The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
After many years of misses and almosts, I finally found a Green Heron that didn’t freak out at the sight of my kayak. I’ve seen them here before, but fleeing from me as usual. This one was reasonably calm and must be habituated to humans as it was between a couple of houses and there are boats and people all around on this bit of river. I can’t believe I actually got a decent photo. Not great, but decent. I love these little birds and just can’t get over this - don’t care if it isn’t the best. It’s mine and I saw this little beauty!
Specific Feedback
It was a bright, high-summer day and I processed to reflect that and the absolute joy and incredulity I felt while sitting in the shallows watching this hunter do its thing. I hope the processing conveys that. And any technical or editing advice welcome. I cut off the reflection because it isn’t complete and there are a bunch of floating weeds or something where the head should be.
Technical Details
Handheld in the kayak (boy did I put on the brakes for this!!!) - CPL on lens
Lr for RAW work to even luminosity and give it a rotation and slight crop. Topaz Sharpen AI for details and NR. Massaged again in Lr with some masking. Photoshop to use the major crutch that is CAF and CAE and it really saved this picture. Lr again for some additional masking and another crop with the additional canvas added from Ps.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Exciting capture! I love how is claw is sitting right on top of the water with the reflection.
The one thing that jumps out at me is the bright “line” I think from the shoreline just over his head. I wonder how it would look if you darkened that a bit?
Thanks @elizabeth - it was so wonderful I think I was shaking. These guys are so much smaller than you think…like the size of crows. I took away some of the brightest “offenders” and I like it better. Sometimes when I do big CAF actions I get nervous about taking it too far and leave dumb stuff behind. Doh. Plus I reworked some of the overall lighting this time by using different masks. Thoughts?
Ponds are pretty messy this time of year, Kris, so the background just fits that scenario. I could see taking about half the area to the left of the heron off. I like what you did to the heron on the repost. A fine image.
Thanks @Dennis_Plank - I forgot to re-crop it with the 2nd version so a 3rd is now up. And yah, wild places are what they are, I didn’t clean up the water much since that’s how it was.
Congrats on catching this species Kris. Nice to find one willing to strike a nearby pose. Good timing to get the raised leg. Good details in the shadows on the bird. I like the latest rework.
Thanks @Dennis_Plank, @elizabeth & @Allen_Sparks - I’m so happy with my opportunity and what I came away with. This river has been a great location for me over the years - otters, wood turtles, a vulture, GBHs & now a Greenie!
Great low perspective in this with your kayak Kris. I really like the detail in the wings and the reflected light underneath the back of the bird. Great pose to catch the foot on the top of the water. This one seems like it was pretty intent on something nearby.
Thanks @Ed_Williams - getting low is key to shots like this IMO and the kayak definitely helps although I am at sitting height so not quite at the bird’s level. I love the reflected light, too, it was one of the first things I noticed when I got the file in Lr. Bonus!
Thanks @Peter_Morrissey - the final edit is better than the first couple. I think the excitement of actually getting a photo overshadowed my editing sense.
