Feeding my chick

This is my first submission to OOTB. This image was taken at Nickerson beach on Long Island. I was hoping the original image was sharp but no such luck, focus was too soft! Anyway this is an adult tern flying in to feed its chick. After an inability to save the image using typical PP techniques, I tried to salvage it with rough pastels. I also dodged over the eyes to bring them out a bit and cropped in tightly. The original image was taken with a HH CanonEOS 40D, ISO 800, F/8, 1/2500. Of course comments and suggestions are appreciated.

Hey Nick and welcome to OOTB. :)
I like what you did with the textures. The chick's head is well placed, I would, however, like to see just a fraction more of the adult. Though I like your creation a lot. :) Thanks for sharing

Nick, First of all Welcome to OOTB!!! Great idea here!! I loved seeing the Terns with their chicks at Nickerson!! I did a S/H adjustment and added some white around the eyes-hope it looks ok. It's before my coffee!!! You could spend a bit more time with it getting the colors right-but I would open it up a bit. Nice first post!!!:)

I would agree with Denise. I think you have a good image and I have been there and done that as to making soop from stones, as Denise likes to say. I think if you work her suggestions you can come up with an image that matches your vision, though not "realistic" it need not be to be enjoyed.

Maybe a little less texture would bring out the image a little more. Don't give up, the base is very nice. Just needs to be modified to bring out the best of it.

Welcome and enjoy the view. We all share the joy of making something different from images we take. Whether or not those images are of themselves worthy of viewing.

Hi Nick, Good attempt on this one. I like what Denise did with this since it brought more definition out of the subjects. For my taste I might take out the white area on the upper left.

Took some of your suggestions. Welcome back Dave! When are we going to Nickerson so I get this shot in focus???

I like it Nick. :cool:

I know it is an abstract, but it is neat. ;)

The lighter texture, along with the application of Denise's comments, brings out the image while adding to the overall effect.

Nicely done! :cool:

I like the repost Nick, very much. Well done buddy. :)

Hi Nick, The repost is a big improvement. Let you know about Nickerson after I heal from this case of gout. Nice seeing your activity in this section...

Love your last repost, texture and colors are rocking!