Originally Posted by
Steve Kaluski
Hi Ann, this is a really nice image, love the ruffled feathers and the perch is priceless and having the vine just in bud is the icing for me. The dark background really makes the subject pop and provides an excellent separation between the two. Assuming this is a crop, then a sliver more below I feel would help the overall framing.
Reading some of the feed back and looking at the image I do find it slightly 'contrasty' and what I mean by that is that I get the impression the Black & White sliders have been pinch on the histogram in Levels to point where the Blacks are almost choking, amplifying the lack of detail and the whites having zero tone. If correct, then perhaps backing off with a slight reduction in the exposure you may then find that you start to get some more Midtone back and this is where your detail is which gives the sharpness. Therefore, taking Jon's point, having some more detail (tone) and toggling the Yellows in HSL the plumage may start to back? There are more complex ways to get more back, but then we are into a greater depth with PS. In addition if you are using LR then this will compound the Contrast & Blacks as soon as you import the file, along with the choice of filter LR have chosen to add in, not a good move by LR.
Ann, this RP is not ideal, but only to illustrate my points and using an sRGB file reduces the limits in how far you can take a file. I would perhaps keep your backdrop as is?
Enjoyed viewing the posting.
TFS
Steve