WingDrying

[johnjuan57]

I dont have the camera it takes to reach out there and get a good focus on these birds, but I like this shot. So I did a little PP, Enlarging, Cropping, and balanced out some levels, and I'm still not sure I'm there. Could I get some advice on some other PP? Thank you very much

Camera Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/8.0
Focal Length 70.8 mm
ISO Speed 64

[milosh]

Nice catch!

I suggest cropping the upper part of the photo, because it's not interesting and it's drawing away attention a bit. Right now the ducks represent a small subject, and although it is clear that they are the main subject, they are too small to have enough impact. By cropping you get rid of the distraction on top, and you make the ducks bigger. Of course, the cropping leaves you with an odd aspect ratio (close to 16:9), if you're ok with that.

On the post-processing side, maybe you could try to lower the brightness of the water just a bit, and brighten the ducks and those three posts they're standing on, in order to make a viewer focus on them more easily.

I did some quick cropping and processing to illustrate this.

[Doug Sundseth]

I think I like the fall vegetation at the top of the photo, but Milosh's crop is worth thinking about. That said, if you frame a shot like this again, you might consider shooting from lower to move the subject closer to the middle of the frame.

I'd try adding Fill Light to get a bit more detail from the undersides of the cormorants. I think I'd also pull up the exposure in the highlights to increase the apparent dynamic range of the image.

[johnjuan57]

Originally Posted by milosh

Nice catch!

I suggest cropping the upper part of the photo, because it's not interesting and it's drawing away attention a bit. Right now the ducks represent a small subject, and although it is clear that they are the main subject, they are too small to have enough impact. By cropping you get rid of the distraction on top, and you make the ducks bigger. Of course, the cropping leaves you with an odd aspect ratio (close to 16:9), if you're ok with that.

On the post-processing side, maybe you could try to lower the brightness of the water just a bit, and brighten the ducks and those three posts they're standing on, in order to make a viewer focus on them more easily.

I did some quick cropping and processing to illustrate this.

I do like your crop that you did. I was thinking that the photo lacked color myself, and by leaving that fall foliage it might help. But know I see that it can be distracting. I'm gonna keep playing with it, thanks so much for your help.

[johnjuan57]

Originally Posted by Doug Sundseth

I think I like the fall vegetation at the top of the photo, but Milosh's crop is worth thinking about. That said, if you frame a shot like this again, you might consider shooting from lower to move the subject closer to the middle of the frame.

I'd try adding Fill Light to get a bit more detail from the undersides of the cormorants. I think I'd also pull up the exposure in the highlights to increase the apparent dynamic range of the image.

Thanks for taking the time Doug, it means a lot. I'm still real new at the PP end of this stuff. But I'm trying new stuff all the time hoping to learn. In fact I've got another version that I'll post.
I tried doing some of what you suggested, and then tried some of my own. Thanks again.

[johnjuan57]

Heres the other version with some changes. Better or not, I'm not sure.

[Jonbar18]

I agree with Milosh's suggestion, but if you go with it, try and be a bit more careful on the PP

In your edit, I like the pinkish tone. Gives it that early morning feel. But its a bit overdone. Remember, subtlety is key

[johnjuan57]

Originally Posted by Jonbar18

I agree with Milosh's suggestion, but if you go with it, try and be a bit more careful on the PP

In your edit, I like the pinkish tone. Gives it that early morning feel. But its a bit overdone. Remember, subtlety is key

Thank you so much for the thoughts and taking the time. I am so new at this, what little PP work I have done has been overdone. But its a work in progress. I'll get it. Thanks very much.