Weekly Theme: Hi, there!

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Note: Weekly Theme box didn't come up on the thread starter so I typed it in.

Greetings. Occasionally, the hummers get a glimpse of themselves (at least I think this is what happens) in the refection in the camera lens and pull up to investigate.



Topaz Simplify, I use BuzSim for a base liking the color & edges selections even if 0 simplify size. A couple of Topaz Adjust - ments for tone. Uprez detailing (uprez then Topaz Detail). NR beforehand, sharpening on BPN sized file. I missed some color noise in the bg that would take a full redo for another time.

Thanks for looking.

Cheers,

-MIchael-

[Nancy Bell]

I always like these "head-on" views of birds with both eyes visible, it seems to show more character than a classic portrait. Amazing feather detail & I really like the strong pink iridescence scattered on the head and gorget. Very striking capture with subtle & effective refinements! I think there could be a bit more space for the "virtual" right wing (as I look at it) and for the tail.

p.s. we are working on the "weekly theme" drop-down. It is a good idea to type it in for now.

[Hazel Grant]

Sharp, like the eyes and the reflection.

[Diane Miller]

Intense stare. He looks dangerous!!

[gary ellwein]

The eyes have it. Love the iridescence of the eyes. Great feather detail.

[LinzRiverBalmer]

very nice portrait, cool Comp for sure, just love it.

great PP if not for the perfect eyes this could easily be a fantasy type painting.

Love it.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

What a treat to have this guy staring you down. It is intense! They are little daredevils in flying and personality! I know the camera right wing is not totally visible, but would you crop to allow for it. Just a thought!

[Anita Bower]

Lovely detail in the throat, chest and head areas. The colors are amazing. My eye goes from the pink at the neck, to the eyes.

[Judy Howle]

That's a great head-on shot of a beautiful hummer. Love the bright colors!

[Michael Gerald-Yamasaki]

Nancy, Hazel, Diane, Gary Linz, Jackie, Anita, Judy,

Thank you all for your comments. I meant to get back to this one sooner intending to post a redo but ... I will extend on the right. I had shifted originally to place one of the eyes in the exact center (Mona Lisa trick)... there is some foliage on the bottom that will need cloning for space below, and the color noise needs a bit of work.

I probably have my most successful (to my mind) shoots with the hummingbirds, though, there is always something just out of reach... A few days ago I got to watch about 20 of them buzzing around and chasing each other on one large bush. It had the look of a beehive... so fast I didn't get a shot. Fun to watch though. I think the Allen's should start showing up soon (these have all been Anna's).

Thanks again for your comments.

Cheers,

-Michael-