# American Bittern (not so invisible) Portrait (+revised) **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** birds\ **Created:** [November 4, 2026, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839 "2026-11-04T15:40:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/1 "2026-11-04T15:40:15Z")
## Revised Version ### Revision 1 (latest) ![Revision 1 - BitternPortraitEdited.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/b/f/bfcf515f2bcec92861d9159ab01600f0011fe393.jpeg) **What changed:** I fixed the bright nasal opening, boosted contrast, and did some noise reduction which was left out of the original work-flow. _Added after receiving feedback from the community._ * * * ## Original Version ![Original - BitternPortrait.jpg](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/3/9/39da241bbc50eb97352c4d2ff1b7e4006ab9b1c8.jpeg) **Critique Style:** Standard The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below. **Feedback Focus:** Artistic / Expressive ### About This Image The bittern came out for some cameos and was able to get a few shots showing the beautifully patterned plumage and intense eye of this stealth predator of aquatic critters. I darkened the BG slightly and softened some of the fairly distinct OOF areas as well. The subject was brightened and contrast was enhanced to bring out some of the subtle features of the plumage ### Feedback Requested I cropped this down as a vertical composition which shows the eye pointed down to the lower RH corner. How do you like this comp? ### Technical Details Camera: Z9 Lens: 180-400nn f4 with 1.4x TC engaged Focal length: 560mm Shutter speed: 1/1250 sec Aperture: 5.6 ISO: 1600 Flash: Natural Light (Cloudy) ---
**Author:** ![Dennis\_Plank](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/dennis_plank/32/27033_2.png) [@Dennis\_Plank](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Dennis_Plank)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 4:18pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/2 "2026-11-04T16:18:37Z")
Beautiful portrait, Jim. the composition works very well for my taste and the processing is spot on. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Schoen](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/david_schoen/32/368_2.png) [@David\_Schoen](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/David_Schoen)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/3 "2026-11-04T16:42:00Z")
Another outstanding portrait. Excellent head position. Wonderful detail. No nits here. Goes real well with the other image you posted. ---
**Author:** ![Diane\_Miller](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/diane_miller/32/27391_2.png) [@Diane\_Miller](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Diane_Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 5:38pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/4 "2026-11-04T17:38:40Z")
Excellent detail and composition! These guys don’t pose for just anybody! I love the BG – just the right detail and the colors are perfect. One tiny (and maybe) detail – what appears to be the nasal opening is white – did a mask miss that spot? ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Sparks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_sparks/32/63507_2.png) [@Allen\_Sparks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Sparks)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 5:59pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/5 "2026-11-04T17:59:33Z")
A fine portrait Jim and I like the crop and composition. What an excellent opportunity! Great to see one of these out in the open. I can see Diane’s point about the nasal section of the beak. ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Brooks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_brooks/32/390_2.png) [@Allen\_Brooks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Brooks)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/6 "2026-11-04T18:08:56Z")
Very nice portrait, Jim. Detail and lighting are great and the background works. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/system/32/86481_2.png) [@system](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/system)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 6:46pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/7 "2026-11-04T18:46:39Z")
The original poster added a [revised version](#post_1) of their image. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2026, 6:52pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/american-bittern-not-so-invisible-portrait-revised/52839/8 "2026-11-04T18:52:39Z")
Thank you @Dennis_Plank , @David_Schoen , @Diane_Miller , @Allen_Sparks , and @Allen_Brooks . @Diane_Miller , I did not notice the bright nasal opening so I was able to rubber stamp the correct BG color in the revised image. That’s why these critiques are so important! This will make a nice print for my wall…Jim