Green Heron

[Joseph Przybyla]

I captured this image at Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County, Florida. Comments and critique welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

Nikon D7000
Nikon 80-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VRII AF-S ED shot at 400mm (600mm FFE)
1/1000 F/5.6 Matrix Metering +1 EV ISO 720 AWB, camera supported by a monopod
Post processed in Lightroom 6 and Photoshop Elements 10
Cropped for composition and presentation

[stuart wanuck]

like image would suggest removing yellow spot

[Diane Miller]

I love this! Awkward pose and intense stare, complemented by great sharpness and detail! I like the soft foliage anchor on the BR. Would remove the two yellow spots, or greatly soften them with a partial-opacity clone.

The colorful area on the perch above the bill is lovely, but detracts from the bird somewhat. I'd lower saturation on it, but not get rid of the color altogether as it picks up some of the color from the bird. Nice to have an anchor on both ends of the perch!

[Randy Stout]

JOe:

Neat bird, great grip on perch. I like the yellows in bg to match the eye and beak, but would tone them down as suggested.

Overall I think the image is a bit washed out, and might suggest a multiply blend layer. As posted, this is at 47%, a bit high, but wanted to be sure the effect was visible. I did tone down the yellows a bit.

Cheers

Randy

[Karl Egressy]

Nice image, Joe. Love the pose and details. The repost by Randy looks better.

[John Robinson]

I agree with randys re post. Only minor difference but lifts it a little. Not too worried re the yellow. Pleasing shot whatever. I loe herony type birds.
John

[adrian dancy]

Some good comments above. It is a shame the bird's bill intersects with the perch but it is not a big detail.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Great shot Jo, I was about to say just a tad bright, I would suggest a little less dark than Randy's post.

[annmpacheco]

I like this Jo, i'll go for this darker exposure on the bird and less BG intensity. Fine perch and colors are great. well done.

[Joseph Przybyla]

Thanks everyone for viewing, commenting, and suggesting ways to improve the image. Here is a edit and repost trying to implement your suggestions.

[Diane Miller]

Perfect, for me! I love this little guy and his setting!