Great egret in B/W

[Steven Kersting]

I just thought this was a great op for a high contrast B/W pic.



Camera Nikon D3
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/2000)
Aperture f/11.0
Focal Length 1600 mm
ISO Speed 1000
Exposure Bias +2/3 EV
Subject Distance 90m


Seeing as the bird was so still I probably could have dropped the SS and ISO If I was using a tripod..I can't recall and I often use a shoulder mount and monopod.

All input appreciated.
Steve

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Steve, you found us! Welcome to OOTB.

You made a nice chiaroscuro (light/dark) style with this image. Composition is good except for the bird looking away. We are interested in how images are processed, so could you tell us how you did the B&W conversion? For my eye I would probably darken the foliage even more and boost the tail area of the bird. Thanks for posting here, I hope you look around and get some ideas for more posts. Check out our weekly themes and workflow tips at the top of the page!

[Paul Lagasi]

Hi Steve and welcome...really helpful comments from Kerry...keep them coming, this is a great place to learn....

[denise ippolito]

Steve, Since Kerry is our chiaroscuro expert I think I will agree with him regarding the foliage. I like the pose and don't mind the bird looking out of the frame-it makes it more of an OOTB image. I do wish that the bill and eye were lightened a little.

[Brendan Dozier]

Really like how the light & B&W bring out all the contours of the egret. Nice composition!

[Steven Kersting]

Really like how the light & B&W bring out all the contours of the egret. Nice composition!

Thanks all....
It was just a standard PS B/W conversion, increased contrast and then levels adjustments to set black point/output to kill the background further and reduce the white output to around 245.

[Kerry Perkins]

Thanks for the info Steve, looking forward to more.