Paint by Number

Attachment 191728

Just a sweet female Blue Grosbeak putting on a show during breeding season.

R5
840mm
Handheld
ISO 3200
1/800
f6.3

LR and PS, selective DN. Smoothed one small area in bkg and removed second catchlight.

Brian are you shoot Raw or C-raw?

I shoot raw Steve

Here is a version with a light dodge and contrast reduction in the face. After circling back, it felt a bit overloaded...

Attachment 191730

Hi Brian .... at least I will try to give you constructive feedback :bg3:
On a purely personal basis I think the majority of your latest postings are " single bird on a single skyward stick " ..... mmmhhhhh .... hope you do not get me wrong !!!
All does look very " similar" in the context ... maybe folks become bored ???!!!! Not sure .... maybe I am wrong !!!

I for myself do enjoy the technical aspect , but do step into the trap of becoming " bored " in the context of content .
Fully understand your enthusiasm ... though , I would be excited myself having your options to shoot this kinda images .

As for the image I do like the overall pastel color and tonal range in the low to mid frequencies , just the the high frequencies are a bit " strong" for my personal taste .
I might go deeper with the tones ( selectively ) in the subject and lighter ( globally ) in the BG .
Just see it as an alternative ....

TFS Andreas

Man, that is some background! Perch leaves a bit to be desired, but your view to the subject is about perfect in terms of shooting angle and head turn. I really like the feather detail across the back and wings. The repost does like slightly less processed and more natural.

Nice pose,nice bird,nice light. What could you ask more for? A killer background. Check.

I am confused as to how perfectly executed images made in soft light would be considered boring. Love the BKGR tones and how the flaking stuff on the perch pick up the tones of the bird and the BKGR.

Keep em coming.

with love, a