Canon 400D, 300mm L + 1.4tc, F5.6, ISO 200, 1/800, Tripod. Evaluative metering.
PP: Cropped approx 30%, NR and blur on bg and fg, cloned distracting elements, levels, curves adjust, USM 7 passes of 100,0.2,0.
I wasn't sure if I've gotten the exposure right in this one. The RAW file showed that the bill was flashing red, so I reduced the exposure to get the bill right, and then lightened the rest of the bird in PSE using levels and curves.
I would love to hear of peoples comments on the exposure and how it can be improved.
Nice retention of the detail in the blacks. Did you use any exposure compensation? Nice eye and HA. Maybe clone out the distraction on the birds lower right.
agree with bill reference cloning the distracting object. only wish for a more natural setting. blacks look good. you said you reduced the exposure on the bill. did you try adjusted the red channel first. digital cameras normally blow the reds and just need to adjust the saturation of the red.
I like this a lot Lovely low angle and excellent eye contact !!! Regarding the reds as noted the camera will overcook all on its own, just reduce the saturation on the red channel for greater detail !!! ... excellent blacks !!!
@William; Sorry, I left that out. I had dialed in -1/3 ec.
@ Harold and Alfred: I'm currently using PSE 7.8 for all my PP work. It doesn't have the ability to change individual colour channels in RAW unfortunately. Link to RAW file.
I didn't even think about cloning out the small rock, as I spent quite a bit of time trying to add it in. :D
I guess it was a case of me paying too much attention to the details and not viewing the details part in the overall composition, and whether it works or whether I'm trying to make it work.
Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)
