This white variant of Reddish Egret, referred to as a White Morph, was taken at Fort de Soto, near Saint Petersburg, Florida. I spent much more time processing than usual, trying to deal with blown out whites and separation from the background. I’m particularly interested in critical comments on those issues as well as the shadow, which looks a bit funky to me, but I didn’t know what more to do with it other than to make it more transparent. Regarding the shadow, I did delete a black line that ran up the middle of it which I presume was one of the bird’s legs, but didn’t look like it was in the right place. After cropping it, I used Topaz denoise. Using brush and other selections I tried to tone down the whites on the tail of the bird and its reflection. I used a linear gradient from the top to the middle and added a touch of blue, subtracting the bird. The problem was the area behind the bird's head which was removed when I subtracted the bird. Once I was in PS I selected that region and added a touch of blue there attempting to match the other area outside the bird. I added a bit of color boost to the beak, removed a few spots and did a very slight vignette. Sony a1ii, 400mm lens, f/3.2, 1/2500 second, ISO 1000.
8 comments posted
Judith Lesnaw
Fascinating composition. The graceful wing positions, the vacant stare and the intensity of the forward motion fuel storytelling, and the wonderful reflection that looks like a hand about to rise from the water gives the story a twist of fantasy. I would lighten the tree reflections at the top even more, and maybe even shave a bit off the top in keeping with the high key nature of this wonderful image. Posted: 08/08/2026 17:37:33
Tracy Kaminer
Mike, this is beautiful. I didn't know about a white morph reddish egret, so I'm happy to see this. You are obviously very skilled as an editor as well as a photographer. I don't have as critical an eye, so I'll give you the a less studied response. I'm very attracted to the shadow of the bird, both in the original and in the edited version. I believe the black line in the shadow is coming from the dark line that leads up to the upper wing over the high point on the back. It doesn't bother me. There is blue in the center of the lower wing over his head. I might try to whiten that a little. I see it is more pronounced in the original. Enough of that picky stuff. The pose is gorgeous. The shadow is attractive. The hint of foliage in the upper part the image may help explain the shadow in the water--I don't know if that's true, but maybe . . . I like the foliage, nevertheless. Posted: 08/10/2026 13:09:12
Polly Krauter
What a lovely, graceful position you captured. Personally, I like the subtle bird shadow. The background, upper bluish half, does give nice separation between the bird and the water. Does the blue background area on the right-side of the bird's forward leg look slightly lighter than that behind its back leg? When I increased the image size I see a blue line between the head and the primary feather. A tiny nitpick for sure, but you could consider toning down the bright white edges of the feathers on the arch area of the wing. I think that this image is beautiful. Posted: 08/11/2026 00:07:17
Ian Chantler
(Groups 4 & 31)
Hi Mike
Your post processing is so well thought out and been applied so sympathetically,the tones and lighting are so delicate it looks almost like a watercolour painting,its a winner all ends up for me. Posted: 08/15/2026 14:13:45
Sharon Prislipsky
I think the light you captured in this image is absolutely lovely. Your post processing has revealed the soft pastels in the reflection. I get the feeling this bird is looking at its reflection and probaoly admiring itself (just a bit of anthopromorphism on my part). I find thy way Reddish egrets use their wings to shade the water enabling them to see their prey is a fascinating behavior. You have captured it perfectly in my opinion. Posted: 08/15/2026 15:11:58
Pamela Hoaglund
Wow, this is beautiful. The position of the head, wings, feet and bit of tail just all comes together to make an absolutely wonderful image. Your post processing abilities are far beyond my capabilities. The only suggestion I would have is to either crop down from the top or paint out the dark background. To me it distracts from the beautiful bird and its reflection which are the stars of the show. Again WOW! Posted: 08/17/2026 22:48:21
Tom Brott
Another great image and great job in post processing. For my eye the image is a little to high key for me. I went to PS and levels used the options and find light and dark. I think it brings out a little more detail. Posted: 08/21/2026 17:38:32
Mike Cohen
Thanks everyone. Tracy, thanks for pointing out that blue area which I did not notice but now cannot unsee. Tom, I like what you did. Thanks.
