Coming and going

[clockdoc]

It is another hot, dry day here and the birds are enjoying the birdbath. I wanted to catch some action as they approached or left the bath as those shots of the birds in the bath were somewhat static. ISO 400, shutterspeed priority of 1/1000 sec at f/3.2 , Sony F707. Some composite curves applied in Photoshop.

[Saralonde]

Nicely composed, good to have the birds cooperate with that! This should be viewed in the large size, you can see more detail on the birds that way. The only thing I think it needs (IMHO) is something to deepen the colors a bit more as it seems a little light. Patience paid off!

[Farkled]

I might consider a crop of just the batch and lower bird. That would eliminate a lot of uninteresting tree green. Just a thought

[yurik]

oo, it's so nice that you caught both birds in action. It almost looks like a double exposure of the same bird, first coming in and then leaving :x

I would agree with saralonde. I think that the colors are a bit pale and adding some contrast would go far. Specifically, you might want to consider burning the left part of the bushes, which seem to be a different tone compared to the rest of the bush.

But in terms of composition, subject, and timing. I think it's great

[clockdoc]

Thanks for your comments. In reviewing what I wrote, I see that I wasn't very clear about this being a composite. I must have had two thoughts in my mind in my haste to post. The base photo is the one with the bird on the left, bath and trees. The additional bird was added from a separate shot. It just happened to be in front of the 'fuzzy' cypress tree and tended to blend in more easily. I don't believe it was the same bird that had just arrived. I had tried applying 'curves' to the image for more contrast but didn't do a good job there. Still have much to learn about Photoshop but I enjoy experimenting as I learn.

[underexposed]

Very nice work on the composite. It fooled me. And, yes, it could use some more colour.