Osprey help: Got this Osprey image 2 days ago. The original #1 had a decent sky background but I edited the image in Luminar and replaced the sky background #2. My wife and I both like...

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Got this Osprey image 2 days ago. The original #1 had a decent sky background but I edited the image in Luminar and replaced the sky background #2. My wife and I both like both captures equally. I know that we have to please ourselves with our photography but we are still uncomfortable replacing sky or other backgrounds.
Please choose which one that you prefer.....Downloads are good

#1 Osprey

(Download)

#2 Osprey
#2 Osprey...

(Download)

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

My problem with the replacement sky is that it detracts from your excellent shot. No need to add something that takes attention away from your good work. Then again, I am just an old fart.

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

UTMike wrote:

My problem with the replacement sky is that it detracts from your excellent shot. No need to add something that takes attention away from your good work. Then again, I am just an old fart.

I can understand that, Mike. Thank you for the complement!

Quixdraw Loc: x

Excellent, both. I don't do that kind of post, actually very little. From a design standpoint I like the idea of clouds, but the configuration you chose, not so much. Both major cloud masses bracket the bird wing and replicate the wing shape. If that is what you intended, well done. Possibly some other cloud configurations might be interesting. Worth fooling with certainly.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

UTMike wrote:

My problem with the replacement sky is that it detracts from your excellent shot. No need to add something that takes attention away from your good work. Then again, I am just an old fart.

OK, that makes two old farts, then. Those were my thoughts exactly. IMO, the clouds detract significantly from the osprey.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

What Mike and Quixdraw said. I also think either one would be improved measurably by doing something with the halo. A very soft sky might be nice. A bird in flight shows off really nicely on a soft bokeh background

Angel Star Photography Loc: Tacoma, WA

Reconvic wrote:

Got this Osprey image 2 days ago. The original #1 had a decent sky background but I edited the image in Luminar and replaced the sky background #2. My wife and I both like both captures equally. I know that we have to please ourselves with our photography but we are still uncomfortable replacing sky or other backgrounds.
Please choose which one that you prefer.....Downloads are good

Both are quite good. I do find myself leaning more towards the first one. While the clouds tend to give the image a bit of substance and context, it does also appear to be slightly unnatural, in my opinion. This may be due to the sharpness of the clouds compared to the Osprey.

On a separate matter, in each of your images of the Osprey there appears to be light halo around the bird. I have encountered this in some of my images and most often it is related to the lens, the brightness of the background versus the subject, or over processing in post. If this was your intent, then no further effort is needed. If not, then try to minimize the halo as much as possible. The blue of the sky should surround the bird.

Charles

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

MadMikeOne wrote:

OK, that makes two old farts, then. Those were my thoughts exactly. IMO, the clouds detract significantly from the osprey.

3 old farts, then. Thanks, Karen!

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

quixdraw wrote:

Excellent, both. I don't do that kind of post, actually very little. From a design standpoint I like the idea of clouds, but the configuration you chose, not so much. Both major cloud masses bracket the bird wing and replicate the wing shape. If that is what you intended, well done. Possibly some other cloud configurations might be interesting. Worth fooling with certainly.

Thanks, Quixdraw!

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

Angel Star Photography wrote:

Both are quite good. I do find myself leaning mor... (show quote)

Interesting, Charles. Thank you!

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

fergmark wrote:

What Mike and Quixdraw said. I also think either one would be improved measurably by doing something with the halo. A very soft sky might be nice. A bird in flight shows off really nicely on a soft bokeh background

(Download)

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

Now your cooking. Looking good!

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

fergmark wrote:

Now your cooking. Looking good!

totally agree with your synopsis...I do like the other edits from a different perspective tho...no matter what you do to the sky for an image to be good you have to start with a good bird capture

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

Getting rid of the halo made all the difference. The latest is way better than the first two. The problem with the halo was that it was entirely my immediate focus. With it gone, the Osprey was now the focus. And the sky was non imposing meaning it was not even a concern.

Reconvic Loc: clermont Fl

JimH123 wrote:

Getting rid of the halo made all the difference. The latest is way better than the first two. The problem with the halo was that it was entirely my immediate focus. With it gone, the Osprey was now the focus. And the sky was non imposing meaning it was not even a concern.

Thanks, Jim!