Brown Pelican on Piling

Used Topaz Adjust, started with detail preset, increased the saturation. One thing about Topaz Adjust, other than being the biggest resource hog I've ever seen in a program, is that large halos can result. Therefore, as in this case, the subject (the pelican and piling) was selected and "adjusted" and the background left alone. One other thing is that the program, though not necessarily inducing noise, will magnify it if already present. Therefore a dose of noise reduction is often in order, which can be before, or usually after. In this image noise reduction wasn't used. This may sound crazy but I find that noise can sometimes be an asset to an image. If we were talking strictly about photographs I wouldn't agree, but in other images a background with noise in it is reminiscent of the "granular effect" that has been used in watercolor backgrounds for ages.
About the composition: I centered the bird, tried both right and left and found no advantage in either. Regards~Bill

Bill, I like the effect -it especially shows up on the piling. I agree w/ you that noise in an image can add to it if used on the right image. I like that you took the time to explain your steps and some of the problems that can occur when using Topaz Adjust.Nicely done.

Hi William,
I like your composition image and capture...The effect looks very nice. I like the multi color tones and hues on the piling...The details on your bird are sharp and the color rendition is good I like the head angle and eye contact. well done...:cool:

I agree with Gus...what's not to love? Good detail, nice comp, love the effects you've used to get the final result.