Bluebird in tree - what do you think?

[Roy Mathers]

Yes, what do you think? I'm ready to be whipped!

[Swartzy]

I like the shot overall. It somewhat resembles a slight HDR only because the shadows are fairly light. I think by adding contrast to this shot will improve it immensly. By setting black point would aid and there are some great tutes here on Dgrin. I'd be curious to see the outcome using Rutt's tute using LAB.

Ok, now there's the technical side. What I like about this shot is the uniqueness of the tree, it's setting and the way you framed it. I also would suggest using those clouds to your advantage by making them enhance the tree as a beautiful backdrop.

It makes me want more...more darkness/lightness differences. It also makes me want to explore the surrounding areas because it looks like many more photo opportunities exist. ....a very good thing. This shot gets my eye looking for ways to improve it, and that is a positive aspect of a photograph!

[gchappel]

Nice shot, captures a nice mood- and should be big on your wall somewhere.
But, we are supposed to pick. I find the foreground a little too light- it keeps pulling my eyes to the bottom/front of the picture. I would like to see a little highlight on the bird- make it more apparent. I didn't play with it, but increasing the local blue saturation might work. Some increased local sharpening might also make it pop out a little. The leaves on the tree look a little soft- but that certainly could simply be due to the small size of the posted file and associated artifacts.
Thanks
gary
gchappel

[Roy Mathers]

Thanks guys - I shall take on board what you suggest and post another version.

Swartzy - what is Rutt's tutorial and where wll I find it?

[Roy Mathers]

Hi guys

Taking in account your comments, I've had another go - is this better? By the way Gary, the tree is sharp in the original.

[HarlanBear]

Roy, I like the original better. The new one is too contrasty for the depth of color you have, and the sky is starting to look phoney, IMHO. But I would suggest cropping the bottom to eliminate the shadow area and enhance the foreground rocks, and perhaps a bit of the top, as shown here.

And I agree the bird could be highlighted more, not sure how:scratch But overall I really like the colors and tones as is.

[Swartzy]

Thanks guys - I shall take on board what you suggest and post another version.

Swartzy - what is Rutt's tutorial and where wll I find it?

Go here:

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1108502

[Roy Mathers]

Nice crop Mick - and thanks Swartzy.

[DavidTO]

I agree about the colors/contrast, but I disagree about the crop.


I think the sky above the tree holds no interest in the shot, and the sweeping shape of the tree is lost in either crops. I would crop the top and sides, and get rid of the bush. Here's a quick, crappy job of showing what I mean. Crop and removing the bush only, no color or contrast work.

Oh, and I like the shot. I'm not sure what you've done with the colors so far, but something seems oddly wrong with it, like you made a mistake early on in the processing. Maybe start over from the original file?

Lastly, what I like about it is the way that the rocks provide a strong foundation for the tree and the bird to lie upon. The tree sweeps across the frame, holding the bird just so.

[behr655]

Very nice shot. I like it.

FYI: While that is a blue bird, it is not a Bluebird. I believe it is a Blue Jay.

Bear

[Roy Mathers]

I agree about the colors/contrast, but I disagree about the crop.


I think the sky above the tree holds no interest in the shot, and the sweeping shape of the tree is lost in either crops. I would crop the top and sides, and get rid of the bush. Here's a quick, crappy job of showing what I mean. Crop and removing the bush only, no color or contrast work.

Oh, and I like the shot. I'm not sure what you've done with the colors so far, but something seems oddly wrong with it, like you made a mistake early on in the processing. Maybe start over from the original file?

Lastly, what I like about it is the way that the rocks provide a strong foundation for the tree and the bird to lie upon. The tree sweeps across the frame, holding the bird just so.

Thanks David. An interesting crop - I hadn't thought of cropping the sides, but it certainly works. It also stops the picture becoming too square, which I wasn't keen on.

By the way, what exactly did you mean about the colours (I assume you meant in the original version)? I haven't done much to them, apart from the use of a CPL when shooting.

[Roy Mathers]

Very nice shot. I like it.

FYI: While that is a blue bird, it is not a Bluebird. I believe it is a Blue Jay.

Bear

Thanks for that, Bear.

