Reddish Egret stare down

[John Hawkins]

I photographed him today at JN"Ding" Darling Wildlife Preserve. Many birds today. Taken with my Sony A70 and Sigma 50-500 lens. Data-f/6.3, 1/2500, +1.7 ev, ISO 800, 500mm. Added catch lights...too large? Thanks for looking, John. Now that I see it here, it needs some noise reduction.

[Anita Rakestraw]

LOL, birds look so funny straight on, IMO!! Good portrait though. Yes, run some NR, and I would darken just a bit and/or add a tiny bit of contrast. Might just be me or my monitor though.

[Gus Cobos]

Hi John,
I like that bold look, up front and in your face, with an attitude...:eek::D You have good feather details and direct eye contact...I agree on a low level pass of noise reduction, and would suggest setting your black point, and boosting the contrast level just a little...good show, looking forward to the next. :cool:
By the way, how was the weather up there today?

[John Hawkins]

Thanks Gus, The weather was cool and overcast in the morning but warmed up nice by 10:00 AM.

John

[Lance Peters]

Hi John - Gus has it nailed - looking forward to seeing more :)