Julie,
LOVE the shots with the children. Absolutely adore the last shot with the color-ized birds and the washed out child's colorization.

I seldom see real affection between people and birds but these are very special in that regard. The boy adores them and they clearly adore him.

Lovely, lovely images. Technically outstanding and emotionally superior to anything I've seen in this genre. You do nice work, Julie. Or have I mentioned that before?

Jim

I really have to echo Jim's comments to you. I am amazed at your use of the bright background. It really works. And the combining use of desaturation and color is something I have had a bug a boo with for some time. Your use of it works in these images.

The only thing I have a problem with is the fake flowers with the birds. The images with the kids are wonderful!

Just beautiful! I just don't know what else to say. Wow!

I got started with serious photography with wild birds and would love to be able to do work like this. I've been in contact with a parrot rescue offering some volunteer work so I can get some experience with them. Ever thing of something like Phoenix Landing: http://www.phoenixlanding.org/

The macaw was standing on a perch like this one http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2754257 and I really didn't want it in the photo. I have the fake flowers and baskets, so, it was how I hid it. I am not really set up for birds, so, I improvised.

I have pink, blue and orange paper. I was afraid the other two colors would blend too much with the birds, and the pink was already down

I had no idea she was bringing her birds. I expected some danes, some whippets and some cresteds. I was pleasantly surprised to see the parrots.

From what someone who has raised parrots told me, these were exceptionally good birds, as they usually don't tolerate the strobes. I have no idea. They were just good.

very well done. . .

Fine work! This should sell some big prints.

Hey Julie,

Just wanted to echo everyone else's comments. EXCELLENT work. You really are doing great stuff. The shots with the children are outright spectacular. Having photographed two parrots in my life, and both times having to work my tail off to get the shots, I can only imagine what this took from you. The one critical comment I will make is about the flowers. They look fake to me. Having said that, they are perfect as well. It is just a criticism.

James

Honestly, these birds were beyond easy. They just sat and looked at me. The macaw and eclectus are used to traveling with their owner and the senegal is 15 years old and been living in a cage by itself for awhile.

I'd love to say I was a whiz with birds, but, I think the kudos go to the birds for being easy!

Wow the colors are just outstanding! I'll be a broken record and agree that the photos with the kids are great, I especially like the second.