Another Cardinal Please critique

[FocalFrenzy]

Another shot of a Female Cardinal taken the same day. This one, I adjusted the lighting in Photo Explosion, prior to posting. I think it improved the image alot. Thank you all for the advice.

[xxpinballxx]

I love the shot....but there are some areas I would change...1st the ice on the branches really competes and pretty much wins out as focal point....subject is rather dark compared...maybe a layer bringing out the cardinal. Then crop a bit to get the cardinal out of dead center.....
I really think the color of the bird against the branches and ice really is a nice look but a bit of post processing can bring more out of it....

[peeperita]

i had a look at the other image threads and wow is this shot ever the improvement.....you got the.....and pardon my expression.....nicest ice i've seen ......sweet shot...

peeper

[FocalFrenzy]

Thanks again for the advice. Does anyone know if "Layering" is an option in Photo Explosion (2005)? If so, any info on using it? Thanks, it seems that I've come to the right place to improve my hobby. You guys (and gals) are great.

[xxpinballxx]

im not sure but I dont think photo explosion has the same abilities as most but alot of people will swear by GIMP...i ahve actually never played that much with it but alot like Photoshop except absolutely FREE!

[Thunderpup]

Originally Posted by xxpinballxx

I love the shot....but there are some areas I would change...1st the ice on the branches really competes and pretty much wins out as focal point....subject is rather dark compared...maybe a layer bringing out the cardinal. Then crop a bit to get the cardinal out of dead center.....
I really think the color of the bird against the branches and ice really is a nice look but a bit of post processing can bring more out of it....

+1....Nice image.