It’s been a minute since I shared bird images. Today I am sharing Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Chickadee photos. Are they dark and moody, or are they low key?

Low key immature Tufted Titmouse, Sebastian County, ArkansasLow key immature Tufted Titmouse – Canon R7, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1250, -1.7 EV, Canon 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

A few days ago, while photographing birds in the afternoon, I had dark backgrounds behind the titmouse and chickadee. That specific background area was heavily shaded by pine trees.

The sun wasn’t all that bright due to cloud cover, but it was bright enough to photograph the birds.

When the birds flew in, they were too bright, so I had to dial back my exposure setting to compensate for the brightness.

Immature Tufted Titmouse with a dark background, Sebastian County, ArkansasImmature Tufted Titmouse with a dark background – Canon R7, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1250, -1.7 EV, Canon 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

I wasn’t sure I’d like the resulting photos.

But I did. I really did.

I can still see all the fine details in the plumage of the titmouse and chickadee despite my negative exposure settings. The colors are accurate, and I like the mood conveyed in all the images.

Low key adult Carolina Chickadee, Sebastian County, ArkansasLow key adult Carolina Chickadee – Canon R7, f8, 1/1000, ISO 1250, -1.3 EV, Canon 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

Are the images really low key? I’m not sure I really care whether they are actually considered low key; I just know I like them.

Even though this chickadee has a black cap showing against a dark background, I can still see fine feather details in that dark area, especially in the full-sized original file.

Under the chin? It’s a little harder to see. I’m okay with that. I think that adds to the dark and moody feeling.

Carolina Chickadee with a dark background, Sebastian County, ArkansasCarolina Chickadee with a dark background – Canon R7, f8, 1/1600, ISO 1250, -1.3 EV, Canon 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light

Once again, I’m glad I photograph for myself. For my own tastes. For my pleasure. Your tastes may vary, and that’s perfectly fine.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Tufted Titmouse photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Carolina Chickadee photos plus facts and information about this species.