Eager to Learn Spotlight Image for week ending November 2nd, 2012: Jeannean Ryman - Great Blue Heron at sunrise

[Daniel Cadieux]

Congratulations Jeannean!

This photo was taken in the same vicinity the "Dancing Reddish Egret" was taken (South Padre Island, TX), but it was extremely calm this past Friday morning. I like the smoothness of it all, but am struggling with the tone of the background. Since it was at sunrise, there was a very heavy pink color cast. The three bands of color are shallow water, deeper water, and then the sky. I've played around with a few different versions, but am leaning towards the softer color version. Can't decide if it looks too washed out, or if it works to set off the heron? Any comments, suggestions, or tips are always appreciated. (Exif: Nikon D7000/500mm f/4-P @ 1/1000. f/5.6, ISO 400 on a tripod/gimbal head.) Processed in LR 4/CS5.