OSPREY, Is it decent?

[sk66]

I was in Virginia a week ago and I wanted some nice Osprey shots SO BAD.... This is one of the ones I got.

Camera: Nikon D3
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/2000)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 600 mm
ISO Speed: 280
Exposure Bias: +2/3 EV

There are several things I know are wrong with this image. The focus is a little too far into the scene, and the crop is a bit off (I left EVERYTHING available in the top left). But it is so close...I really want it to work.... What's your opinion? Any recommendations on how to make it better? (I did quite a bit of tweaking to get it to this point trying to save it)

[wannabephotographer]

The wing is a little out of focus. The crop is really tight, no room for it to fly. Was that the original sky? It seems a little off somehow.

[sk66]

The front wing is a lot out of focus, but it is the original sky (very sunny with light clouds around). I can add some more room to the right and front....I chose the tighter crop due to the lack of space on the left/top because I didn't want it too be too heavy on one side, but maybe a little more room would work better.

[Indigo November]

Well, you shouldn't trash it. You might be able to add some space.
I'm no expert on pp issues, but I think there is a way to extend the edges of the image, like a reverse crop.
In your case add more sky. Shouldn't be too hard......... Maybe a pp expert will shed some light.
I know it can be done, just not sure how.......

[PrimeTime]

Go to image---canvas size---add some space around the image, in white---start cloning the sky above the bird and then you can recrop the image the way you want it.

Nice shot by the way.

[Waxeye]

There is a good bit about adding extra canvas in the cd/pdf book "the art of bird photography II" by Arthur Morris if you happen to know someone who has it or have it yourself. Def worth the read imo. Some don't like adding stuff that is not there though, up to you.

I agree that it is a nice picture regardless.

Here is a bit about adding canvas from birds as art forum.
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...read.php?t=834
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=41898

[vbhakuni]

Wow.....stunner...........!!!!!

[sk66]

Same image with added space:


I'll keep it, but I don't think it's ever going to be great.

[Sterling]

Second crop is much better.

[photog1107]

In its defense, the eye and head look tack sharp from here, and that is what really counts. I am very impressed and with the second crop, would def consider it a nice achievement!