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Thread: Frigate bird

  1. #1
    Mac Wheeler McDougal Jr.'s Avatar
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    Default Frigate bird

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    This is not my best image ever, but I almost never see these birds. I think only once before. The day was exceptionally bright and the contrast was high. My question is how do I get any detail detail in the under wing area and not totally destroy the very white head? Can anyone give me a clue. I know that a less contrasty day would be of great help or even much later in the day, but I have never seen them under such conditions. Any tips wiuld be greatly appreciated.Shooting data follows:
    Nikon D3S
    2012:03:02 13:25:47
    70-200mm @ 185mm
    185mm (in 35mm film)
    1/2000 sec, f/8
    Mode: Manual
    Metering: Multi-segment
    ISO: 800
    AF mode: AF-C
    White balance: AUTO
    Flash: Off
    File size: 10.2MB
    Image size: 4288 x 2844
    Saturation: Normal
    Sharpness: Normal
    Contrast: Normal

  2. #2
    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Wheeler:

    Nice to see this fellow. Yes to the harsh light, the clouds are nice however, and add some real depth to the image.

    I am surprised at the amount of noise in the image with a D3S and that ISO. Did you have to bring the exposure up significantly in post?

    Recently, my approach would to use Nik Color Efex pro, detail extractor, to pull out some detail under the wings and add back in a little on the whites.

    Was this a significant crop?

    If I have a bit on my other computer, I will do a quick version with Color Efex for you.

    Cheers

    Randy
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    Avian Moderator Randy Stout's Avatar
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    Wheeler:

    Here is a quick pass with Color Efex Pro, detail extractor. I have overdone it to make it more visible. The luminance noise in the image is a real issue, so I did a very quick pass of NR on the background. You could do a much better job on the raw file.

    Again, I have over done the treatment for the sake of illustration, and would be much more subtle in the final edit.

    Cheers

    Randy
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    Lifetime Member Doug Brown's Avatar
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    The light wasn't doing you any favors, but you did get some great clouds and a pretty blue sky. I like Randy's repost although I'd tone down the whites a little more. I too am surprised at the amount of noise in the sky at ISO 800.
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  5. #5
    Mac Wheeler McDougal Jr.'s Avatar
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    HI Randy and Doug,
    To answer your questions. Yes it was a sugnificant crop, but not horrible. I used the ISO 800 because I was handholding the 300mm and I was giving myself the highest shutter speed possible. I did almost no PP except I added some fill light in LR3. I have always been suprised at how much noise I get underwing under exposed. The NIK Color Efex pro looked great, I will have to purchase the plugin. Thanks again.
    Mac

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