Great Egret

[James Boland]

This is my first post. Hopefully, the file I wish to show appears with the message. If it doesn't please have patience while I learn the system. The photo was taken late in the afternoon last Friday while driving Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Fl. The angle of the sun and bird to me placed a shadow on parts of the bird. However, the dark background is water and I could not relocate to get a head on photo.

Once again, I hope all this works out. I would appreciate your comments.

Jim Boland

[James Boland]

The attachment doesn't show. I have to figure it out.

Jim Boland

[James Boland]

Got it figured out!

[Daniel Cadieux]

First of all...welcome to BPN!! Gald to see you have it figured out :-)

I'm also glad you pointed it out yourself about the angle of the sun. I'm sure you know it is best to have the sun behind you. I would also suggest to be careful with head angles (this one is looking away). I find the legs and perch disappearing into the BG problematic too. On the bright side, you have a beautiful subject - and you placed it to the right to avoid a centered composition (although it could still use a bit more room at left. Keep them coming Jim - looking forward to more from you :-)

[James Boland]

Thanks Daniel for your response. As you can tell, I was somewhat behind the bird when I took the photo. If the bird would have looked my way, the face would have been in a shadow. It was standing on top of a culvert. I used the Clone Stamp to get rid of the top of the culvert that was in the photo. Would it be better to leave it in?

[Fabs Forns]

Red carpet welcome to BPN!

I personally don't mind the side light, but the head angle is off, we need him to look a bit towards you.
Looking forward to more from you :)

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Daniel for your response. As you can tell, I was somewhat behind the bird when I took the photo. If the bird would have looked my way, the face would have been in a shadow. It was standing on top of a culvert. I used the Clone Stamp to get rid of the top of the culvert that was in the photo. Would it be better to leave it in?

Welcome. I too actually like the fairly dramatic side light. If the bird has turned its head to parallel to the back of the camera (or just short of that) it would have been fairly well lit.

Whatever you did witht the culvert looks great--I could not tell what the bird was standing on and that is good. Add ten points for the good exposure. Subtract ten points for clipping the one toe...