Composite

I have been busier these last few days...very cold here, so lots more to do at work....I want you all to know that lots of the blurs you've posted are great...enjoy this week...
This photo is from my files a composite..like the sunset and added the hawk..just reduced its size...Paul

Paul, Nice composite work and the hawk looks good on the diagonal. Lovely colors!!:)

Nice image and rendering Paul.

A slight fill flash to show the eye might have helped, but I like it as is.

Like your composition, Paul. Very nice pose on the hawk, and I like the colors. I would give the BG a pass of noise reduction. I wonder how it would look with the hawk as a silhouette, though I do like it as presented too.

Very nice composition and appeals a lot to me. I love the bg and the colors range. Agree with Christopher on the need to reduce bg NR.

Thank You for all the comments..Reduced the noise in this image, lightened the head and darkened the eye
Chris, I tried your idea but didn't look right, I think it would have worked if I'd had a different head angle.

Makes sense, Paul. Good job on the repost! :)

It's a beautiful composite Paul. We've missed you this week:)

Love the composition bur from where I sit the bird needs to be sharper and brighter as it appears quite muted. Perhaps I am missing something....

Artie..your not missing anything...I do this to offset the boredom here at my job..take tonight for example..8 hours into a 12 hour shift and phone hasn't rung once..so I work on an image each night..above is tonights

I practice using CS4....some nights I get a winner, some nights they suck but doesn't really matter as long as I learn what works and what doesn't.
"OOTB is a great sounding board"
Red-Tail image was crap to start with but the fanned tail is what I needed..just trying to make the best of it..believe me when this image is on a textured canvas, as either an oil/watercolor/poster edge image..you don't see the lack of sharpness :D

I don't do this for money..I print them, when friends come over I let them take what they want..to hang..most of my better OOTB images are in friends and familys rooms
(probably some in garages too..lololol)

This is not a believable image...but I challenge myself to make it as believable as I can
The most important thing is I learn to use my software

thanks for comment

Thank You All for your comments

Thanks for the explanation Paul. It all makes sense now.

What is your job?

LOLOL...I have a Homer Simpson job...power plant operator....but I respond to all emergency, mechanical, electrical problems for over 80 buildings....my boss tells me its not what I do..its what I know..

Enjoy Christmas at your Mom's...Have a great festive season

Thanks Paul. It sounds as if you have the type of job where total boredom is great!