Stalkers in the Marsh

Image Critiques Avian Critiques
1

Hi All,

Trying something outside of the box today. Was taking some silhouettes of this snowy egret in Chincoteague when a great egret stalked through the scene. I kind of liked this one where the great egret’s head is a bit of a surprise in the BG. Interested to see whether people think it’s too distracting or just doesn’t work in general.

In post, I added some canvas to the left, cropped in a bit from the right, darkened the darks, warmed up the photo a bit, and dodged the illuminated plumage on the snowy. All C&C welcome.

_LWG7834(II)
_LWG7834(II)1700×1271 946 KB

Techs:
D850
700mm, tripod, kneeling in shin deep salt water
1/1600
f/6.3
ISO 500

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@feelingruby

2

Hi Lyle
The dynamic range of a camera can’t match the eye but, I do think bring up some of the detail in the background, can bring the photo closer to what you see in the field. I have look at a number of photograph were a white bird is popping out of a black back-ground and the bird looks great. That said, this is a well framed and shot photograph.
Peter

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_LWG7834(II)_DxO2000×1495 2.2 MB

I masked out the two Egrets and increased the exposure of grass by +.5 in DxO PhotoLab.
Peter

3

Hi Lyle. I like your concept and I think the birds are about right. I tend to think Peter has a good Idea, but I would only go about 1/4 to 1/2 that far. It’s starting to look a bit odd to my eye. I’m also not sure about all the gold highlights on the bottom. While they’re incredibly cool, I’m not sure they add to this particular image.

4

Thanks, Dennis. We had very similar thoughts. Here’s a new version, although I kept the water in the bottom of the frame for now.

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_LWG7834(III)1700×1271 1.36 MB

5

Perfect job on the background in this version, Lyle. Just enough light to give it some structure.

6

I like this image Lyle. The repost gives enough light to show us the environment sufficiently while maintaining the mood. I’d keep the water. Interesting image.

7

Very nice mood in this images, and the repost looks very nice indeed. The only small thing would be the grey in the right UH corner, which competes a bit for attention with the Egret. I would probably try to stamp some of the bright sky in there as well… or at least brighten it a little. Other than that a darn good image ! Cheers, Hans

8

I’m liking the extra detail and feel of your rework which shows that beautiful backlight but doesn’t feel dull.

9

Hi Lyle
Ya I think I go with your second posting, with a little darker grass land. Nice work.
Dennis I did adjust the gold highlights or the sky.
Peter

10

Nice capture and lovely rim lighting on the Egret Lyle-I love the re-post! Good work.