I like this shot alot Amy. Framed by the foliage. The more I look at it the more that eye draws me in. Was this all in camera or is there a blur over the foliage?
I do not know this bird real well but my mind is saying BLACKER. Eight minutes later, I came up with this version. As my pal Ofer would ask, WDYT? I like the detail and the bird in green heaven look. Great to see you so active here
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
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Amy, this is one of the best Smooth-billed Ani photos that I have seen. I absolutely love the green BG and all the details you have here but feel as though it needs a tad more sharpening. Artie's version appears sharper. I just looked at a bunch of Ani pictures, and it seems Artie's version is more depictive of their actual color.
Well Artie, I have to tell you... I prefer your version with more contrast. In fact, I kept bumping it up and then I actually backed off some fearing it was overdone. I should have gone with my gut. Which method did you use to increase it? Perhaps that's the ticket. Thanks! BTW, did you increase the sharpness as Marina suspects?
Marina, it is interesting that you should say that it needed more sharpening. Perhaps so, but I think it is actually slightly over-sharpened as some of the detail above the eye appears icy. I am curious to know what other people think about the matter.
Well Artie, I have to tell you... I prefer your version with more contrast.
That is good but I did not use Curves...
In fact, I kept bumping it up and then I actually backed off some fearing it was overdone. I should have gone with my gut. Which method did you use to increase it? Perhaps that's the ticket. Thanks!
I added black to the BLACKS and black to the Neutrals in Selective Color on a new Layer with a Hide-All mask (which was then painted away). Also did a lot of bill and face clean-up.
BTW, did you increase the sharpness as Marina suspects?
Yes, also with a Hide-All mask. Actually used quite a bit of sharpening considering that you had sharpened it already, probably 75-100 at .3 (Unsharp Mask).
Marina, it is interesting that you should say that it needed more sharpening. Perhaps so, but I think it is actually slightly over-sharpened as some of the detail above the eye appears icy.
Detail above the eye does not look over-sharpened to me: I was careful as I dialed in the Amount
I am curious to know what other people think about the matter.
Me too!
Thank you both for your input. Most appreciated!
YAW
BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.
BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.
Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,
Smooth-billed Ani
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