Typical Bittern pose. You had some dificult mixed light that always produces problems, but a Bittern out in the open is not to be ignored :)
I wouls have pointed the camera more to the left, to give him more room in front, you have that extra inch in the back.
You should try a reverse cruve to reduce the harsh light.
Glad you enjoyed your Florida trip :)
Fabs, I hate to admit, that I don't have Photoshop. I tweak to my own eye using Pixmantec Raw Shooter, and I really knocked down the highlight contrast on this one. I wish I could selectively tweak his body that has the strong light "cast".
Maybe I should invest in a class, and Elements or Lightroom.
I'm trying to keep the budget in check. I only shoot with a Rebel XT and 75-300 f/5.6 and have an old copy of Pixmantec Rawshooter sw to convert RAW to jpg. I squeeze all I can from this gear, but hope to trade up to some better glass.
But yeah your right, I envy you guys who live in FL! I didn't want to come home!