Does this "colourisation" work?

[JoziGreg]

(I honestly have no idea what the correct term for this technique is, though I doubt it's "colourisation"...)

I loved the vibrant colours of the oxpecker bird on the muzzle of the middle impala and wanted to highlight these against the dull browns of the antelope and the surrounding bush.

My question is simply does it work for this image? Is there a way that I could make it more effective somehow? Any other thoughts in general about the image?



Data:
Original Capture: 04/01/2010, 12:50pm – Kruger National Park, South Africa
Canon EOS350D | f/11 | 1/500sec | IS200 | 200mm | No flash

[Doug Sundseth]

Doesn't work for me (I'm sure others would disagree).

If it were my photo and I wanted to highlight the bird, I'd probably do a much less obvious local change, maybe increase the brightness on the bird and desaturate the impalas a bit. I'd be attempting to draw the eye where I wanted it without being quite so heavy handed.

HTH

[Tiberius]

There are very few situations where selective colour works. Alas this isn't one of them.

[AshNZ]

Firstly I think it's a great photo as it is. I also think the coloring is working well in this picture. Although I wouldn't mind seeing a complete BW or color version of this picture.

[JoziGreg]

Originally Posted by Doug Sundseth

I'd probably do a much less obvious local change, maybe increase the brightness on the bird and desaturate the impalas a bit. I'd be attempting to draw the eye where I wanted it without being quite so heavy handed.

Thanks for your thoughts Doug, much appreciated.
I think I'm definitely leaning in the direction that you've suggested i.e. a more full colour image with a less obvious emphasis on the bird. Will be tracking down the original file soon and will return with an edit made around your suggestions.
Thanks again for taking a look.

Originally Posted by Tiberius

There are very few situations where selective colour works. Alas this isn't one of them.

Appreciate you letting me know what the technique is called. Any suggestions on what to do with the picture though?

Originally Posted by AshNZ

Firstly I think it's a great photo as it is. I also think the coloring is working well in this picture. Although I wouldn't mind seeing a complete BW or color version of this picture.

Thanks Ash, kind of you to say.
As I noted above, I think I'm going to rework the whole thing in full colour, but I might also look at a full B&W version if I can get the contrasts more defined. I'm worried that there'll be too few shades and it'll look pretty flat with an almost uniform shade of gray throughout. Again, I'll give it a whirl and return with an edit for you to consider.
Thanks for taking the time to give me your thoughts.

[Question to the Mods - the Critique FAQ says one picture only in a thread. If I do edits of this picture, am I okay posting them back here, or must they go to an external store with links only here? Is the one picture only rule an absolute, or a reference to having only one image that is being critiqued or reviewed in a thread?)

[praline3001]

I agree with doug, the color isn't working for me either. I like his idea of pulling the eye. Its a very pretty shot as is.

[crockny]

I think it's OK to post your edit here ... at least I see lots of people doing it!

[JudiRose]

I'm very new to this and don't know how to do a lot of it, but I do know what I like to look at and I agree with Doug, also. I would de-saturate impalas and brighten the bird, but only a little on each end. I would really like to see your re-edit.