I've already been told off by my wife about that when she learned that I'd called the picture 'Bluebird in a tree'. She said 'You can't call it that, because it's not a Bluebird, it's a Blue Jay!). I should have listened to her, for once!

[DavidTO]

By the way, what exactly did you mean about the colours (I assume you meant in the original version)? I haven't done much to them, apart from the use of a CPL when shooting.


Did you shoot JPEG or RAW?

You can probably safely ignore that comment of mine.

[Roy Mathers]

Did you shoot JPEG or RAW?

You can probably safely ignore that comment of mine.

Shot in RAW, then converted to a TIFF via PS Camera Raw. By the way, what comment am I supposed to ignore? (I wouldn't dare ignore comments made by someone with over 9,000 posts!)

[DavidTO]

Shot in RAW, then converted to a TIFF via PS Camera Raw. By the way, what comment am I supposed to ignore? (I wouldn't dare ignore comments made by someone with over 9,000 posts!)


re: color. Sorry. :D

[Marc Muench]

Yes, what do you think? I'm ready to be whipped!
I like this scene but find the subject lost. By placing the Blue Jay in the corner of the frame it shows up a bit more.


18695

[Roy Mathers]

I like this scene but find the subject lost. By placing the Blue Jay in the corner of the frame it shows up a bit more.


18695

Thanks Marc, but then I lose the branches of the trees and the rocks, both of which, I feel, contribute to the picture. Perhaps I should never have called it 'Bluebird in Tree', as the bird is such a tiny part of the whole.

[z_28]

Roy, it's your picture and you feel it diffrent,
but Marc version is just amazing !!!
It looks as frame from modern animation feature by Pixar or Disney !!!
Congratulations to you both :thumb

[Marc Muench]

Thanks Marc, but then I lose the branches of the trees and the rocks, both of which, I feel, contribute to the picture. Perhaps I should never have called it 'Bluebird in Tree', as the bird is such a tiny part of the whole.

I understand what you are saying. However, these branches and rocks are neither dramatic enough nor unique enough to hold my attention as the subject. After seeing many trees in the southwest, It could just be that I have become jaded? The title is fine, as titles don't really ever change my first impression.

Cheers

[pathfinder]

I like Marc's crop also. It takes this image to the next level for my eye. I like it!!

It definitely brings the bird to my attention. :thumb

[HarlanBear]

I agree that Marc's crop is a real eye-grabber and a whole other version of the scene, but it is also different from what you may have envisioned, Roy. One of the constant conflicts of photography, and art in general.

But, as someone said, "this is easy .... comedy is hard." :rofl

[Roy Mathers]

I think one of my problems with Marc's crop (which, I agree, is very compelling) is that I had planned to do a big print of it. Marc's crop is so drastic that I'm concerned I won't have enough image left for a reasonable quality enlargement.

[Marc Muench]

I think one of my problems with Marc's crop (which, I agree, is very compelling) is that I had planned to do a big print of it. Marc's crop is so drastic that I'm concerned I won't have enough image left for a reasonable quality enlargement.
Some brain fuel for compelling presentations!!!! Oh and small files:wink

Small prints in large frames can intrigue the viewer. Lets say a 6 x whatever it becomes, on a 18" x whatever matt framed might do it?

[Skippy]

Yes, what do you think? I'm ready to be whipped!

You know what I think???
I think you were at the same place I was at around the same time cause I have a picture of that exact .... yes that exact same tree not a thing different about the tree.

How funny that your from the UK, and I'm from Australia and we have both photographed the exact same tree :rofl amazing .... Skippy

http://OzzieSkip.smugmug.com/photos/79442898-M.jpg

[Roy Mathers]

You know what I think???
I think you were at the same place I was at around the same time cause I have a picture of that exact .... yes that exact same tree not a thing different about the tree.

How funny that your from the UK, and I'm from Australia and we have both photographed the exact same tree :rofl amazing .... Skippy

http://OzzieSkip.smugmug.com/photos/79442898-M.jpg

Yes, that is definitely spooky! Especially as I saw the tree at the last minute as I was walking away from the place!

[pathfinder]

Oooohhhh!!! Twilight Zone!! :D :D