New Photo_Have not uploaded in over a year

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

07/08/2012 07:59:07 AM · #1

I need feedback please, if anyone is kind enough to do so for me? Its been over a year since I have uploaded any photos, and I am very proud of this one. No editing!! I took my time with this one, and am proud of it. I need constructive criticism please.
Thank you,
Jamie

Tiny

Apple iPad mini 4

07/08/2012 08:21:49 AM · #2

OK,have done

RyanW

Nikon D7000

07/08/2012 09:30:39 AM · #3

offered my thoughts as well

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

07/08/2012 09:34:23 AM · #4

I can see why you're proud of it -- I like the capture very much. However, it does need some editing to make it better. Since he was backlit, his face is too much in shadow -- and that's what we want to see the most. To do this, you would have to change the exposure while shooting (and the background would be brighter) or do it in post processing.

Remember, there's nothing wrong with editing. That's why the darkroom was so useful -- dodging, burning, etc. I doubt that most photographers ever got it perfect out of camera -- especially with wildlife!

Here's an example -- it's a quick edit, so it could be better, but it's so much nicer to be able to see the face:

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

07/08/2012 10:51:36 AM · #5

I Hope you don't mind, I took a quick edit of your file. I think the photo has some potential and with a crop and some PP work you have a decent photo.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

07/08/2012 11:13:01 AM · #6

A nice shot!

For my tastes, here is the processing I like on the image:

Topaz Denoise (a light pass to remove most noise, but leave all details)
Topaz Re-Mask (separate bird from background)
Topaz Adjust on background layer to darken BG
Shadow/Highlight tool on bird to lighten face
Smart Sharpen on bird to make details pop
Bit of eraser to clean edges
Topaz Re-Mask to isolate eyes
Denoise (on eye)
Sharpness (on eye)
Contrast (on eye)
Hue/Saturation (on eye, colorize to yellow/orange, then fade filter)
Darken BG to taste
Topaz De-Noise (on BG, heavy pass to make everything buttery smooth)

..

Sounds like a lot of work, but this has become pretty much my normal workflow and it only took me about five minutes to do your bird.

Here's the result.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

07/08/2012 11:40:40 AM · #7

As a bit of further constructive criticism, all of my editing was done to simulate a fill-flash..

If you have a flash, this is the perfect time to use it... Of course, that's not always possible, hence the post-processing methods.

I do very much like the composition, and you are to be commended on the exposure - despite the fact that the subject was too dark, you didn't blow out highlights, which allowed me to easily edit the shot, without trying to fix blown highlights.

Matt's crop has more DPC impact, but overall, I think I like the placement of your crop better because of the placement of the eye (it's closer to a ROT line in your crop)

Anyway, welcome back, please jump into some challenges! :)

Tiny

Apple iPad mini 4

07/08/2012 12:11:24 PM · #8

Brilliant Job by

cory

07/08/2012 04:41:04 PM · #9

COREY - Thank you so much. I really like that idea. This makes the photo just POP!
ALso, to everyone else who commented and gave advise, thank you so much, May GOD bless you all in your life, and I am very appreciative!

Originally posted by Cory:

07/08/2012 04:42:06 PM · #10

Originally posted by Tiny:

Brilliant Job by cory

AGREED!!!