background; the simple structure of the branches; and especially the spots of bright spring color in the flowering tree. This image conveys to me an overall feeling of the beauty of the emerging spring.
This type of shot also serves to remind me that photography is as much about art as it is about science, that it is ok to break whatever “rules” I choose to impose on myself. Beauty can be found in sharp, detailed photos, what I normally strive to create, but it can also be found in “artsy,” impressionistic images like this one.
What do you think? Does the soft focus on this chickadee bother you?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Works for me, Michael. It’s still pretty sharp especially as it stands against the background, and yes, is artistic
Thanks, Peter, for providing your impressions. It is so easy for me to fall in the trap of worrying about whether I have the correct exposure settings or shutter speed on the camera or a myriad of other technical details. Many of my best shots come when I react quickly and instinctively. By the way, thanks so much for being willing to be so vulnerable in sharing your very moving poems yesterday at Vicky Allen’s Zoom reading.
I think it looks great.
Thanks, Louella.
Yours is a lovely combination of elements to result in a pleasing photo.
Thanks, Lulu.
I think the soft focus is perfect for this photo. There;s a point where it’s no longer a picture of a bird, it’s a lovely scene, and the bird fits in well.
Thanks, Dan. I like the way that you described the photo–with the bird being an element of the scene rather than the primary focus.
I enjoyed the narrative as much as the photo, Mike, thanks so much. The photo has a sweetness to it, which is what you are talking about, with the softness, upturned face, and chickadee itself. I really like the sunlit features, and the little buds that look like magical crystals. Also like the whimsical curl in the vine near the top.
Thanks, Jet. I was in a strange mood this morning as I wrote this posting, not quite sure what I wanted to say or where I wanted to take it. Sometimes I think too much and try to analyze things instead of simply accepting them. Maybe it is enough to just say that I like the photo, but I keep trying to find the answer the “why” question. I think your term “sweetness” captures well the appeal of this photo.
Everything about this image is pleasing, Mike – makes me want to fly up beside the chickadee and get a better look at whatever has his attention. LOTS of energy in this image! And sufficient detail on the chickadee – love the light coming through edge of tail.
Thanks, Jazz. I don’t know if I was feeling a little insecure this morning, but your wonderful comment reassures me that my instincts were correct in deciding to post this image.
It works for me Mike! I think it is fine as is!
It gives a gentleness and soft beauty in mood. Well done.
Thanks so much for your kind comments.
Love the bright joyful burst of flowers!
~a verse of Anne Murray’s ‘Snowbird’ came to mind:
Beneath its snowy mantle cold and clean
The unborn grass lies waiting for its coat to turn to green
The snowbird sings the song he always sings
And speaks to me of flowers that will bloom again in spring
Thanks, Liz. I am familiar with a few songs by Anne Murray (like You Needed Me), but I am not sure that I have heard Snowbird. It was easy to find it on YouTube, though, and it is a beautiful little song.
I like it – the backlighting really appeals.
It doesn’t bother me. I think it’s a beautiful portrait of one of our cutest birds. This chickadee looks a bit rumpled, though. I wonder what he/she had been up to!
Thanks, Nina. 🙂