This guy found himself in some pretty icky stuff, and I thought the image of pure white against that black, muddy background was pretty neat. I adjusted the image minimally in LR2 -- only cropping and sharpening, then darkening the eye (though I don't think that was needed, or effective). The light was pretty cooperative, so I believe there is only a very small area on his back that is blown out; I left it "as is." This minimal treatment was deliberate to see if it might present reasonably well. I think brightening its yellow foot and the yellow area around the eye would be helpful. What do you think of the presentation? What should I do to improve it?
hi Wendell - like were you were heading - techs look good.
BG is not very attractive as Habitat its good - but it doesn't really do a lot to set your bird off.
Like the raised foot enhancing those yellows would be a good idea - the bird seems to have a bit of a blue cast.
Heres another option.
I desaturated the entire image - made it black and white
Used the history brush to paint back in the yellows
cropped
Wendell, your sharpness and detail is very good and I like the composition. The background doesn't bother me too much although it's not exactly pretty. :D A better background would be best improvement!! Why don't these birds cooperate better with us??? Ha!
Good re post Lance !!! I never think of converting to B&W this one works !!
Good base image Wendell, the tighter crop makes it better and bg don't mind it a lot, would just like a lower angle .. and in that mud would have been a tough thing to do !!! Whites look very good, exposure right on !!!
Up to my ankles
