Canon 7D f5.6, ISO 800, 1/320 AE
100-400mm lens focal length 400mm
One shot AF Zone AF
Did the Christmas Bird Count for Audubon today, my first one. What a wonderful way to spend dawn to dusk. Please help me with a "next step." I have not made any edits other than posting size. What do you suggest I do (PS5 or LR3)? Still at the "whoa, now what do I do!" for example, what are the basics that I should do to an image? More importantly, what settings would have given me a more optimal image? Thank you
Ann, I'd suggest getting a good basic Photoshop book (if that is what you're using to edit your images). You should also check the workflow forum as I'm sure they have great suggestions there as well. Most images need a levels or curves adjustment, a white balance/color cast check, play with vibrance or saturation of the colors until they are where you want them, and a crop and some sharpening at the very end. This is, of course, a very limited list of things to do but you need to read up on how to get the most from your editing software and go from there as the list for each image will vary slightly depending on how well you exposed, composed, and focused in the field.
For this image, I'd start with a levels adjustment, moving the midtone (middle) slider to the left to bring up the overall light of the image as it appears a bit underexposed. You might also need to play with the light tone slider too - but start with the midtone one and see what you think.
Colors look nicely saturated but you might try to tone down the bright area above the bird's head. This can be done a number of different ways.
Finally, I'd crop about 1/3 of the right side so the bird sits in the right 1/3 of the image. (Since he's looking left, you want to leave most or all of that side for him to look in to.). I'd also take a slight bit off the top of the frame as well.
You've got a very nice DOF here and a beautiful pose/HA from the bird. Just need to lighten/brighten, crop and sharpen and you should be in pretty good shape.
If you're looking for a great Photoshop book you really can't go wrong with "The Missing Manual" series (they have a book for each version of PS.) They are very easy to understand and give you all the basics you'll need to create great photographs.
Yes, the annual Christmas Bird counts can be a lot of fun. I have not participated for several years now, but our community had the highest count in Canada this year. 141 different types of birds.
If you are really just starting out with post processing then another option is Digital Basics by Arthur Morris. I am not sure how up to date it is but it is certainly a quick way to get up and running. I found it quite confusing at the start. This would be available in the BAA store shown at the very top of the screen.
Another good thing to do is hang around here posting photos and commenting on others. It is one of the best photo sites for learning that I have found. Honest critiques done gently is a great way to learn.
Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. Julie, I have ordered the book! Sid, I'll be shooting with you soon in FL and Dave, I have the Digital Basics from Art. I'll just keep pluggin away and shootin! thanks, ann
Mockingbird
