Hi Joe, thanks for the reply and so just coming back, plus my thought re the image.
Firstly why are you converting a NEF to a DNG, I only do this currently as the Raw converter I am trying out does not support Canon Cr3 files so I convert to DNG? I cannot see any point, surely you import the NEF into LR, work on that, then export direct to PS?
Yes, you can se the localised adjustment, but I would also apply it to the neck & bill, intact actually I would go as far to perhaps make it a Global?
NR, if it's that low I doubt it's
'physically' seen Joe, especially on Social media. As it's applied globally it must affect the image even marginally, it would be interesting to see a posting where no NR has been applied, but without highlighting this to see if it's picked up, a good test perhaps?
Regarding the image, I think you may have boosted both the Yellow in Sat & Luminace, pegging these back I feel offers a more
'reflective' colouration within the white, I can't see any other way how this could have been applied. Obviously you have far more control with the raw and I would, if I was not using the MBPro. 1/1000 wasn't enough Joe, what your eye judges at and what your SS is, are polls apart, no problem having a faster SS you had plenty of ISO to play with here. To me the FP was more towards the body and the bird being angle the head is nearer you. I still like the framing and reflection, but please stay clear of any auto pre sets in PS, they were pants originally and have only slightly improved, you don't need them Joe.
Hope this helps.
Steve