The Shiver

[Andre Pretorius]

Black Headed Heron captured at Leeuwdril waterhole in southern Kalahari.

Did two versions of this image- processed in LR then CS6. First I used TK luminosity masks with curves. I am no expert in curves, but I did not like the final image.
Tonight I started again from LR and did it in CS6 painting a mask manually and doing adjustment layers. Mask was inverted, feathered for work on BG.
Did some pruning in BG on a rock and some plants that may cause the eye to wonder...

Techs:
D3S with 600f4
1/2000 @ F5,6
ISO 500

WDYT?

[gail bisson]

I like the pose and seeing this new species ( for me anyway).
I feel the image needs a slight CW rotation. Bird looks great.
The HA police may not like the head position but I quite like it because he is gazing/looking out over the territory.
I would like a slightly tighter crop top and right because the bright area in the BG at the top of the frame is a bit distracting.
Can you post the unprocessed original? I ask because the BG seems unnaturally dark to me. I can see that the sun was out because of the bird's shadow so I feel the BG should be brighter. But. I could be way off the mark here,
Gail

[shane shacaluga]

The coloration of this heron is great. New species for me also

Exposure looks spot on and the feather details are very good too.

Agree on the CW rotation

TFS

[Daniel Cadieux]

The fluffing up pose created some nice separation and layers to the feathers. I agree the image needs some CW rotation, and for me yes, the head angle would have been better more towards us than away. I know it is not always possible, but for me a lower angle would have given you a smoother less distracting background...although I do enjoy the view of the plants in the FG and surroundings as is.

[Andre Pretorius]

Thank you all for comments.
I am unavailable this weekend, shall do repost on Sunday night.
Cheers!