First Try With CS3

[Lance Warley]

Here's my first shot at CS3, moving up from Elements:
- I used the Raw processor's basic panel and tone curves panel
- In the psd, using masks, I applied levels, shad/hi, contrast, selective sat and selective sharpening
- I used Noiseware on the sky

Those are things I'm familiar with from Elements, other than hunting around to find them in new places.

What are the other CS3 things I can do to kick this beauty up a notch, gang? Thanks.

40D 400mm 5.6L @ 7.1 1/800 iso400

[Axel Hildebrandt]

This looks really good as it is. If anything maybe some selective S/H in the shadows. I don't know how you sharpened, but I can recommend smart sharpen with lens blur. As for the crop, maybe a bit more room top and bottom.

[Ian Colley]

Nice image, I would also suggest selective sharpening using smart sharpen, lens blur. Maybe a little more room above and below the bird.

[David Roach]

Can't help with the PS as I only know the basics myself, but I see you are doing quite well with that new toy of yours!!! I agree on more room top and bottom.

[Fabs Forns]

New toy, new toy!!!!

Two things, the negative space should be at the right because that is where the bird is facing, and it looks a bit over-sharpened to me.

NEVER apply contrast, that should be done in curves and VERY lightly. And very careful with Shadow/Highlight, a very destructive procedure, although I must praise you for not getting halos :)

[Judy Lynn Malloch]

Cool capture Lance and I love the action you captured in this image . Great previous comments. Glad to see you with your new toy and will look forward to all your future posts. See ya soon !!!