Comment from Anne
I missed this one and it is beautiful. I like the way you caught the cardinal like this. I like the way the branch looks in this. I like the way you left the background in this one. The way it looks like a painting is excellent. A beautiful and excellent picture.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from Loyd C. Taylor, Sr
What a beautiful bird and he does look as if he is ready for your shot.
It looks almost like a painted picture.
I enjoyed this great post and wish you the best!
Loyd

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 04-Jan-2012

thank you so very much!

reply by Loyd C. Taylor, Sr on 04-Jan-2012

My pleasure. Please take a look at my work when you have time. Loyd

Comment from Kenneth Dinkel
I love cardinals and you captured this one. The concept of the
palm tree like abstract back ground is wonderful. the spiny branch with the intricate details also bring strength to the work. The bird itself centered nicely and in harmony. Well Done!

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 04-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from Flight_of_Raven
What a creative rendering of a cardinal shot! I think you made a great decision when you applied this filter... this photo can truly be mistaken for a painting, and the effect is especially nice in the background.. the needles have blended together perfectly to make a nondistracting, neutral, harmonious background for your subject, which stands out nicely due to good control of focus and exposure and strong color contrast. I really like that even though this has the delight of a painting, it is full of the details of a photo.. a great balance between the two! Really well done, a delight to view!

 Comment Written 04-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 04-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from marieann green
Good technique in creating this image.
The photograph is very nicely composed with lovely colors. I wish you good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 04-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much! Don't forget to vote!

Comment from Godsgirl
Wow what a great photograph you got here!! The poster edge filter is interesting but i think it would have been a beautiful shot without it also.

0-5
Lighting - 5
Focus - 4
Color - 5
Center of interest - 5
story telling - 5
creativity - 5

Thanks for sharing this beauty with us all!! Blessings on the contest!! :)

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 03-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from Daliant
Love the lines created by the branches.Nice subdued colours. Good composition. You treatment has created a lovely image

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 03-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from s neufeldt
I really like the effects of the background looks very different and nice, i love the perch and pose of this guy he looks as though he is coming in for something

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 03-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from suzannethompson2
Very good close up of the lovely male Cardinal and a great entry for the Red contest. I like the angle you caught him at, perched on the branch. Lighting and focus very good showing excellent detail. Very nice composition.

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 03-Jan-2012

Thank you so very much!

Comment from Echo7
Good seeing something different from you Willie, great entry.

The compostion is very good. Lovely overall exposure & a superb range of shadows & highlights.

Cant say much about focus due to the effect...but clarity is really good & i fully trust your focus would have been perfect.

Lovely complimentary range of colours & hues

 Comment Written 03-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 03-Jan-2012

thank you so very much!