rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

First the warning, this photo has a graphic element that may be disturbing to some.

From the first days of this section, I have noticed three things; we have a bunch of bird photographers on UHH, some truly exemplary work has been posted here and we don’t talk to each other very much. Yes, we complement each other but there is very little discussion on field technique, post processing or any other aspect of our bird photography. I consider post processing to be a regular part of my digital photography workflow. I am very familiar with the “straight out of camera” philosophy and I respect straight documentary work, but I see good photos here that could be better with some basic editing. Digital editing tools are just too accessible and too easy to use to not be a part of our photography. I am not minimizing the learning curve, my path was and is slow with frequent stumbles, but it is a worthwhile journey, and the rewards can make significant improvements. My editing skills are very much a work in progress, but I am offering this example of basic editing in an attempt to encourage. The first shot is SOOC, complete with graphic element. The second shot is with a large crop to recompose and enlarge, and with some basic exposure adjustments. The third shot shows cleanup of foreground and background distractions with some additional exposure adjustment to the eagle’s head. Almost all my editing is done in PS Elements and the removal of unwanted elements was done with the spot healing brush and the clone stamp tool. The fourth shot has some additional adjustment using the dodge and burn tools and the replacement of a more somber sky to satisfy my aesthetics of the moment. I have done a lot of sky and background replacements with my bird photos, and I am aware that it may be a step too far for many, but the other adjustments are very much within the reach of all of us.
Regarding the graphic element warning. I have a lifelong interest in birds of prey, and I have been fortunate to have witnessed and photographed many moments when these birds are doing what they must do to make a living. I have also learned that these moments can make folks uncomfortable. I did not see those drops when I pushed the shutter button but to be honest, they represent a moment in photographic time that I have hoped to achieve since my adolescent dreams of being a nature photographer. Those drops verify correct shutter speed and a steady hand and they also depict a powerfully poignant everyday moment in nature.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Interesting thoughts and a good set of photos. I always post process my photos.

papaskeeters Loc: Davis, CA

tack sharp photos...bravo! where were these taken?

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent set and good narrative, Phil!

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Thank you for the visit and kind words beheary. I think most of us do some post work and it gets easier and easier.

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Thank you! This was taken in 2017 at the Colusa extension of the Sacrament National Wildlife Refuge. The eagle population in the N Sacramento Valley increases each year and is most accessible on these refuges including Gray Lodge.

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Thanks Mike, hope I didn't sound too preachy.

jrvinson45 Loc: Buckeye, AZ

Thanks for the images AND the narrative. I personally feel that if one wishes to hold out a disclaimer that an image has been post processed for the purpose of not detracting from the image by making someone pixel peep to figure out what has been done; then so much the better. It’s about the image and the subject. Camera manufacturers build cameras that let you modify the image in camera that create different presentations of color, contrast, saturation, ad-infinitum. The peepers will chastise anyone who chooses not to include the EXIF data… If you choose to post it as a Photogallery shot, go ahead and collect your “attaboys”. I will either like your image or dislike it but my momma taught me a verrry long time ago”If you don’t have anything nice to say; don’t say anything.”
Rock dog, I like all three of your images. The final one is particularly pleasant, in a macabre sort of way. Great job!

infocus Loc: Australia

Firstly I agree with everything you said re Post Processing. I also believe most, if not all pro photographers use it these days. In so far as your images in this post go, they are fist class and show nature at work. Top Marks

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Nice captures.

tcthome Loc: NJ

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Good pics. Good post.

jaredjacobson

I like what you’ve done removing the distracting branches here.

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Thank you for the thoughtful response. In camera processing and AI assisted editing will continue to blur the lines between edited and non-edited images. What we each see as macabre may be relative, vegetarians may struggle at the sight of porkchops in the meat department at the grocery store!

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

Thank you, infocus. Yes, I think most folks on UHH use some form of digital editing. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.