Not the best of shots in terms of IQ and light, but this is the first time I have ever seen a Sora out in the open like this. I'd been out trying to get my first shot of one for about a month now. You could hear them every time I went out, and it sounded like they were laughing at you. Then, just two mornings ago, there was a small area where 6, SIX, of them decided to come out into the open. The view was still obstructed by some reeds, so I did my best to position the lens to reduce clutter and oof branches in the foreground. I was very tempted of getting in the water with them to get a better perspective, but the four alligators convinced me otherwise :)
Shot in DX mode on the D800 (really like the ability to quickly change this setting - to save space on the HDD). Then cropped by quite a bit. In post, there was a lot of patch tool - clone stamp - brush work to remove oof branches and clutter. Detail extractor on the Sora alone, then contrast boost with an S-curve. Selective sharpening on the head alone.
Miguel, I understand your elation and I too would have been very pleased to get the shot. I have to agree with you however the image quality is not up to your usual standard perhaps a little less crop would help, I am not of course aware of how many branches or clutter there was but maybe leaving some there would deflect attention from some of your reservations regarding quality??
Anytime you get to see this species so much in the open is a nice bonus for sure. I agree with your self-critique re: light and IQ. You could be successful luring one out with audio if you are so inclined using this technique.
Anytime you get to see this species so much in the open is a nice bonus for sure. I agree with your self-critique re: light and IQ. You could be successful luring one out with audio if you are so inclined using this technique.
Daniel ,I have tried the audio (although I am not experienced enough to know if I'm playing too much, so I usually keep on the side of caution and try not to play too much). My experience is that they call back, but never come out. Any tips to know how much is too much (and what isn't enough)?
Miguel, I understand your elation and I too would have been very pleased to get the shot. I have to agree with you however the image quality is not up to your usual standard perhaps a little less crop would help, I am not of course aware of how many branches or clutter there was but maybe leaving some there would deflect attention from some of your reservations regarding quality??
Thanks Jonathan, attached is the original (already cropped in camera using DX mode). I can definitely make this a looser crop, and it should help a bit. Thanks for the suggestion.
Congrats on getting this bird in the open but I have to agree that the stars just did not align for you on this one and it is reflected in the IQ. Hope you get another chance with them and preferably on an overcast day by the looks of the situation.
Sora in the open
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Originally Posted by Daniel Cadieux
