Hot Light Great Egret

[Dave Phillips]

This was taken on a morning when the sun came up with a
hot hot light. Very bright and the egret was in the shade of a tree.
For the pros, are hot highlights ever acceptable in an image like this?

ISO 800, 1/250, f/7.1, -.33ev, 400mm w/1.4x
Thanks for looking and c/c

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the idea and pose but the highlights look borderline hot. You could try to tone them down a bit.

[Dave Phillips]

I like the idea and pose but the highlights look borderline hot. You could try to tone them down a bit.
thanks for input Axel, actually I have already toned down a lot. May try from RAW again

[Arthur Morris]

Hi Dave, Looks pretty good from here. Are there any 255 whites?

later and love, artie

[Dave Phillips]

Hi Dave, Looks pretty good from here. Are there any 255 whites?

later and love, artie

appreciate you looking in Artie.
Yes there is full 255 between chin and neck.
This one I maxed at 247 and it does look less harsh.....thanks guys