Pukeko2

Same bird as my last post.
Nikon D700
Nikon 500VR+1.4x
ISO 800, 1/500 f5.6 HH
RAW conversion LR3, some small plants, ripples cloned/patched in PS4. Tonal adjustments with Viveza2.
Comments and advice appreciated as always.

Tony I wrote a coment a few minutes ago on your last post of the swamp hen and just wanted to say that this one is even better, in fact, I do prefer this one with such a nice posture and green BG. The textures of the feathers and eye contact are really good and the blance between the purple and the green works really well. Well done!

Excellent techs and lovely pose. I am not sure about the reflection though. Would try a horizontal presentation with more room on the sides leaving most of the reflection out.

Tony:

I was struck by it on the 1st post of this bird, and again here. The complementary colors are great. Almost exactly opposite each other on the color wheel, it makes the images real eye candy, even without the subject being considered, which is pretty nice too.

I can 'see' how Ofer's suggestion would work, might be worth a try.

Cheers

Randy

Hi Tony, I prefer this version too - reason being, this angle shows up more detail from the wing. Lovely pose with the slightly raised foot, and you have exposed the colours very well. Good sharp detail too.

Works well for me Tony - the soft pastel colour all complement each other and creates an overall pleasing effect. I like the crop and format as is ;)

Superbly put together image Tony. Excellent composition, head turn and details. The even pale green water puts it over the top.

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Thanks for the crop suggestion, Ofer. Here's a quick try using content aware scaling to extend the canvas to give an idea.

Hi Tony, I like your repost but this is what I had in mind with some more room to the right.

Just realised it can use some boosting in colours and contrast. I see these birds practically every day in the local wetlands here in Sydney.

Thanks, Ofer. Looks good.

Ofer's repost looks great. And I agree with Juan that this new post is better than your previous one.

Very nice green water and pose.