First Open Post

Hi - Well this is my first post in the open forums - please dont let that discourage you from HONEST critiques (I am happy to take all advice I can get)

I took this last weekend at one of Australia's premier bird spots (Melbourne Water's Western treatment plant)

Whistling Kite

D3
Sigma 300-800 Zoom @ 800 mm. (Using car window as support)
1/2500th
F5.6
0EV
400 ISO

Removed a couple of background distractions via QM in PS. Sharpened a little ( Seems to be very easy to over sharpen this subject)

Thanks

Lance

Welcome to BPN, Lance! Very nice first post. I like the light open beak and BG. There is a sharpening halo around bird and perch. I would reduce the contrast for more details in the blacks and crop a bit off the top. Keep them coming!

Hi Alex - thanks heaps mate - I will rework and repost tonight (started work already - your suggestions make a huge improvement)

Lance

Lance
Axel did a great job of critiquing.....and it will make a big difference. The basics are there........and I like the setting....and the bird with open beak. I'll look for your repost tonight.

Welcome Lance,

Take a look at Artie Morris' recommendations for creating a JPG for posting at http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ead.php?t=5598. About 2/3rds the way down, see Free Excerpt....

I - ok made some adjustments - this time with my glasses on! Really must remember to wear them - my eyes are not what they used to be.

went back to the raw file and did some adjustments via shadows /highlights in P.S. also reshrpened.

lance

Robert - thanks for the link - awesome.

lance

The repost looks much better, well done!

Lance
I like the repost much better. Now....you still need to work on those halos. If you select just the bird/perch to sharpen, then you won't get the halos. Also....it will prevent sharpening in the BG that can cause noise.

another shot at it, Lana I cannot see the halos you are reffering to, maybe my monitor?? or I am just not lookin gin the right place.


also converted to SRGB.
Thanks

Lance

Lance
Look specifically at the areas of the dark feathers where they touch the light BG in the tail feathers. I see a very narrow "white" halo. That halo develops when a dark area touching a light area are sharpened a lot. If just the bird is selected and then only it sharpened, the halo doesn't develop.

Welcome back Lance...:D How was your vacation? good I hope...:cool: Your composition is great...I like your secound re-post...:) It looks much better than the first. I would also take off the top of the frame just a wee bit. The eye is sharp and the details are there...good job my friend...:D:cool: