Jardin du Luxembourg - Composition Question

[Eduard]

This is an older image that I've been trying to rework a bit. Taken in Paris 3 years ago with a Nikon D70s and then brand new Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens. I saw the sparrow among the pigeons and realized I could compress the background by zooming all the way to 300mm. The 6 megapixel resolution really works against me here. Generally, I've cropped the right most cluster of birds out of the image. I'd love some feedback on whether to crop and if I should sharpen a bit (which makes the flower urn look more unnatural). Thanks in advance!

EXIF: 1/160 at f5.6, ISO 100

[mpf777]

Nice shot. There is good color in the flowers and nice background colors and blur. Good job.

Mike

[Eduard]

Thanks Mike. I'm really enjoying this underrated lens.

[Sterling]

Nice shot Eduard. I don't think it needs any cropping. The only thing that sticks out to me is that pink flowers look really oversaturated.

[Eduard]

Originally Posted by Sterling

Nice shot Eduard. I don't think it needs any cropping. The only thing that sticks out to me is that pink flowers look really oversaturated.

Let me fire up Viveza and see what I can do! Thanks for pointing it out!

[LightStalking]

I'd agree with the others. Great shot with no cropping needed. That pink really does stand out though.

[Eduard]

Originally Posted by LightStalking

I'd agree with the others. Great shot with no cropping needed. That pink really does stand out though.

My original attempt was using Capture NX2. I tried again but with the RAW converter in Photoshop CS4. All settings were minimized. Is this too "flat" now? Thanks again for your comments!

[data5amurai]

It is a bit flat now but I think a quick burn on that plant would do the trick.

I like the picture, nice and peaceful. Good job.

[Eduard]

Originally Posted by data5amurai

It is a bit flat now but I think a quick burn on that plant would do the trick.

Thanks for the feedback!

[mpf777]

Personally I like most of the qualities of the first one. As it seems like it is mainly the pink flowers that are over saturated you could try taking the image with the original adjustments in NX2 and then use one of the color control points in NX2 placed on the pink color of the flower and bring the saturation down a bit, that way it will only effect the pink.