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Yellow Crowned Night Heron
Nov 6, 2016 11:06:49   #
Torquil Loc: The seashore
 
My intention is to portray a moment of somewhat jaunty surprise. The question is whether it works against such a subdued background.


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Nov 6, 2016 11:22:20   #
Coolcameragirl Loc: Bradenton, FL
 
I love it! The subdued background enhances the subject. Well done!

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Nov 6, 2016 11:51:30   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
Excellent work and yes, I think it works!

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Nov 6, 2016 14:42:40   #
MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City
 
Coolcameragirl wrote:
I love it! The subdued background enhances the subject. Well done!


I agree. IMO, if the background had been even a little bit busy, for lack of a better word, it would have detracted from your intention in portraying your subject.

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Nov 6, 2016 15:02:41   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
A charming and eye-catching shot! Not knowing what the bird was doing I can't speak to "jaunty surprise" as the reality, but from the posture and this moment you captured, it does seem apt

Wonder about cloning the darker horizontal line on the left? Keep the background all gray tones and soft? Otherwise, I think the background is great. Our focus is totally on the bird, though we get a hint of its environment.

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Nov 6, 2016 17:59:04   #
Torquil Loc: The seashore
 
Thank you all for your counsel. I appreciate the notion I've learned here at UHH that images often gain impact from simplicity. I thought this might be one of my better examples, and your reactions are very helpful in keeping it real.

JFYI this bird really did seem (amiably) surprised by the sudden departure of a companion from their common perch, a rather unsightly board that I cloned out. Next time, I'll try to get them both in the frame!

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Nov 6, 2016 18:47:44   #
Billyspad Loc: The Philippines
 
Torquil wrote:
My intention is to portray a moment of somewhat jaunty surprise. The question is whether it works against such a subdued background.


The background works just fine and is perfect for the shot the problem lies with focus issues on the main man himself. The chest plumage is out of focus and not sure any amount of sharpening will retrieve the lost detail but the eye which again is no sharp may be a candidate for your chosen sharpening method.
Its a shame about the chest feathers cos its a lovely pose.

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Nov 6, 2016 19:27:58   #
ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore
 
Torquil wrote:
My intention is to portray a moment of somewhat jaunty surprise. The question is whether it works against such a subdued background.


Hi, He certainly seems surprised. Either that or a very bad hair day. I'm a bit concerned about the sharpness. the eyes seem to be relatively sharp; but the feathers on the body are really not sharp enough to carry this photo. Sorry.
Erich

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Nov 6, 2016 22:09:13   #
winterrose Loc: Kyneton, Victoria, Australia
 
Torquil wrote:
My intention is to portray a moment of somewhat jaunty surprise. The question is whether it works against such a subdued background.


The poor devil was surprised not by the sudden departure of a companion from their common perch but that some snapper came along and deleted the apparently unsightly board which was its only visible means of support.

The shot doesn't work because it depicts a (rather blurry) bird appearing to be standing in thin air.

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Nov 6, 2016 22:24:02   #
Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.
 
winterrose wrote:
The poor devil was surprised not by the sudden departure of a companion from their common perch but that some snapper came along and deleted the admittedly unsightly board which was my only visible means of support.

The shot doesn't work because it depicts a (rather blurry) bird appearing to be standing in thin air.
I'm leaning in your direction on this one.....don't let it go to your head.

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Nov 7, 2016 10:18:13   #
minniev Loc: MIssissippi
 
Torquil wrote:
My intention is to portray a moment of somewhat jaunty surprise. The question is whether it works against such a subdued background.


The bird himself is a fascinating character caught in an intriguing moment. I love it when these guys go into their electric-hairdo mode. But this time I find myself agreeing with Billy and Winterrose. The bird needs something to stand on, and a bit more room beneath him, and his chest feathers are a little too blurred to work well with the rest of him. The head/eye, while not tack sharp, should come around some with some PP sharpening. I'm wondering if you might post the original, to see if some of the bird experts or PP gurus might have suggestions about how to make more of this unusual moment. It is too interesting to throw out. I'd have to try some other measures to rescue it. This is a good image for discussion, I'm glad you shared it here.

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Nov 7, 2016 12:51:06   #
pfrancke Loc: cold Maine
 
I also would like to see the original shot. Pretty cool bird - But I think might have been better if it was well grounded and "onboard"

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Nov 8, 2016 17:43:30   #
Torquil Loc: The seashore
 
Thanks to everyone for your insightful and enlightening comments. It's been an education.

Rather than take it any further, I'll just add these likely voters I have followed through the entire election campaign...

From a dignified beginning...to the bitter end.





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Nov 8, 2016 18:26:19   #
Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.
 
Sums it up well........way too funny.

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Nov 8, 2016 18:31:28   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
Torquil wrote:
Thanks to everyone for your insightful and enlightening comments. It's been an education.

Rather than take it any further, I'll just add these likely voters I have followed through the entire election campaign...

From a dignified beginning...to the bitter end.


Fantastic! Thank you for the belly laugh

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