john439

Crazy birds

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

John, very nice catch. Don't see that to often for sure. Right time right place. And you had your camera. Awesome. Do you do any PP to your shots? If you would add just a little definition,contrast and some vibrance. It would make this picture pop a little.
Erv

john439

Erv I lightened it and I think I contrasted it...today was a very dreary and gray day here....can you show me what you mean.

john439

Does this look ok??..am I on the right track

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

That looks great John!!! Very nice work. You didn't over do it, which is what most folks do. You might try just a little definition and a little vibrancy to get the blue in the water.
Erv

john439

Ok am I gaining on it....don't be afraid of hurting my feelings...that doesn't make my picture better...I appreciate the input Erv.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Nope the last one was way better! :) Look at the water you lost the detail and the birds look washed out. Maybe I was wrong about putting some vibrance in it.:):)
Erv

john439

Erv I think the problem is I don't have any idea what I am doing

photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Great bird action shot,you first improved version is the best one.

john439

Don't give up on me Erv....how is this one...deeper blue...don't be afraid to tell me it's still crap.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Hi John.:) Just got home from work. It sure does cut into a guys play time. :) But this one you nailed it. Very nice. If you look at the top bird and the colors in the wings and the bluer water. Perfect!!! Very nice. When you do post on your pictures, just go slow with it. Don't try to make them pop to much. If I get a really good shot. I always try to remember what it looked like in person. And if it doesn't come out of the camera that way, then I play a little.:) Some times you can't save them. But most times you can make them a little better.
The things I use the most on my shots is Contrast, definition, vibrancy, shadows and sharpening. Some times I have to brighten them up.
I am from a lot of years doing film. The colors we got back then were just awesome, and I try to make my pictures look like that.
But don't get in a hurry with all this. Keep playing with the settings in the camera too. I have only been digital for 5 years now, and am just getting the shots to come out of the camera the way I want them. The digital camera was a big learning curve for me. And then you throw in the computer too. I am just starting to lean PP too. I only have Aperture on the Mac right now. But I plan on getting a better program to play with soon.:) Some of the things I see folks doing on the site are just off the wall great.
You did great on taking this shot and in tweaking it. You are on your way to a fun ride. Just make sure you make it fun.
Erv

john439

Erv on this shot I was in the right time at the right place and that is why I wanted something better in the results than the usually...thanks for all your help and the advice, you hit the nail on the head...patience
I just started photography less than 2 years ago..before that I don't think I had taken 100 pictures total. When I was walking dogs at the shelter I noticed the website had horrible pics, so in passing I just mentioned that I thought the dogs would stand a better chance with a good picture....I didn't mean me!!!!

My newphew had just bought a new camera and gave me his Sony DSC R_1 with all those bells and whistles
Anyway long story short besides shelter pics I am enjoying bird pics.
I know you do shelter pics too, way to go
Erv thanks again for all your help I am trying hard to improve.
John

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

You are very welcome John! Any time you want to ask something you can PM me or send an email. It is in the by-line on all my posts at the bottom.:):) This is fun stuff and I love doing it!
Erv