What changed: I went back to the RAW file and was able to bump up the exposure on the BG, added a linear gradient and boosted up the exposure on the subject. Finally, I warmed up the overall temp on WB and reduced the saturation of yellows, greens, and cyans in the BG.
Added after receiving feedback from the community.
The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic / Expressive
About This Image
The only way that I was able to get this shot was to slide over the window screen and shoot through the opening. A bluejay and downy woodpecker almost flew through the opening for morning kitchen drama. Several male grosbeaks visit the feeder early in the morning which influenced the darkness of the BG.
Feedback Requested
I am tempted to lighten the BG slightly to get the blacks of the grosbeak to be separated from the BG. What do you think about that? I am learning to use the masking feature in Lightroom and can use some guidance on its application. Thank you…
Hi Jim. I was going to suggest a linear gradient on the background to bring put a bit more contrast between it and the dark plumage, so I’d say go for your favorite technique on that one. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one growing up in the DDT era in Michigan, but it looks to my eye as if the lighter areas of the bird could come up a little as well.
Nice catch Jim of a real beauty. Details look good as does the perch. Agree with lightening background for separation and perhaps a general lift overall as well. A fine capture.
Thank you @Dennis_Plank and @Allen_Sparks for the suggestions. I posted the recised version and was surprised at how easy the masking features in Lightroom Classic are to manipulate.
A fine but subtle adjustment, Jim. For a lot of things, I’m finding I prefer the LR masks since you then have access to all the adjustments in a single mask. Note: take a look at intersecting masks by clicking on the three dots after the initial mask-it can make for some really sweet adjustment blending.
I would agree that the repost definitely pops a lot better than the original. Although we get other types of grosbeak out here, this is not a species I have seen before other than in pictures. A very pleasing image with a great background and find detail.
