Phil- I like the idea here a lot- a unique image. Are the rays the real thing? To pull this off you need to sharpen up the bird's head substantially, particularly around the eye. The stick in the top left could be removed.
I really appreciate your input, yes the rays are real. In the process of complying with the 200kb file format I had to compress this image more than I would normally. As a result the overall image sharpness was compromised however the raw and tiff files are as sharp as a tack. Will try removing the stick as you suggested and once again my heart felt thanks for your kind consideration.
Hi Phil- The process of resampling for posting to BPN shouldn't compromise sharpness. Look forward to seeing a sharp version of the image!
There are many ways to achieve the correct dimensions and file size for BPN. Have a look at the Educational Resources forum. Anyway, I use Photoshop and use the following process:
1. Process image at full size until you are happy with it. Crop, don't sharpen.
2. Go to Image-Image size, make sure Resample image and Constrain proportions is clicked.
3. Edit Width to 1024 pixels or less or height to 800 pixels or less. Make sure if you change one that the other is under the limit (1024 for width and 800 for height). Set drop-down menu to Bicubic or Bicubic sharper depending on your taste and click OK.
4. Sharpen your image using Smart Sharpen or Unsharp mask. I have been using Smart Sharpen lately at 250% and 0.2 pixels and I like the result. Some do two milder rounds of sharpening. You may want to use Masking and selectively sharpen only some parts of the image (eye, head for example).
5. Final step- File->Save for Web and Devices. First set format menu to Jpeg. Then click drop-down menu and choose Optimize to File Size and set for 200k or a little less. Make sure the Convert to sRGB option is ticked in the drop-down menu as well. Click OK. Then click Save. This last step converts image to sRGB for web colour space and chooses the best jpeg compression to come in at your target file size.
There's an older thread on this last step which you might find useful here:
Huge difference Can add the tail has been clipped so you might consider cutting more, nothing much going on back there.
btw you should be able to post razor sharp image if processed properly Great advice form John .... and if you need help only need to ask !!! btw nice avatar !!!!
Hi Phil,
You really came upon quite a scene here, and captured it nicely.
I have only a few minor suggestions to further enhance the image.
Is it possible to restore some highlights to the eagle's head?
And the bright white spot to the above left of the bird's face could be neutralized. It detracts in a small way from the bird's white crown.
The sense of drama is high, as I find myself wondering what has the bird's attention, as it appears ready to leap in pursuit.
Excellent work overall, and thanks for posting it.
Beautiful image, Phil - the repost is so much improved it's almost a whole new image. I agree with Al that taking some off the right side of the frame would strengthen it even more. What a great encounter you had with this eagle. Wow!
I love the rays and the way it is looking up....perhaps for some divine intervention. Some good advice already given. Is this a full frame image or cropped?
John, whats really funny is I kept resizing in Photoshop by just going to image size instead of using save for web as I have done in the past. Your much appreciated advice made me realize I am having another senior momment : ) The sense of community here is amazing and very important to me as I have long felt cut off from fellow Photographers. I am flattered and honored by all of your responses. Oh yes the images is slightly cropped. I may repost the final image with some of the insightfull suggestions you all have made.
Last edited by phillane; 02-10-2009 at 02:22 PM.
Reason: typo
2 AM
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
