Fun With Filters

I had this image in my toss out file but thought I might salvage something with some filter work. I started by adding a flood filter below the bulkhead since it was just an expanse of concrete. I then used fractalious starting with the BW sketch 3 preset, but raised the saturation just a touch. The egret was way too tight on the top, so I added canvas (maybe coulda used more) and cloned in some backround. I then used masks on the eyes, beak, and feet to bring back some detail there. This resulted in a bit more color coming back, so I masked the backround a bit and felt the touch of color pulled the image together. So now I'm ready for comments and suggestions. Thanks to all for all the help you give.

All of your work certainly paid off, the end results are really striking, TFS!

Nice effect Dave. The white bird really stands out from the BG and just the right amount of FRAC IMHO:)

Dave, This is stunning! I love the effect and the dramatic look it created. Perfect use of the filter. Congrats on this one:)

Nice save. Great movement of the Egret and the reeds. The filters break up the hard line of the concrete very nicely.

Good job Dave. I really like the effect on the water and the concrete. I'd like the background to be a bit more subdued, and perhaps a slightly thinner white line around the bird, but these are pretty minor. regards~Bill

Thanks everyone for the kind words and encouragement. I have learned so much from the talented folks here and truly appreciate the constructive advice. It can sometimes be hard for a 63 year old mind to grasp some of this newfangled digital stuff :D but you guys keep the inspirations coming with each of your posts. Thanks for the encouragement.

Beautiful work, Dave! :) Excellent pose and effect.

Everything works beautifully here. Inspired work to use the the flood filter. Like the subdued tones too. k

Thank you Christopher and Kora. I appreciate your time and comments.