In the rain, a Tanager?

[Katie Rupp]

This image is from Doug Brown and Greg Basco's wonderful Costa Rica workshop, taken on the last day (the only day it rained). I think its a Tanager but I'm not sure. C&C always encouraged and appreciated and Thank you for looking. ---looks like it needs some noise-reduction---

Canon 40D; f8, 1/400; Manual, Evaluative, ISO 800; eTTL -2 1/3; 500f4

[Harold Davis]

a little noise reduction would help as you mentioned. i love this. there is one small point.....the oof purple flower behind the bird's left leg. it distracts a little and doesnt let the other three truly frame the bird. you did awesome in the rain. i think it adds another dimension that i always liked.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Katie. Nice capture, head angle, and colors. You already spotted the noise and I would be inclined to de-sat the flower in the LLHS a bit. Would also be tempted to remove the top catch-light in the eye and crop a bit from the bottom and top. The rain drops on the bird are really nice! Sorry, can't help with the ID. Need to go on one of those workshops... ;)

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Katie I like the rain action !!!

I see how you were trying to use the bg flowers for framing If you could have framed the bird lower and still keep the flowers (no merges) might have work !!!

Noise wise try Topaz I've been getting good results !!!

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Hi Katie, NR is easy. Topaz Denoise is dirt cheap and you can demo it. The rain really adds to the mood. I like the composition and the bird is really sharp. Would be tempted to remove one of the two catchlights. Very lovely.

[Christopher Miller]

Katie, beautiful photo! Like the pose and eye contact. The rain creates a nice mood. Agree with the advice already given.

[Randy Stout]

Katie:

I took some of the good suggestions from above, and tweaked your photo a bit.

1) dimmed and blurred left lower flower
2) mostly eliminated the flower behind the bird
3) Toned down a few hotspots in BG
4) Noise reduction

Just a quick pass, but perhaps gives some ideas.

Randy

[Dan Brown]

Hi Katie, welcome back! Very nice, sharp, Palm Tanager! I agree with the NR advice. I am envious as this is one species that I didn't successfully photograph on our trip!:(

[denise ippolito]

Katie, Lovely image and agree w/ advice already given. Like the pose and think Randy did a very nice job showing you the suggestions. Looks like you got alot of images from your trip and look forward to more!

[Oscar Zangroniz]

Great capture and details Katie. Love the eye contact.
Congrats

[Katie Rupp]

Thanks, Randy for applying the suggestions for improvement, it looks great! And Dan, thank you for the ID; I thought it was a Palm Tanager but then started second-guessing myself. And thanks to all for looking and commenting, I appreciate the support.

[Lance Peters]

HI Katie - randy's repost rocks - love the rain - well done :)

[Gus Cobos]

Hi Katie,
I like your composition , image and capture...if you you can diffuse and desaturate the oof flowers in the background, it would blend in better and not be as prominant...also might run some noise reduction in the background...looking forward to your next one...:cool: