I'm just going back to my pics taken in Florida this past February. Now that I have learned so much about post processing on this forum since then, I am going back in and reworking things a ton better than I had. But I know still much room for improvement. Here is one of several I will post, taken at sunrise going out with Shadle on Alafia Banks, Tampa, FL--what an amazing day that turned out to be. I was handholding and I think a higher ISO and wider aperture would have been in order. Slight head turn would have been nice too. But I loved it that the moon got in, and I liked the spread of the wings. Any way to better highlight the moon?
I did NR, sharpening, some saturation of sky to make it more interesting, slight vibrance and warmer temp. This was a horizontal, and I cropped it about 50%. Does the vertical look ok? As a horizontal and with moon, there seems to be too much dead blue space...
Looking forward very much to any comments and critiques. I hope you like it.
Looks pretty good. Love the flight pose and light.
I hear what you say. PP is just as important than picture taking.
However, you still have to have a good picture to start with and you did.
Handholding a 500 mm always amazes me and not to be sexist you did a great job of doing it ! I guess I need more gym time.
Love the bird coloring, detail and that early morning light.. I am not sure I would have kept the moon in the image since it appears amorphous and not recognizable to me.
Hi Melissa,
I know how much you must love that moon and it will kill you to get rid of it but I vote for returning this picture to a horizontal. The moon isn't clear and crisp and doesn't add much to the picture.
However,
I LOVE the light on the egret and the detail in the underwing feathers. The light is good and the bird is nice and sharp. I think that the aperture is fine as was your ISO. SS was fine as there is no wing blur. Please post it as a horizontal and this picture will be stunning!
gail
PS If you get rid of the moon ,I will get rid of my bug!!
Repost looks great. Removing the moon was a good call. Nice lightI wish the head was angled a little better (as you mention), and yes the IQ seems to be starting to show some wear (but still not too bad).