Pied Avocet

[Loukie Viljoen]

This Avocet was a very B&W bird aginst a gray background, to keep detail in all was a bit tricky, I still feel not quite happy Regards Loukie

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Date/Time: 2008:09:11 07:53:22
Shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Flash: Off
Metering mode: Evaluative
Drive mode: Continuous
ISO: 640
Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM +1.4x
Focal length: 700mm
AF mode: AI Servo AF
White balance: Auto

[Tony Whitehead]

This is a challenging shot, Loukie. The soft light probably makes it as easy as it can be. Love the water drop on the bill. Would probably prefer a little more room around the bird and maybe a little of selective sharpening on the eye. Was this another Marievale shot?

[Doug Brown]

I like the pose and the water drop Loukie, but the image looks like it would benefit from a levels adjustment. I've done it here (reset the white point), and I also did some selective sharpening and boosted the saturation of the iris. How do you like it?

[Sabyasachi Patra]

The water droplet makes the image interesting. The iris job by Doug makes it more interesting.

[Loukie Viljoen]

Doug I can just say WOW, thanks for the improvement suggestions I am not into curves yet, maybe road or other curves, not CS3 yet, I will try, thanks regards Loukie

[Loukie Viljoen]

Yes Tony this was at Marievale, it is warming up, so things should improve. Regards Loukie

[Alfred Forns]

Excellent capture Loukie and the re post by Doug takes it over the top !!! Excellent work !!!

Can only suggest a little more room, seems tight !!! Excellent image What are you using for processing? MIght be able to have suggestions.

[Loukie Viljoen]

Alfred, I am using CS3 but learning all the time, just been at it since about Jan 2008

[Ramon M. Casares]

Very nicve, the repost looks better but PP is not a "real" problem as you can just re edit the file over and over until you get it right, techs look right on, love the water drop! Just one very fine shot! Congratulations!

[Alfred Forns]

Loukie send a pm if you get stuck :)

[Loukie Viljoen]

Alfred thank you, all help appreciated. Regards Loukie

[Linda Robbins]

Lovely image. Doug's repost shows just how important good post processing work can be. If you can't reach Al, I'll be happy to help you with any problems you run into with learning CS 3...just an email or pm away!