I took this in early July and posted a different version at that time (I’ll include it as a comment). I reprocessed the image this morning for a club competition and I’m interested in knowing if you think it’s an improvement.
Does the extra angle help or does it look unnatural?
Any pertinent technical details:
7DII, Sigma 150-600 C @ 516 mm, tripod with ball head and sidekick from a permanent blind. The bamboo is a water drip feeding a pond. The hummer did drink from it.
You may only download this image to demonstrate post-processing techniques.
The cloning looks good. However if it was mine I would keep the original perch and carefully clone the other branch that currently acts as a perch with the new post.
This is a neat shot with good detail in the Hummingbird. I like the intent look it’s giving the water droplet. I prefer the new post. The lower branch is a distraction that does not add to the “story” here. I also like that you have added more room on the right; the original post seems a bit cramped. No nits on the cloning job. Hope you do well at the club.
On reflection, I also see merit in David’s suggestion. It would break up the linear aspect of the new post, though the darkness of the perch does tend to draw the eye.
Interesting idea, David. I do like that part of the perch better. I think I’d have to do a touch of rotation to the drip and/or the perch, but that would be simple.
A wonderful, and unique capture. I also like the original with the perch. It helps to frame the hummer and its body sort of curves around with the branch. To my eye, it’s a more interesting composition.
I really like this. Unique take on a hummer shot! IQ on the bird is excellent, and the BG is very pleasing. I really like the color transitions. Cloning is great except for one tiny smudge just beneath the perch and to the left of the bird’s left wing. Good luck in the competition!
