747

nikon d 800
300 mm
ps 6 oil

Stuart, the oil filter effect works nicely on the heron. The subject is well captured with good eye contact and feather detail in the brightly exposed areas. I find the bg distracting with the image sharply divided into two distinct zones. The oil effect on the water at the top is strong and dominates the image. Toning down the filter effect of the area may be helpful. If mine I would also tone down the brightness and saturation of the water and crop a third to half of the water from the top.

The title made me smile! Good choice for this stretched out, flying heron! I would consider cropping away most up the blue water in the upper part of the image, making this a pano. I agree with Gary that it sharply divides the image and distracts from the bird and the interesting detail of the grasses.

I also think it needs a crop from the top.