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Thread: Common Bird, Uncommon Process

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    Default Common Bird, Uncommon Process

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    I have an affection for Greater Antillean Grackles, even though most view them as being just a common black bird. Their antics never fail to amuse me when I take the time to observe them. Recently I noticed a few of these birds diving into a lake for a bath then perching to preen themselves. With the lighting and sky conditions the only good option for a photo was going high key. While the bird looks good against the stark white background, since it is a common bird I decided to play with one of the photos. I don't really remember everything I did, but tweaked it some in LR3, then to PS and Topaz, and back to LR3 for another adjustment. Added a black border to separate it on the page, even though I don't like doing this. Funny part is I'm actually considering printing this shot, even if it is just a Grackle.

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    BPN Member Cheryl Slechta's Avatar
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    Fred, I like the high key look. The pose is great and I like the graphic look. Nicely done
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    Fred, I think you did a great job with the composition. I love the pose and the antics that these birds display can be very amusing. The high key BG works great here. I'm not fond of the black border either even for web presentation. I'd print it too!

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    Fred...excellent job. Wonderful pose and expression...I'd print it in a heartbeat. Well done!

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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    Fred, Everything about this is superb. The bird, the pose, the processing, the detail in the blacks, the high key look, and the perch. The good look at the faces clinches it. You might wish to try a version with a bit off the top and a bit off the left. All in all: killer good!
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    Brendan Dozier
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    Love the pose and composition, Fred. Like the high-key image, but wondering if you can pull just a bit more detail from the darkest areas using PS /Shadows & Highlights. There are quite a few Gackles at the local lake here, and they are quite vocal characters and amusing to watch. I think its the image & composition that counts most, and not how exotic the bird is - I would print it too!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Cheryl Slechta View Post
    Fred, I like the high key look. The pose is great and I like the graphic look. Nicely done
    Thanks Cheryl

    Quote Originally Posted by denise ippolito View Post
    Fred, I think you did a great job with the composition. I love the pose and the antics that these birds display can be very amusing. The high key BG works great here. I'm not fond of the black border either even for web presentation. I'd print it too!
    Denise, thanks for your comments and we certainly do agree on borders and digital frames, even looking at this one the more I see it the less I like the border.

    Quote Originally Posted by John Storjohann View Post
    Fred...excellent job. Wonderful pose and expression...I'd print it in a heartbeat. Well done!
    Thanks John, I think it'll be off to the lab sometime this week.

    Quote Originally Posted by Arthur Morris View Post
    Fred, Everything about this is superb. The bird, the pose, the processing, the detail in the blacks, the high key look, and the perch. The good look at the faces clinches it. You might wish to try a version with a bit off the top and a bit off the left. All in all: killer good!
    Artie, thanks so much for your input. I looked long and hard at the various shots to come up with the right action and getting the head right, thanks to a certain thread you started. I do have others that the face is not obscured but didn't show as good of a pose as this. As always, you're correct on the crop and it made a difference following your advice.

    Quote Originally Posted by Brendan Dozier View Post
    Love the pose and composition, Fred. Like the high-key image, but wondering if you can pull just a bit more detail from the darkest areas using PS /Shadows & Highlights. There are quite a few Gackles at the local lake here, and they are quite vocal characters and amusing to watch. I think its the image & composition that counts most, and not how exotic the bird is - I would print it too!
    Thanks Brendan, I tweaked it a little as you suggested and the biggest difference is seen in the perch. Quit a bit more detail was brought out in the perch and slightly more in the bird.

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    BPN Member Kerry Perkins's Avatar
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    Fred, I am very late to comment on this image but I hope you end up seeing my post. To me, the social status of a bird has nothing to do with its desirability as a photographic subject. I like this image a lot and couldn't care less if the bird is considered "common". I personally believe that it is important to show all birds in the best possible way, as you have done in your image. Well done!
    "It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera... they are made with the eye, heart, and head." - Henri Cartier Bresson

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