Theme: Bright Blue Jay Day

[Hazel Grant]

I think we all are having a bit of fun with this theme. Original of our resident bluejay was a bit dark and dull for a beautiful summer afternoon, but Simplify bright cartoon make the day more fun, for me if not for him

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Hazel, I love the bright colors and the cartoon look. I'd probably crop a little off of the left and have the edge touching the second blue leaf at the top. And maybe lighten the jay just a tad.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

I like all the bright colours too Hazel. Cheryl has a good idea about lightening the bird. It would make it stand out as the subject I think! You could also try content aware if you have Photoshop.

[gary ellwein]

Hazel, this is a fun image with all of the bright colors. I agree with Cheryl relative to the crop. My approach to highlighting the jay was to apply a curves adj. and lighten the entire image. Using a mask, I selectively darkened the jay, perch and birdhouse to taste.

[Hazel Grant]

Good suggestion Gary. This does make the jay stand out more. He was in a shadow on the tree, so that helps a lot.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Repost looks great, Gary