Eastern Bluebird + reworks

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Rework:

Eastern Bluebird 16
Eastern Bluebird 161600×1200 1.24 MB

Original:

Eastern Bluebird 16.jpg
Eastern Bluebird 16.jpg1600×1200 1.22 MB

Rework:

Eastern Bluebird 17
Eastern Bluebird 171600×1200 1.07 MB

Original:

Eastern Bluebird 17.jpg
Eastern Bluebird 17.jpg1600×1200 1.03 MB

Critique Style Requested: Standard

The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.

Description

A male Eastern Bluebird that was coming in to inspect the chicks in the nesting box as they were about ready to fledge.

Specific Feedback

I had to deal with uneven light on the bird. Tried to even it out with shadows/highlights.

Technical Details

Canon R7, 400mm f4 DO IS II, 1.4x extender III, tripod
ISO 2500, f10, 1/320s (first image)
ISO 4000, f9 1/160s (second image)

Processed in DXO PureRaw 3 and Photoshop.

Critique Template

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  • Vision and Purpose:
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1 Like
2

The detail and color rendition is excellent. Nice perch and background as well. Based on the pose, my preference would be the first one.

3

Lovely captures with a beautiful perch and BG! I wonder if backing off the Shadows/Highlights adjustments would be interesting? Things may feel just a little too flat?

4

Really nice catch! I like both very much, but prefer the second. I agree it’s just a bit flat - adding some vibrance or reducing the highlight dampening would likely do the trick.

5

I like both, Allen, but I think my preference would be for the second as the first feels just a bit crowded in the frame. The upper chest in both versions looks a little dull compared to the lower and in the second the head also looks just a bit washed out. Lots of different ways of touching those up. My preference would probably be the local adjustment brush in LR because you can paint in the mask and play with so many variables until you get what you want.

6

@Sandy_Richards-Brown @Dennis_Plank @Allen_Brooks @Diane_Miller

Thank you for the comments!

I tried a rework on each with just boosting contrast. Think it adds a little more pop.

1 Like
7

Looks like that did the trick, Allen. Nice work.