This shot was captured at Edwin Forsythe WR. This file is actually cropped from a vertical format shot (whatever posessed me to go vertical is unclear:)) So the question is what can be done to further improve the shot?
40D
100-400 @400
1/1600 sec
f 6.3
ISO100
Thanks and regards....Dave
Hi Dave,
I like what you were trying to do here. The angle of capture is a wee bit too steep. It would show better if you were to capture it at a much lower angle if possible...the bird is centered in the frame; you need to off center the subject. To make the best display with the current image, I cropped from the top and from the bottom, converting it into a pano. I lightened the backgroung, increased contrast and saturation just a tad, and also gave you just a little bit of sharpening. your eye position is good and you do have good details in the feathers.
Congrats...looking foward to your next creation...:cool:
Gus, Thanks so much for taking the time to review my file. It is truly appreciated. I really like the pano crop. May I ask if the original file seems a bit dark on your monitor? Your re-post seems really nice overall, but on my monitor seems a little hot on the chest area. So I am wondering if my calibrtation is not working as well as I need. I've submitted a couple pictures that members have felt need to lighten up. I also agree with the bill tip cloning now that you've pointed it out. Hope your surviving the weather OK. News here shows some nasty storms in your area.
Lance... Thank you also for taking the time to comment. It is always appreciated
Regards Dave
other than crop, IMO the original is much better. The repost has blown the whites and added a lot of sharpening halo.
You simply cannot paint in contrast, saturation and sharpening as an enhancement to every image.
Unfortunately, as stated by some others here the Forsythe refuge is layed out in such a way that you can not get a lower angle and are always shooting down on most birds. The wildlife drive is pretty much situated on a dyke that runs through the area. I've never seen anyone leave the roadway to descend to the water level. Again I hope all you Florida guys are taking care and the rain will be the worst part of the storm.
Regards.....Dave
PS. Is there a way to pay for membership other than Paypal? That seems to be the only option at present.
I find the original a little muddied? Do like the pose and raised foot very much My best suggestion for making it better from your point of view is laying on the ground !!! The flat perspective is magical !! Do need to try.
I applied curves to remove a slight cast and clean the dull look then removed the offending little reflections and finally cropped just a tad from the top
Dave I like your original image, and Al's re post. IMO Gus' is a little too over saturated. You have an excellent composition and is very sharp.
Congrats,
Night Heron
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