The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
After seeing Sandy’s image of this species a while back, it was in the back of my mind to go back and process one of the images I took in 2022 with the more up-to-date software. I think it worked much better than the image I processed back then.
Specific Feedback
In addition to the modern noise reduction, the bird was brightened considerably and the background darkened a bit as well. Did this create an anomalies that you notice?
Technical Details
Sony A1, FE 200-600 + 1.4 TC @ 840 mm, monopod, f/9, 1/250, iso 6400. Noise reduction in DxO PureRaw 4 then to LR for cropping, pulling up shadows and pulling down highlights. Thence to PS for some local clean-up work, micro-contrast enhancement of the bird, increasing brightness of the bird and reducing same for the background. Back to LR for some absolute final touch-up with the local adjustment brush and export. Original image taken April 22nd, 2022.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Dennis, a very cool image. Processing looks perfect to me - very sharp, NO noise, and no odd areas. I’ve been truly amazed at the excellence of DxO Pure Raw, and I thank you again for the recommendation. Compared to Topz AI NR, it’s 100 times better (IMO)
I like the side view here that gives a different angle on the face and beak, and that marvelous eye. The lichen on the tree is a great addition.
A lovely find with excellent sharpness and detail. The light int he bird is a bit flat and I think you have a lot of leeway to bring it up. Here’s a simple soft-edged quick mask and curves to brighten the bird and another one to add some vignette. The bright BG is tricky to tone down and it may look too artificial.
Thanks, @Diane_Miller. I like what you did to the bird, but I think I’d skip the vignette. I want the image to convey the bright background as well as the bird. I’ll play with it and do a repost.
This is a really nice owl image Dennis. Nice job getting the detail and controlling the color, light and shadows from a tough initial shot. It is amazing what the current software will do for us. I like what @Diane_Miller did for the bird to lighten it up a bit more. I can understand your desire to keep the BG authentic too.
