First Post- Zoo picture critique

[crichison]

Just got a camera a couple of weeks ago and have been learning, lots of good info here. The wife and I decided to go to the St. Louis Zoo today and get some shots, I've posted one here.

I was wondering what can be done with the sunlight saturation just above the right wing, also what else if anything would you do to this shot.

Thanks for any ideas and guidance!

Nikon 3100
ISO 1600
300MM
f/5.6
1/160sec

All I have for editing software currently is Lightroom 3.

[3bayjunkie]

hmmm, you went to the zoo and this was the one you picked? Interesting choice.

[crichison]

I have several shots that have saturated, if that is even the right terminology, sunlight in them and was looking for some advice on how to lessen the harshness of it using the software that I currently have. The others are to a lesser degree so this made a good, or so I thought, critique photo.

[cyber3d]

Sunlight saturation is not the issue. Remember to compose in the camera rather than the computer. While it is not always possible to compose in the camera (for example: your butterfly leaves without your permission), it is the best way to avoid tough situations.

Lightroom can help by using a brush to "paint" the areas that are bright white. It is not the best solution IMO. It can be done, but it won't be easy and probably not very satisfactory. You need to get a program that has more editing features and capabilities than Lightroom. Something like Photoshop.