Shot this little guy this morning at Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. It's a fairly heavy crop and wasnt as easy to process as others that arent cropped so much. I have seen some people say that you can sharpen several times lightly and it works better. Would that work in a case like this or is it the fact that image quality just isnt there. I usually just selectively sharpen my subject at ~66-5-4. Then i'll maybe work on the eye if needed.
D300, Bigma at 500mm, f/6.3, 1/2000s, 0EV, ISO 400, flash fill no beamer at +1.0EV.
Thanks for looking and appreciate your comments and critiques!
Doctor Davis,
I like the composition. You tell me that this is a heavy crop? See if you can include the entire reflection; from what I am seeing, the reflection is sharp, and warrants the full reflection; if possible. The color rendition is very good, with sharp details. the pale blue background compliments your little guy very well I like the tucked chin and head position, and the eye is clear and sharp. you did very well...and to top it off; you got full of mud and sand, because the low capture angle rocks...well done...:):cool:
As far as selective sharpening goes, I usually start with 2% and gingerly apply several passes as needed...:D
thanks gus. the top of the reflection ended up on a mud bar. so no go for the full! i tried repositioning with several birds for that purpose and everyone had too many ripples for a good reflection!!
I think I know what you're talking about re multi-passes sharpening. I've got the book "Real World Sharpening" and it talks about - what else - sharpening. I wonder if it really make any noticeable differences though to the naked eyes of most people. I personally use smart sharpen on the lightness channel and then high-pass after changing the image back to RGB mode.
Hi Harold:
I like multiple small passes in RGB, and also lab mode . . . however, I think your lovely bird is perfect as is. Sure full reflection would be nice, however, I would like a billion dollar bailout.
Hi Harold - I tried playing around with the image a bit. Technically I think there is room for a tad more sharpening (remember I'm very non-expert in pp) but it seemed like I was really forcing it if I tried even 2 passes. Then I looked more carefully at the bird. This is a light brown bird with very well worn plumage. I wonder if the level of sharpening in your original is the most one should do to accurately depict this bird? Worn feathers are not supposed to look crisp.
It is a lovely image.
Gail
thanks everyone for the help and comments! the bigger problem for me was when i was working the RAW. i could see the details were not there because it wouldnt take the standard sharpening. noise and what i call crap (sorry) was creeping in.
thanks a ton again!! and everyone have a great day!
Sharpening Question
