Lauren

I am very new to photography, and especially editing. I was really excited about this shot, but the background ruins it. Is there any way to be able to change the background?

Thanks,
Lauren

tilde531 Loc: Seaford Delaware

I guess I still think like the amateur that I am or something... because, for me... the background doesn't detract from this photo at all.

It's blurred enough, yet gives the bird a "setting" (instead of complete isolation) and the color supports the colors in the hummingbird.

I suppose you could manipulate it so that it's against a strictly black background to make the colors pop more in the bird... but honestly; I'd have been THRILLED to get this picture and would leave it as is.

'Course, when it comes to photography, I suppose I'm easy-to-please.

Gonna follow this thread to see what others say... those who are a little bit more detail-oriented (aka: "more difficult to please" lol).
I learn a lot that way :)

lelliclaire

If you are using Photoshop or /elements (I think) you can use the select tool and isolate the bird and then put him on a new background. In PS CS5 there is a great new way to make a selection. I do it all the time

Lauren

I have Photoshop, I will give it a try. Was worried about how to select around the tips of the wings. I guess I just need to dive in and play with it. Thanks!
Lauren

Lauren

Thanks for your opinion! Maybe I am being too critical, but I figure if there is a way to improve it I want to learn. Good opportunity anyway to experiment. :-)
Lauren

lelliclaire

What version of PS??? There are several good ways to make a selection if you do not have version 5. Check YouTube for PS selecting/selections and you will come up with a lot of tutorials. Hope this help. Isolating the subject and changing the background is a favorite thing of mine. After you isolate and put subject on a separate layer, select the original background and run the Guasian Blur filter all the way up to max and you will have a great background. Then merge the two layers

Here is a sample of some clowns I did and took the "crappy background" away!

Bobbee

I think the photo is good. As others have suggested you can use CS5 to select the bird and adjust it to bring it to life more. Try the shadows adjust. There are so many things you can do in CS5 it is mind boggling. But I do like the background, Nice pic. How much did you pay the bird yo stand still, did you get a release form from him?

lelliclaire

Actually, I have a garden room with a large window and they are "just there for me"! I photograph through the window!

I had the most ever this year....8. They have migrated now! Opps...where is the "Hummingbird Release forms"??? LOL

Greg Loc: Maryland

It will be a bit tricky, and you likely will have to do around the wingtips by hand since the very dark background blends to well with the wing tips.

tsamori

I think this is an amazing shot. Like was said before, there is no need to make any adjsutments, the background really supports the image.

ianhargraves1066 Loc: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida

Very tue, too many photographers change things around, its a great photo as it is. If I could make one like this I would be very happy.
Tilde is too coy, She is very particlar in what she photographs and does an excellant job. Ian Hargraves

ianhargraves1066 Loc: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Florida

Very tue, too many photographers change things around, its a great photo as it is. If I could make one like this I would be very happy.
Tilde is too coy, She is very particlar in what she photographs and does an excellant job. Ian Hargraves

Leopold Lysloff

You did a splendid job and I would not change a thing. Usually the blur is in the wings. Here the blur is where it should be. It has color and is soft enough to make the shot. Flat backrounds just won't work and would look so doctored up.
Photoshop is great for saving failed shot or for people who need to be more creative. (it has its place but it is nicer to be able to capture the moment without that extra help) Good work.

gessman Loc: Colorado

I love hummer shots and you've got yourself there what we call a real live picture of a beautiful ruby throated hummer and it looks really good 'cept for maybe a little cropping behind and underneath him to show him flying into the picture rather than hovering near dead center, or perhaps nearly edging toward the leading edge of his direction of travel. I did that for my own private viewing and I can tell you that you didn't leave much to work with in this submission. Hopefully, if you agree about the crop I suggested, you've got a not-already-cropped copy you can work on instead of the submitted version because cropping this shot will very delicate in that there's not much wiggle room without ruining the shot.

A contrived background making it look like a portrait will do it in for me. Hummingbirds don't do portraits, 'cept maybe some of them stuffed ones. Forget the "stuffed" look and go with your excellent shot as it is and be proud, very, very proud to have it and thank your form of an "Almighty" for the opportunity. Neither you nor the hummingbird had control over this and therefore think or say "thank you" and recognize it is a gift to you, not to be taken lightly, and don't screw it up. :)

Lauren

Wow! Thanks everyone for the great advice! I now look at the photo with a newer less-critical eye. I will work on the cropping...I do have the original that gives me more room to play. I am lucky that I get at times 10 or more hummingbirds at my feeders at a time. Lots of chances to learn to photograph them.

Lauren