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.
Specific Feedback
All comments welcome!
Technical Details
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.
