Kite's dinner time at sunset

[Paul Burdett]

I was able to watch this Kite for over half an hour whilst it was having dinner, taking a number of shots of differing angles etc. I've chosen this one to post purely because of the facial expression! I processed in ACR and Photoshop, cloning out a distracting branch above the bird. I know I've clipped the wing, but there were many distracting branches in front of the wing and despite trying different angles it was no better. I also feel that as the "action" is on the bird/prey I'm happy with the loss of the wing tip. I also tried cloning the dark branch at the top right of the image, but wasn't happy with the result, so left it in. Finally added a 50/50 Nik Color efex at 28% before resizing for the web.
I was able to get within 10 feet of the bird so this is only a small crop. Canon 7D mk2, 100-400 lens, hand-held, Manual exposure, f6.3, 1/1600th sec, iso500. Feeeback welcome as always. Cheers.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Well caught nice colours, there appears to be a faint halo around the beak where the loose fur is- possibly masking? If the Nik extends to the background on the RHS I would consider removing it. I am not sure if the NIK is doing you any favours around the eye/socket.

[Paul Burdett]

Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for the quick feedback...yes, didn't see it on my main monitor, but yes, it's due to masking (noise reduction). I'll also re-edit the Nik 50/50. Cheers.

[Paul Burdett]

Jonathan: Decided to re-edit this photo and omit the Nik 50/50. Thoughts?

[Jonathan Ashton]

I don't think you really lost anything significant by losing the Nik. I would carefully brighten the eye a little - not much!!- it would soon look unnatural. I still perceive a halo round the head & beak area.

[Paul Burdett]

Thanks Jonathan. The unedited original raw file has the "halo" that you and I can see...not sure why?

[Jonathan Ashton]

Thanks Jonathan. The unedited original raw file has the "halo" that you and I can see...not sure why?

I don't know why either unless the raw sharpening is too much?? Did you use DPP if so did you use Sharpen and Unsharp mask if so the latter can be omitted, sharpen at 3 is usually OK

[John Mack]

Your best yet. The repost is a nice improvement on a already great frame. The only thing i can think of is a touch more room below.

[Alex Becker]

Very nice prey item and the RP is good. I love the rats feet and tail. A couple areas on the side look a touch hot to me. TFS

[Paul Burdett]

Jonathan: I use raw ACR for all my edits followed by Photoshop. I do not sharpen in acr. In this case I feel the image was sharp enough and only required a tad more sharpening before resizing for the forum.
John: Thanks so much...nice to know I'm on the "right track". I could add more perch.
Alex: Thank you for the feedback. Yes, I lowered the highlights just in front of the wing, but agree there's still a hot spot.

[Don Lacy]

Hi Paul, Nice image great behavior captured and nice colors. The halo is caused by the contrasting colors of the deep blue sky and the Kites head it does not look like a sharpening halo to me. Also agree with lightening the eye and the area around it.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Paul if you use ACR then you could have used the brush to control the highlights and the dull eye. All images require some sharpening at raw stage, some more than others.

[Paul Burdett]

Hi Don. Thank you for the feedback. I agree regarding the need to lighten the eye/head area. Cheers. Jonathan...point taken. Cheers.