The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
These little guys are a dime a dozen and never sit still so I usually don’t bother with them – and they usually have a seed in their beak. But, increasingly, they are about the only ones the Acorn Woodpeckers don’t chase away from the feeders. So I took the chance to get this one with its topknot ruffed.
Minor global tonal tweaks in LR. Into PS for Topaz Denosie and Nik Tonal Contrast for a bit more detail on the BG. About a 50% crop. I had just been shooting a larger Acorn Woodpecker and didn’t take time to move my hand to the the zoom ring. I was in a blind and on a tripod with a loose (but not too loose) gimbal head. It would be nice to just leave my left hand on the zoom ring and use that to simultaneously aim and zoom – sounds too good to be true and it is – it is ergonomically ludicrous.
We don’t have this type of Titmouse here; ours are the Tufted Titmouse. However, behavior sounds very similar. Cute little one, even if common. I really like the perch and the birds’ pose. I know there isn’t a lot of color available here, but the image looked “washed out” to me. So, I did something I rarely do - especially with someone’s image who I know has much better processing skills than me: I downloaded it and just tried a little haze removal. It seems to me it brought out a bit more detail in the bird, and brightened the image a bit. You may not like it, and that’s okay.
Terry, I think you’re onto something – and it’s excellent to try ideas on images – it’s the best way to learn, for people on both ends of the proverbial stick.
The light was soft and dull, and you’ve punched contrast nicely without overdoing it! I might do the equivalent with several methods, from simple white and black point adjustments to midtone contrast methods such as Clarity or Dehaze. I’ll have another look at it – thanks!
Nice catch Diane. I’ve never seen this species so this is a treat. I like the pose with fine details and an inquisitive look. I like Terry’s version also with more BG saturation and looks like a little more contrast. Well done!
Nice image and pose, Diane. I really like the inquisitive look and how you have framed the titmouse. Terry’s edits definitely enhance the image quality.
We have a similar looking juniper titmouse in our region, but they are not so common - I have seen them only once in our yard.
I love the raised top knot and the head turn, Diane. I think Terry was onto something with the added punch. I’ve been using a bit of dehaze in a local adjustment brush (along with some other things) as a final touch on a lot of my images.
