Petroica phoenicea (Flame Robin)

IUCN Status: Near Threatened

During a recent visit to the National Geographic top 50 photos of all time exhibit, three lessons about photography that I needed to relearn:
1. That the worth of an image is subjective. Some images resonate in a deep way with us individually, while sliding straight off the person beside. Seeking universal admiration of work is a sure way to be disappointed.
2. An image should tell a story. It can be implied and subtle, or bold and obvious.
3. A great shot doesn’t require perfect image quality. Subject, composition and light are far more important than sharpness and noise.

I’ve been so obsessed on perfect image quality, I’m sure that images worth sharing have been culled. This one is actually pretty good, but not perfect… and I love it.