It was late afternoon as we cruised down the Chobe River in search of subjects to photograph, we saw this magnificent White Heron systematically streching and then preening every part of his body.....
Hi Tim, cool pose and interesting background. I wish there was more detail in the whites and for me the image looks a little crunchy around the head and neck. I would also consider putting the copyright sign elsewhere as it is a little distracting. Thanks for sharing.
Welcome Tim!
I like the pose a lot.Dramatic lighting.
There are a couple of issues that I see that could easily be addressed in PP.
I think there is too much contrast and the blacks feel choked up. I would reduce the contrast and play with levels or curves to bring out the blacks.
You also should do some noise reduction to the BG.
I would like a bit more room below and think your signature should be moved to the corners.
Looking forward to your participation,
Gail
Dramatic pose and very nice processing. I usually don't care for high contrast but like this one, although it could be interesting with the blacks eased up just a little. The darks are pushed hard against the left edge of the histogram.
You've embedded AdobeRGB as the profile, but for web viewing, sRGB is the choice, as some browsers on some computers won't display the tonal range and colors correctly.
I agree with more image below and I'd park the copyright in the tree on the right.
Hi Gail,
Many thanks for your most constructive remarks and suggestions...
I can see that you are certainly a perfectionist in what you do and your sharp eye for detail is impeccable....
I am really rather technically challenged and need all the help I can grab, but you have made me realise that once I have completed an image, I should go back and recheck the things like BG noise...I must say that I failed on the score
Most of my work is printed onto canvas and block mounted as I specialise in wildlife and birds... I have gotten used to the earthiness of canvas and I guess have lost the subtleties over which I should take greater care in future so your comment re:noise is sincerely appreciated.
I note that you have been to Africa previously and if you ever start thinking about another trip and need some suggestions from a local I would be delighted to offer some input.
We travel around sub-Saharan Africa a lot and have a pretty good handle on where the hot spots can be found as well as the seasonality which is very important.
Thank you again for your kind interest and help. Much appreciated.
Howzit Richard:
Thanks for the input... The shot was taken in the afternoon and the light was fading fast, so I thought that I would try and get a dramatic shot, which is why I took out two stops of light in an effort to darken the back ground and bring out the fine detail in all the feathers....As you know white anything against a black back ground is a challenge which motivated my thinking, but your point is well taken and I thank you.
Yes, I was going to change the position of the copyright but it just skipped as I was in a bit of a rush to go to town...
Hi Tim, I quite like the pose as the Egret stretches out, but a few frames on and I think having the wing clear of the perch would have been better, plus having the zoom you could 'pull' out to capture the moment. I might look at a square format, loosing some off the top?
I think from recollection, previous posting the RGB issue has come up, I think I would address this quickly as your images will be better for it and I bet it's just an unchecked box Based on the techs, the noise is really surprising and I think amplified by adding Black, Contrast and Clarity, pulling these back (see your Histogram the warning triangles are there) a lot more detail starts to show. The blacks are really heavy, choking the any detail. Go easy on the sliders and only adjust them if they make a difference. If you want a darker top left which I like along with the warm tones, then if you are struggling in PP then double process, or 'bracket' your exposures which might also be an option perhaps?
Tim you owe it to your images and the time it takes to get them, just take the PP slowly, the results with that kit will be awesome!
I did tweak it all too much to get the drama, but it looks like I went overboard... I hear everyone loud and clear and that is why I am enjoying this site for it's constructive input...
I am pretty technically challenged and so I am trying my best to learn as much as I can...
I am also scratching at getting my head around the actual workings of this site and how to post.... I posted a shot of a baby baboon today and really thought it was in the right place to start a new thread but it looks like I have messed it up ...
I seem to have got the hang of actually getting an image posted but am unsure on how to find the place to post the bird shots and the other place to post the wildlife shots...
Is there any chance that you could point me in the direction of the right guidlines which will tell me how to locate the Bird postings and the Wildlife Postings please?
Hi Tim, If I understand your question correctly...post your birds in the critique forum called avian i.e. this one. And your animal/other wildlife photos in the critique forum called wildlife. Have an awesome evening and keep the great pics coming. Cheers. Rich
White Heron yoga
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