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Thread: Grey heron (Ardea cinerea)

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Default Grey heron (Ardea cinerea)

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    Image capture in Mull, I have submitted a similar image previously, this is with a slightly different workflow. I am keen to see what you think!
    OM-1 300mm f4 & MC 14 (840mm equiv ff)
    ISO 4000, 1/2500sec f5.6

    ACR/PSCC

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    Hi Jon, whatever you changed in your workflow works for me. Color, exposure and focus/sharpening look good. I like the feet dragging the water, egrets and heron do that here when they are dip fishing to keep contact with the water. Thank you for sharing.
    Joe Przybyla

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Nice clean individual! The foot-dragging takes it up a notch or two. A lower angle would have worked but I realize not always possible. The fine texture in the water is very nice.

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    Avian Moderator Brian Sump's Avatar
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    Hi Jon, nice pose on this Heron.

    The moss/algae in the water is a bit distracting but the subject (and head) fit nicely into the opening.

    Agreed that a lower perspective would have been nice. What did you change in your flow, curious?

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    Macro and Flora Moderator Jonathan Ashton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brian Sump View Post
    Hi Jon, nice pose on this Heron.

    The moss/algae in the water is a bit distracting but the subject (and head) fit nicely into the opening.

    Agreed that a lower perspective would have been nice. What did you change in your flow, curious?
    Brian, I have been starting the processing using differing profiles. I find the default Adobe Color is a bit on the heavy/contrast side and the colours a little too colourful. I use a modified "Standard" profile with much of the contrast taken out and I went onto using linear profiles, getting variable results. ( I am always looking on the internet for different approaches to processing). The main reason for that variability is down to me so I took a step backwards and reconsidered what I was trying to portray. I have also been thinking more about the foreground and background, Steve prompted me to think a little more about these factors. Andreas has also been helpful in making me think about the image as opposed to just applying the routine process and not going any further. I now find myself thinking about the subject and then the presentation of the subject in regard to the environment in a more critical way. I don't use multiple processing aspects because I can, I use them if I think they are required. In essence I try to improve efficiency by doing the minimum to achieve the best effect I can. I am now trying to apply a consistency of thought but using a differing minimal array of adjustments to achieve the result I want. I have previously been rather stuck in a rut simply trying to portray subjects as I recall them, now I temper this aspect by asking myself if a little enhancement here or there would be beneficial and still be close to the truth.

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    Avian Moderator Brian Sump's Avatar
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    I can really appreciate this thought process Jon. Truly, as I have been through this roulette multiple times myself.

    Of course, intensity of colors and boldness at the end can often predicate how we start. For months, I started with Standard or Neutral but found it more labor intensive to try to build up contrast and thus, more recently have begun with Color, pulling back contrast and then using some lum masks to adjust in PS. I still have a ways to go in terms of processing (being personally critical) but each iteration over time helps build a preferred style.

    Also appreciate your comments about using tools. I see Steve doing some creative things with FG and BG and that can really help an image pop. Of course, ultimately there is little/no replacement for a) getting close b) finding good lighting/exposure and c) having a solid shooting angle with overall composition. Thanks for sharing, we all improve by continuing to post here IMO.

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Ashton View Post
    Brian, I have been starting the processing using differing profiles. I find the default Adobe Color is a bit on the heavy/contrast side and the colours a little too colourful. I use a modified "Standard" profile with much of the contrast taken out and I went onto using linear profiles, getting variable results. ( I am always looking on the internet for different approaches to processing). The main reason for that variability is down to me so I took a step backwards and reconsidered what I was trying to portray. I have also been thinking more about the foreground and background, Steve prompted me to think a little more about these factors. Andreas has also been helpful in making me think about the image as opposed to just applying the routine process and not going any further. I now find myself thinking about the subject and then the presentation of the subject in regard to the environment in a more critical way. I don't use multiple processing aspects because I can, I use them if I think they are required. In essence I try to improve efficiency by doing the minimum to achieve the best effect I can. I am now trying to apply a consistency of thought but using a differing minimal array of adjustments to achieve the result I want. I have previously been rather stuck in a rut simply trying to portray subjects as I recall them, now I temper this aspect by asking myself if a little enhancement here or there would be beneficial and still be close to the truth.

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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    I did not see the first one but this one is excellent. It is sharp and the colors are vivid. I love the raised wing pose and the trailing feet in the water.,

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    BPN Member Andreas Liedmann's Avatar
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    Hi Jon ... you captured the heron nicely in motion and I do like the dangling feet in the water and the small splashes .
    Interesting exchange with Brian ....
    Image does look basically good on most , if not all counts .
    As a side note , purely my impression , it does not look like that you have worked subject and surroundings separately ( your exchange with Brian ) . I think one can create a bit more separation between subject and FG / BG ... darkening , lightning or even give the water some nice color . As posted it does just look grey .... apart from one little area in the ULC , wonder where the blueish tone is coming from . I actually like the coloration more than the grayish overall tone . Just my personal feeling , Jon .

    But a very nicely processed image in general ....

    TFS Andreas

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