A Semi major problem with Photoshop (the creative cloud app corrupted on my computer and no one seems to
be able to fix it), so although I use Capture One now for RAW processing, I still used PS for Topaz and TK actions.
So for now I am only using Capture for all processing.
This is 40% of original image shot at iso1600 with a D500.
I used only Capture NR and sharpening as well as downsizing and sharpening for posting.
Complete Capture one start to finish.
Tell me if you can tell....
D500, 500pf, f5.6, 1/500, iso1600 heron-1fin.jpg
It is still a work in progress...
Apart from a bit more sharpening on the face and neck, this is pretty nice. Neat perch, good BG. The tongue is a quirky bonus. I'd smooth out the small smudge blow the perch - I suppose that is where PS comes in handy, but you had a great file to work with without needing major processing.
Dan, the canvas has a ton of potential with regard to a nice lichen-covered perch, gorgeous bkg and well-lit subject with a sweet tongue out pose.
I do agree with Jon, just softer than normal from you, esp in the eye and head area.
FWIW, I cannot use PS 2021 as it keep crashing. Do you have a version of 2020 on your comp? If so, try that. Or ask support to try putting 2020 on for you; that's what I'm using now and everything is fine. It's one thing I hate about Adobe CC.
Thanks all, I can easily sharpen more, that is not an issue, cleaning up noise is..
Brian, this is worse than that, PS just stopped working completely, wont re-install, the Adobe techs spent
3 hours in my computer and could not fix... Apple issue apparently which is a nightmare so
I will just do the best in Capture I can, it could take awhile to get this fixed if you have ever dealt with Apple...
For Landscape photography, Capture is perfect. For Astro stuff I do, I use other software anyway,
Adobe is only necessary because of all the plugins for it, otherwise , mediocre at RAW processing,, noise and color anyway, IMO.
They have such a funny monopoly, if you have ever stacked photos, $24 third party is about 10 times as good, yet
people use PS because they don't know any better...
Dan if you you want a super converter that does a fantastic job it is Raw Therapee, but it is so complex, you can download and use it for free but boy does it take some learning!! It made my brain hurt so I went back to ACR.
Great pose and background. Gotta love that tongue. Image does seem a bit soft to me as well.
I stuck with my old version of PS for years, afraid to make the switch to CC for just the reasons you are facing. I finally loaded PS 2021 and haven't had any serious problems (although there were a few things I liked better in my old version), but I'm running Windows. I'll keep my fingers crossed.