In November, we were on vacation from frigid Minnesota to the desert in Arizona. The worst rains in decades occured. Rain and cold...day and night...for the entire trip. During a rare break in the inclimate weather, I got this shot of a Mourning Dove at the Wildlife World zoo. I really love this old lens!

[photographyguy74]

This is a good picture. I like the placement according to the Rule Of Thirds. I think that the only thing I might have done is slightly crop out some of the empty space above its head to make for a slightly tighter crop but it's not something that should absolutely be done in my opinion. Just offering a suggestion. Of course, as I am writing this, it kind of looks like the bird is composed according to the Rule Of Thirds both vertically and horizontally.

[Canada_Rockies]

By the way, that's Mourning not Morning. Its call sounds sad, causing people to think the dove is in mourning somewhere in ancient history.

[Na Horuk]

I like how the photo feels so soft. Soft bokeh, soft tones/contrast, even the bird's expression is serene! The background and the subject almost meld together. You really nailed the focus and DoF, too! Thanks for sharing, its a great photo

[ldj4549]

Thanks for the feedback. Ah, Mourning not Morning - I learn something new every time I'm here! Thanks!

[ant-duppy88]

Fantastic! It's perfect for me

[ivrabec985]

Great! I like the color, and softness that gives me while watching it.

[Rupert]

I have over a hundred Whitewing doves that feed twice daily on my cedar fence, and perch on the tree limbs in the "Woods of Otis". Accordingly, I have hundreds of dove shots, but none better than yours....fine shot! They are beautiful birds and their "mourning cries" are unique too.

Regards!

Keep you eyes open, I will post some Spanish doves later today, if you have never seen any you will be interested. They are truly unique in appearance!

[TedH42]

I like how the photo feels so soft. Soft bokeh, soft tones/contrast, even the bird's expression is serene! The background and the subject almost meld together. You really nailed the focus and DoF, too! Thanks for sharing, its a great photo

+1 what Na Horuk said.

And the darkness in the background frames the central flow through the dove. The low contrast and near-monochromatic treatment really set the calm and still mood of this image.

The A135 2.8 is a great lens, and goes well with this soft treatment.

Well done.

[OrchidJulie]

I like it very much, too! +1, for sure

[ldj4549]

Thank you all for the kind words and feedback! Of course, I am my own worst critic and this was the best confidence booster ever. Warmest regards from the arctic wasteland (Minneapolis) and a very Happy Holidays!

[Na Horuk]

Well if you insist on criticism, you should post in the Photo Critique forum
Only thing you might want to consider is a 16:9 crop, where you cut out the top. Makes the viewer more intimate with the subject. But aspect ratio is a whole can of worms

[Sailor]

I think this shot is beautifully done. I can put a name to only a few birds, but I recognize this one, since these doves are frequent visitors to our backyard.

Jer

[slowpez]

I like how the photo feels so soft. Soft bokeh, soft tones/contrast, even the bird's expression is serene! The background and the subject almost meld together. You really nailed the focus and DoF, too! Thanks for sharing, its a great photo

I agree. It is a lovely shot.