In this image, the post is straight. It is the bird which is leaning slightly off center, appearing to be ready to fall asleep.
I had a problem with adjusting this image. I lost some of the feather sharpness in the body and beak. I would love to hear how to adjust this image correctly. This image is nearly full frame. Although I like the feet positioning, I was also thinking of cropping the image just below the shoulders.
Hi Cheryl,
I know how he feels!!! I can't help with your processing problem - my PS skills don't extend that far I'm afraid, but as regards the crop I like it as it is. I think that to crop just below the shoulders would throw the proportions off. For it to work you would have to centre the bird and straighten him, as without the post you have no context to explain why he is leaning.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Nicki
Yes, Nikki, when cropping to a portrait/head image, I did straighten him upright. (I actually considered cloning the post to angle to the side in order to make the bird appear to be leaning even more than it was, but thought better of it... lol) I love the 1/2 closed eyes, but you don't notice them as much in a full image.
My problem in adjusting came when I tried to tone down the whites on the top of the head.
Hi Cheryl,
I too love those half-closed eyes!! To tone down the top of the head perhaps you could try the burn tool just to darken it ever so slightly.
Regards,
Nicki
Cheryl
I worked on the image in Lightroom 2, a program I really like. I warmed the image some, pushed the clarity way up and sharpened. I fiddled with things like fill light and recovery some. I am not sure its any better this way, but it is different.
I like the the full portrait with the lean very much.
Gail
Looks good Cheryl;
I think I'll have some of the same spirits that Mr. Pelican had. He looks cool calm and collective...:p;):):D
Very nice capture...:cool:
Hi Cheryl - I find Pelicans very hard to photograph, I dont know what it is - but just find it hard to get a stunning image of a pelican.
Exposure looks good - BG is good - staring directly into the camera - all good.
Just doesnt grab me - sorry - and thats not a reflection on your photo, just how I feel about pelican photo's - I have taken hundreds - not happy enough with a single one to post it. Don't know what it is with these guys.
Cheryl I really like your image. What are you using for a post processing program. I love the lean, the droopy eyes, and the way he is almost falling over. Send me a message if I can help you any more. I made a few adjustments.
I like the colors of this photo, but I think the belly area could use some shadow/highlight adjustments. Good background and the bird looks sharp. I'm not sure it needs some rotation tweak as the top of the piling looks right to me...based on eyeballing. Overall I think it's quite an unique image.
I am overwhelmed with this site--how the members as well as the moderators graciously give of their time and knowledge to help others improve! What a great site and wonderful group of people! This site has gotten me excited about photography again!
those birds are so contrasty!! soft light is an absolute must to get the detail you were referring to. the softer light gives the camera the ability to capture details in the dark and light areas at the same time. in harsh light, you get either one of the two exposed properly leaving the other either blown or mushy with no details!
this is one cool compo. do love the look!! nice job. al's repost really got you connected with the eyes.
It's been a long day at the office
