Waxwing - what would you do?
Hi all,
I was hoping someone could advise. I just really want to know, looking at the attached image whether there was anything else you would do to the image? My gut feeling is that it may be a little bright but I just can't decide and I don't want to over process it. I'd really just value your opinion if possible.
Thanks
Simon
Last edited by Simon Wantling; 12-13-2012 at 01:22 PM.
Simon,
What a beauty, the first thing that comes to mind is to crop from the left and enforce the rule of thirds. The second is to work the eye a bit, darken the mixed light section. As you noted, light is the opportunity here - looks bright almost harsh. Please include exposure information (shutter, aperture, ISO, exposer mode and metering mode + camera and lens) so we can see what you were trying to achieve and in this case the time of day as well - what was the light doing.
Then, we can talk ways to improve the image like curves to add more mid-tone or levels or selective color adjustments adding +3 black for more pop! Also, why I am being so needy what post processing s/w do you use this can help as well. For example LRIII/PS have a function to add a graduated filter to the image and adjust the brightness - works great.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 12-13-2012 at 04:30 PM.
Thanks for reply Jeff. Yes, agree about the crop. I'd been toying with that. In terms of settings it was 7d, 100-400, f7.1, ISO400, 1/200ss, evaluative metering. The sun was low and wintery but was photographed around midday. To be honest, I just grabbed a quick shot as they were moving on quite quickly and I rushed home during my lunch break!
i have already processed it in camera RAW and PSE10. I've done a small levels adjustment, shadows and highlights and USM 0.3 / 130. That's about it. The trouble is that I can tend to over process images so just want to get this the best I can but I need to know when to stop. Any help would be appreciated or an example of a tweaked version using superior knowledge on the forum.
For me it boils down the the light from the right if the bird which is throwing the image out slightly.
Simon,
Having the light over your shoulder is usually best and try and work the subject and get the best angel. That being said, these guys are amazing and if I saw them on lunch I would probably do the same - remember this is a nice image you did well. True, some alternative post-processingmight make it stronger but the light is the opportunity here. Just curious how does the histogram look (did you clip on the right), the shutter seems slow but I was not there to experience the actual light conditions.
ps - you did well on the background it is muted and is non-distracting.
Last edited by Jeff Cashdollar; 12-13-2012 at 05:02 PM.
The shutter was slow Jeff but was more of a panic shot. I could have dropped the aperture but didn't really think about it and just took the opportunity. I wasn't aware of any highlight clipping but I did use the recovery slider a bit. I'd be very interested to know where I should make the adjustments to make the image stronger.
thanks again. Simon.
What is PST 10?I am looking for the ability to add a graduation filter and reduce the brightness? There are other options too.
2Jeff, just a guess on the s/w he used, I think it was PS Elements 10 (PSE10). I don't know if it has filter capabilities or not.
@Simon, Very nice image, I realy like the pose of the waxwing, but I agree with Jeff, it does look a little bright and harsh.
Colin
What a pretty waxwing Simon! I'm no expert at post processing (not even close), but to my eyes, it doesn't look too bright, but does look a bit hot. Try reducing the red and yellow midtones and/or hightlights with either color balance in PSE or during the raw conversion with color balance. This has worked for me before.
Simon, please please please post your technical data. Yes, the image looks too bright to me.
"It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera... they are made with the eye, heart, and head." - Henri Cartier Bresson
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Nice shot Simon but I agree with the others it does look a little bright. What really bothers me is blue on the right side of the picture, I don't know if maybe you can selectively darken that a little or not.
David
Thanks for all the comments. Very useful. I've attached a repost and wondered whether you think this is slightly better.
Last edited by Simon Wantling; 12-14-2012 at 01:43 PM.
The photo is very nice. Did you crop any of the bush before submitting the photo? I like showing the red berries - you have two nice ones here, and they give a little oomph to the image as well as representing the waxwing's favorite meal. I might globally decrease exposure 1/3 or 1/2 stop.
Apart from being slightly bright it is one excellent capture.
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