Tom Brassil  

Great Egret, Back Lit by Tom Brassil

July 2025 - Great Egret, Back Lit

July 2025 - Tom Brassil

Original

About the Image(s)

Iso 72, F7.1 at 1/320with 400 mm Lens

This month's image is of a Great Egret. I was taken by the back lighting on the bird and the bushes. Obviously, in Photoshop, I've greatly enhanced that lighting with luminance and blur applied.

I accept that a few areas are blown out; they weren't in the original, but to take them back, sort of degrades the rest of the lovely light, to my eye.

I'm also in a bit of a quandary with this image, where the image I like is as presented. I'm taken by the play of light on both the bush and the bird. However, I accept that a cropped version featuring more of the bird would normally be presented. A major crop would be needed to come into the realm of an acceptable image (also attached). However, as it's my image, I'm going with the image I like, not with an image that would be acceptable in a competition approach.

Thanks for viewing and for your comments.

11 comments posted

Darcy Johnson   Darcy Johnson
Hi Tom - The handling of the background is beautiful. The bokah is pleasing and creamy. It is a nice compliment to the texture found in the Great Egret. There is a lovely halo of light outlining the egret's feathers which adds a sense of depth - which I understand is a trademark of successful backlit animal images. Otherwise, I think you critiqued your own image. I like the full background as well as the cropped version. I am not sure I agree that only the cropped version would be competition worthy.   Posted: 07/17/2025 03:57:42
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thank you Darcy, I do appreciate that   Posted: 07/26/2025 06:05:42
Karen Davis   Karen Davis
Oh my - what I wouldn't give for that exquisite light?!
I do like both images, but I think the crop in the "Original" that positions him a bit off-center is more appealing to my eye.
The one suggestion I might make - and it's minuscule - is to remove the white line/branch below his beak.
Beautiful image!
Karen
  Posted: 07/18/2025 19:15:38
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thank you Karen, I agree that the white line below the beak is distracting. Thanks for pointing that out   Posted: 07/26/2025 06:08:05
Ingrid Lockhart   Ingrid Lockhart
Hi Tom. The light in this image is fantastic and really puts it in a class of its own. I actually like the larger crop, allowing the interesting and lovely background to create a subtle diagonal behind the Egret. The only suggestions I would make are 1.the same one as Karen, to remove the white twig beneath his beak, and 2. to darken the little bright areas at the very left edge and along the bottom edge, both of which draw the viewer's eye out of the frame. Great capture - Congratulations.   Posted: 07/19/2025 23:03:02
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thank you Ingrid, and thanks for pointing out those two areas. yep they do need attention.   Posted: 07/26/2025 06:09:45
Erin Browne   Erin Browne
Hi Tom - what a neat image. I love the coloring and the backlighting works well. I agree with some of the comments above to remove the one twig below his beak, and maybe crop a little more off center, but I agree the larger image the background is lovely and adds to the overall image.   Posted: 07/21/2025 14:59:16
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thank you Erin, I do appreciate that   Posted: 07/26/2025 06:10:29
Gregory Waldron   Gregory Waldron
Hi Tom,
Thanks for thinking out loud for the group. The image is interesting with very unique lighting. I think sometime you just have to go with your gut. I think you made a good choice.
Best regards,
Greg   Posted: 07/22/2025 19:35:53
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thank you very much Greg   Posted: 07/26/2025 06:11:13
Syed Shakhawat Kamal   Syed Shakhawat Kamal
Hi Tom,
Greetings my friend.
Eventhough some part of the image is blown out, I think you have handled the image pretty good.
Lovely capture and thank you for sharing..
Cheers.
Kamal.   Posted: 07/29/2025 11:05:41

 

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