Robert,
I like this shot but I don't think the birds stand out enough. You can use levels or curves to darken the grasses so the birds "POP". You can use luminosity masks also with either adjustment layer.
Dom   Posted: 05/11/2023 12:50:34

Thanks, Dom. I don't disagree.
I tried to improve the photo through Topaz.
I'll try your suggestions.   Posted: 05/11/2023 14:32:58

Hi Robert,

I do not see the connection between the submitted image and the original.

Having said that I like the concept. In addition I like the tonality of the image - the white geese against the foliage back drop.

I do think the image would have more impact if the flock of geese did not run off the left edge of the screen.

I did some work in it in PS not sure if you will like it or not - if it meets your goal. Comments welcome.   Posted: 05/12/2023 20:28:42

Hi Robert, I think that Ed gathers the flock together beautifully into a balanced nature photo, but I feel that the original crop is more exciting, almost abstract with the diagonal configuration. I could not resist trying the luminosity mask that Dom suggested: selected the background in Capture One and turned down brightness, contrast, clarity and structure to show them off better and to enhance the graphic quality. What do you think?   Posted: 05/13/2023 06:51:02

Thanks Wd and Kirsti - both suggestions are helpful. I thought about centering the flock but there were way too many of them! I like the original submission a little better and really like Kirsti's processing suggestions. Thanks to each of you.   Posted: 05/13/2023 08:51:14

Hi Robert - I seem to fall in the middle of the suggestions. I do like Ed's edit that keeps all the birds in the frame and I also like the darkened background Kirsti and Dom suggested to make the birds pop. Keeping all the birds in the frame makes the image seem more dramatic and less random to my eye.   Posted: 05/14/2023 16:30:18

I'll try to combine Ed's framing and Kirsti's processing and see what I get.
Thanks.
Rob   Posted: 05/15/2023 10:00:31

I do like the composition. The flock is not flying out of the frame ,bu comingin. The composition implies the flock is even larger and I think it makes the picture more dynamic than the origional. I think the birds would beneft by bring the tone down slightly   Posted: 05/31/2023 11:52:04