Matt Moses
May 2023 - Ibis in Florida
About the Image(s)
Was an overcast afternoon as we drove parts of the Merritt Island National Refuge in Florida. There were lots of birds to see on the drive. This particular one was keeping an eye on an alligator that was floating nearby.
Editing:
Based adjustments in Lightroom [highlights, shadows, white balance]
Editing with Topaz Photo AI to process noise and sharpness
Tech:
Nikon Z6
Nikkor Z 400m/4.5 VR
ISO 900
1/1000 @ F/4.5
4 comments posted
To anthropomorphize, this ibis looks truly frightened! Look at that eyeball! The detail in all his white is good to see, as are the slow ripples in the water around him. The ripple itself is a great vignette - from the bottom to the top. Thanks for such a peaceful scene, even if the bird looks frightful! Posted: 05/12/2023 20:30:18
This is a great capture of a peaceful scene. The Ibis is sharp and the colors are good. I love the vignette in the water which looks like the bird is sitting on his own body.
Wonderful work! Posted: 05/14/2023 20:07:42
Wonderful work! Posted: 05/14/2023 20:07:42
Matt,
Very nice shot. As Zina pointed out, the eye is really well done...I don't think technically it is catch light just because the light is coming from another direction, but you have done a great job of making it visually important. The other visual element that catches my eye is the circular ripple pattern in front of the bird...like it dropped something.
The only suggestions I have to improve it are along the lines of removing some small distractions. There are 3 of 4 very noticeable bright spots (like the one behind and to the right of the bird's head) which would be very simple to remove. Also I have been taught it is always best to keep the corners in a shot like this absolutely clear of distraction, and in this one there is a very small tuft of grass in the lower right corner...again that should be easy to get rid of with a healing brush or a slight crop adjustment. But those are fairly little things...it's a nice shot. Posted: 05/19/2023 16:44:34
Very nice shot. As Zina pointed out, the eye is really well done...I don't think technically it is catch light just because the light is coming from another direction, but you have done a great job of making it visually important. The other visual element that catches my eye is the circular ripple pattern in front of the bird...like it dropped something.
The only suggestions I have to improve it are along the lines of removing some small distractions. There are 3 of 4 very noticeable bright spots (like the one behind and to the right of the bird's head) which would be very simple to remove. Also I have been taught it is always best to keep the corners in a shot like this absolutely clear of distraction, and in this one there is a very small tuft of grass in the lower right corner...again that should be easy to get rid of with a healing brush or a slight crop adjustment. But those are fairly little things...it's a nice shot. Posted: 05/19/2023 16:44:34
Very nicely captured image. Beautiful bird with a riveting eye. The circular ripple pattern is a big plus drawing the eye to right under the beak. The orange reed in the water matches the beak, almost as a reflection, which I don't think it is based on the ripple pattern. Hope you weren't too close to the alligator! Posted: 05/25/2023 14:33:47