"I often think people who can get the clear uncluttered backgrounds are just plain lucky.Often when I am out in the wild (forest, heavy bush etc) and trying to capture birds I dont have much choice. I would rather get the shot with foliage/branches/backgrounds etc than miss the
shot altogether. And even taking the time to reposition one self in hope of a 'better' background risks scaring the spooky/shy birds away. "

Hi Cheryl,

I think you are correct. Often times you have no control over the background...or often little control. However, I think that is also the difference between an awesome photograph and one that is a 'good shot.'

I think that we will all agree that Jim seems to have very good skills. His shots are generally well exposed and sharp - and he has lots of photographs that would be difficult to get. However, he is asking for a crique of his body of work. I hope that folks don't feel that I was being too harsh.

On another note, I will agree that we all should have a 'do no harm' method of photography. We should not be spooking our subjects in order to be getting better photographs.

James