This image of a Red-Crested Pochard was captured at Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park in North Carolina. The image was made on Friday October 10th on an over cast morning at 11:20AM. I have another image with a more traditional head angle but I chose this one because I thought it showed more character/emotion. Does this head angle work for you?
This image was processed in ACR. I added canvas to the right, left, and top as I thought that out of the camera it was a bit tight in frame. The new canvas was filled in using Quick Masking techniques as described in Robert O’Tooles’s APTAT. I boosted the contrast with curves and added a touch of black to neutrals and blacks in selective colors. I also ran a linear burn to the whites (15%). The eye was processed per APTATS. I selectively blurred portions of the background a little and ran noise reduction on the background.
Hi Phil,
Lovely composition, image and capture. the color rendition is dead on, sharp details, good eye contact and head angle. May I suggest in taking just a tad from the top. and for your next on; a lower capture angle...you did good I like it...good show...:cool:
Hi Gus, thanks for the comments. I will try taking a little off the top (sounds like I am at the barbers). I also wished for a a lower angle and agree that it would have made a more pleasing image. Unfortunately the location I was at already did not allow me to the get any lower (wooden walkway with a fence). I appreciate the help and promise to implement your suggestions in the future.
Very fine image Phil Understand the lower angle was not possible but maybe it saved you from interacting with the "ambiance" :D After crawling in places like that is good to change before going into a restaurant :)
Would like seeing more shadow detail but do like the image. Head angle is fine. One looking away is about he only one that is detracting !!!
Red-Crested Pochard
