Theme: great blue heron on river dyke

[Bob Smith]

These guys make such lovely subjects for portraits that I couldn't resist another one. Canon 5D IV, EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II, ISO 640, f/8, 1/800, Enduro tripod

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love the plumage detail, and the perfect head angle. I do find the image dark overall, and I would have like to have seen the heron a bit higher in the frame. It's nice when an adult GBH cooperates like this!

[Bob Smith]

HI Daniel and thanks for the comment . I don't know why but this image display is a bit truncated from the way I intended the post, as you can see if you look at the thumbnail, which shows the full image. I've tried it again in this reply and the same thing happens. It's interesting to me that you see the image as dark....I know I tend in post to push the intensity of my colours and contrast and light. I'm not sure if this is just an area of taste or "artistic expression" or style but I know I have to be careful not to overdo it and in fact after an initial processing I often go back and tone my first efforts down a bit..... .

[John Mack]

Agree with Daniel about the image being dark overall. The thumbnail looks dark as well. Nice portrait here though like the composition and the detail on the bird.

[Bob Smith]

I guess I'm one of those guys who have to be hit on the head twice...how's this....and I resized it and got the whole image in.

[Bill Dix]

Lovely portrait with perfect HA. Repost helps; it appears you did brighten it up a bit, as was needed IMO.

[Isaac Grant]

Nice details and the bird looks super cool against that background. Repost is better for sure but I think you could take it further and brighten it up a bit more and also warm it up a little.

[Bob Smith]

Thanks fellows. I tried your warming suggestion Isaac and , while I like the blue hue of the OP, bringing it from a temperature of 5050 to 5800 gave it a nice grey effect. Going beyond that it started to turn yellowish. ATTACH=CONFIG]175310[/ATTACH]

[Isaac Grant]

Looks better Bob. Minor change but has a big impact.

[Bob Smith]

I'm glad you pointed that out Isaac....I really appreciate the help I've received with this image in appreciating the significance and importance of subtle changes in exposure and temperature and in experimenting with settings a bit rather than sticking with first outcomes.