I love to try to fill the frame with my primary subject by using a telephoto zoom lens or a macro lens. Getting as close to my subject as possible helps me to capture an incredible amount of detail in some of my photos.
Sometimes, though, it is not possible or even desirable to zoom in on a subject, because I might then lose a sense of its context and environment, i.e. “the big picture.” Last week I caught sight of a pair of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) in the woods while I was wandering the trails at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. They were pretty far away and the light was far from ideal, but I decided to try to take some shots anyways.
The first photo shows a female bluebird. When I started to work on the photo, the first thing I noticed was that the eye was nicely in focus, one of my normal goals when capturing images of living creatures. The second thing that really delighted me was the red buds that were sprinkled about in the background—many of the trees are now starting to sprout buds and blossoms.
The second photo shows the male bluebird. He was in the shadows, so his eye is not very visible. However, the blue color of his plumage was very prominent and stood out against a very neutral background. In this image, I tried to take advantage of the natural framing of the tree trunks and branches to draw attention to the bluebird.
Some of my fellow photographers like to shoot only when conditions are ideal, but I am willing to take a photo of almost anything that captures my attention. The resulting photos may not be amazing, but they can be quite pleasing, as was the case with these two images of distant bluebirds.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I like the way you will take the shot. 👍. Why not 😂.
Thanks, Ted. The difference in approach, I think, is due, at least in part, to the way that a professional think versus the way I think. A professional, when taking a photo, may ask himself if the image is good enough to add to his portfolio, i.e. would some buy it, while I ask the less rigorous question of whether the resulting image might be interesting enough to post on my blog or on Facebook. 🙂
If you don’t take the shot, you know it won’t be good. Like you, I always try it. Sometimes the results are surprisingly good. Other times they’re awful but I learn something. Either way, it’s a win. And there’s no need to share the awful stuff! Even better! Your bluebirds look great. Especially the female with the redbuds in the background. It definitely feels like spring.
Very nice Mike! Always fun to photograph Bluebirds! I enjoyed seeing your Bluebird images!
If I took photos in good conditions only I would have nothing. Most of my shots I take in the morning, dull day or in dark bushes. It is my pleasure and I must not take care about technical correctness like professionals do.
You and I are very much alike in taking photos in all conditions. There is a real joy for me in taking advantage of whatever conditions I find myself in–there is beauty to be found everywhere.