Ann Brixey  


Untitled by Ann Brixey

May 2023 - Untitled

May 2023 - Ann Brixey

Original

About the Image(s)

I took this image from a boat on the Homosassa River, It was late afternoon in December and the light was fading. Cropped in LR and brought up the shadows. Usually in the case of a blue sky I run it through Topaz de noise, however after looking at it I decided it did not look too noisy. Hand held, Manual mode, BB focus, settings were SS. 1/1600, f:5.6 ISO 640 Focal length 320.0mm


This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted




Sharon Prislipsky   Sharon Prislipsky
I think this is a strong bird portrait, and to me it looks sharp, especially the eye. I am guessing you used the animal eye focus. (My Canon also has that and it has been a huge factor in my bird photography.) I think the vertical crop works well as it emphasizes the height of these spectacular birds. This image makes me think of a similar one I captured at Wakodahatchee early in the morning. Thhe sidlight gives the subject a golden glow, which I like. However, when I entered it into a print competiton the judge did not care for that warm look at all and marked it down. I guess it is a matter of taste; but I only offer that in case you want to use this for a PSA-recognized exhibition. Another thing I wonder about is the possiblity of bringing up sthe shadows on the bird a bit if it can be done without creating too much noise. To me this image is visually pleasing,   Posted: 05/03/2023 07:03:26
Ann Brixey   Ann Brixey
Thank you Sharon, You are correct, I do use animal eye focus. (both of my Sony cameras have it.) Like you I like the golden glow, but know not everyone does. Right now I have no plans to enter it for a contest, since there is still so much to learn. I like your suggestion of bringing up the shadows on the bird, and will try it to see how it looks.
  Posted: 05/03/2023 12:43:46



Judith Lesnaw   Judith Lesnaw
Ann, what is the name of this majestic bird? He posed for you. I like your crop as it eliminates some of the dark green leaves, and leaves just the right amount of negative space for him to peer into. My eyes follow the reddish color from the tree up the bird to that piercing eye, and down the beak. That color is very pleasing against the blue sky. The bird is remarkably sharp given that your camera was hand-held and you were in a boat.   Posted: 05/09/2023 20:00:19
Ann Brixey   Ann Brixey
Hi Judith, this is a Great Blue Heron, something I see so often here in Florida. Thank you for your kind comments. I really enjoy photographing birds and wildlife. Luckily we were on a field trip with our Photo club, so the boat captain did his very best to keep the boat's movement to a minimum.
  Posted: 05/11/2023 14:19:30



Mike Cohen   Mike Cohen
It reminds me of Viera Wetlands where the Great Blues often nest on the topped off palms. To my eye, the processed image has picked up a slight orange color cast that I don't see in the original. The colors in general look slightly over saturated to me. I might also include a bit more space behind the bird and then remove the protruding branch which your crop eliminated. Nice image of this majestic heron.   Posted: 05/10/2023 16:06:53
Ann Brixey   Ann Brixey
Hi Mike, Thank you. You are right about, the sky particularly being over saturated, and I have corrected it. I actually have also made this into a B&W image, which I think is even better. But I confess I am very partial to B&W photography. I have not been to Viera, several people have told me it is not as good as it once was. Merrit Island is great though.   Posted: 05/11/2023 14:21:54
Mike Cohen   Mike Cohen
Hi Ann. I think you're right about Viera and Merritt. Last I heard vehicles were prohibited but that may have been temporary.
  Posted: 05/11/2023 14:40:09



Pamela Hoaglund   Pamela Hoaglund
Welcome to the group. This is a beautiful image of this majestic GBH. I like that you cropped it vertically as the heron is stretched up looking maybe for something to eat. I like the color of the sky in the original better. The color of the sky seems unnatural in the edited image. The one suggestion I would have is to clone out the bits of frond sticking in from the bottom right as they seem distracting. I wouldn't crop in any tighter on the right as the heron has a nice space to look into.   Posted: 05/12/2023 16:20:20
Ann Brixey   Ann Brixey
Thank you Pamela, I agree about the color of the sky, I have since re-edited it and I think the sky is much better now.   Posted: 05/29/2023 13:09:46



Tammie Simon   Tammie Simon
My favorite bird! They are plentiful down here and are very difficult to photograph because they don't like you to get too close. I prefer the color tone of the original. I think the edited image is too warm. I would maybe bring down the highlights on the tree he is standing on so that it is not so bright.   Posted: 05/17/2023 09:30:50
Ann Brixey   Ann Brixey
Thank you Tammy, Yes the GBH are very plentiful here, I am always glad I have at least a 400mm lens with me, although there have been times when the birds have come up close to me too.
  Posted: 05/29/2023 13:12:06