This is as close as I came to the buff-throated partridge in Sichuan last month. It's a nearly 100% crop. I'm wondering what your opinions are on the green branch intruding from the left. What would you do with it? I try to avoid major editorial interventions on the body of the bird. In the field, I was aware of the problem but had no way around it. The partridge may appear calm and dignified in the photo but was actually very nervous; I only had seconds to set up and shoot.
Device: Nikon D300
Lens: VR 600mm F/4G
Focal length: 600mm
VR: OFF
Aperture: F/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/80s
Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
Exposure Comp.: 0EV
Metering: Center-Weighted
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 250
Nicely captured, especially given the time constraints. Personally I have no problem in deciding to remove obtrusive foliage, it's not the subject so it's not of any concern to me. Of course, actually doing it can be tough. I'd definitely want to work on this photo, the foliage is too intrusive for me.
I like to work using the clone tool from similar areas on the birds body, working in very small strokes (or dots) and varying the direction and distance of the clone frequently. In effect I'm painting back the bird like trying to restore an old painting, using tones from the bird. When done I'd use the heal tool to tidy up the edges. I also don't work methodically from one side to the other, instead dotting here and there almost randomly gives a more natural result in my opinion.
It takes time but gets easier. I'm still a novice, certainly and my technique may change with experience.
I am confused; I do not see any intruding branch. I see some o-o-f leaves but since they are way away from the bird's face so I have no problem with them....
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Don't mind the OOF FG foliage at all. Critical focus seems to be on the neck rather than the eye so a bit of selective sharpening on the head may help. Darkening down a image a little may also be an option.
I do not have much of a problem with the o-o-f leaves. :)
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Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Buff-throated partridge, branch intruding
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