I encountered this elusive bird in Minnesota this spring. I was fortunate to get a relatively clean bg. I selectively used Nik CEP4 Tonal Contrast and Detail Extractor on the bird. A mild texture was applied to the bg. I intended to submit this as part of the Summer theme.
Gary, this must have been a perfect base image. Great detail. The only thing I'd change is I would eliminate the horizontal reed on the left edge that's pointing at the bittern.
Hey Gary, This is quite lovely; you made the most of a great chance as this is not an easy species to photograph. Your treatment is soft and pleasing. I love the black on the neck. Compositions like this are very difficult. You did pretty well but I think that pointing the camera down a few inches and maybe a bit more to the right would have improved the image design while showing us more of the bird. As presented, the negative space overpowers the bird. In addition, a bit more of that lovely green grass would have been a plus.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
ps: I am thrilled that you and Lynn will be joining Denise and me next year on the Palouse IPT. Folks can scroll down here for details.
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,