Sun worshiper in the swamp

I'm afraid I've pulled this shot in too many directions. The bird would just not move to a location with a better background so I had to do considerable editing. Much editing in LR4.1 and more masking and cloning in CS5, all on the background.

I really like the shot because of the unique pose, so simple question - should I just start over with it?

Well I didn't the background. With that bird warming in the sun like that who can see anything else.

I've seen vultures spread their wings in the early morning sun and hold them there but never anything like that.

That's a fantastic photo.

Hardrock40 wrote in post #14754655
Well I didn't the background. With that bird warming in the sun like that who can see anything else.

I've seen vultures spread their wings in the early morning sun and hold them there but never anything like that.

That's a fantastic photo.

Thanks - I've never seen anything like this before either. Strange critters for sure. The BG was/is a mess.

bird looks good so the background is forgivable and its a swamp....

its a very cool pose. nice.

You worked with what you had, which includes very difficult lighting as well by the looks of it, to get what you saw nailed and you got it. So I'd say it's great, and the pose is just fantastic, really is. Kudos.

The bg is a little messy above it's left wing; and I think it could use more light.
Why not post the original and let's have at it?

OK - here's (almost) the original -

I don't think the bg needed any more blur so all I did was clone out some of the nearer distracting twigs, selected the bird, brightened & curved for contrast, and sharpened.
It's a great capture Dave - I've never seen this pose in any bird before.

I like the original and your edit improves it. Very nice shot ... put it in the books and move on

kbColorado wrote in post #14756998
I like the original and your edit improves it. Very nice shot ... put it in the books and move on

Thank you - every time I look at the shot I think prehistoric....interes​ting birds.

I have read so many of your excellent critiques that I was surprised to see you posting here. Thank you for sharing your insights with us. I don't feel worthy of posting my thoughts, but you did ask.

That is a great pose! The log looks good too. Don't you wish there were always a good background when you need it. Your edit is far better than mine would be. The only thing that bothers me is some repeating patterns, but I'm looking for repeating patterns all day long at work. I wonder if something like Remask would work to replace the background.

C Scott IV wrote in post #14769581
I have read so many of your excellent critiques that I was surprised to see you posting here. Thank you for sharing your insights with us. I don't feel worthy of posting my thoughts, but you did ask.

That is a great pose! The log looks good too. Don't you wish there were always a good background when you need it. Your edit is far better than mine would be. The only thing that bothers me is some repeating patterns, but I'm looking for repeating patterns all day long at work. I wonder if something like Remask would work to replace the background.

Charles - thank you for your kind words.

I tried to disguise the repeating patterns but you have a good eye - they are there. But you've given me an idea. I have some other shots from the same area at the same time. Perhaps I can find something to use for a background there.

Final edit -

Dave,
Awesome shot. Im my opinion the BG shows the bird in a true to life setting. Amazing that you captured it.

That looks a lot better. It looks like there is more detail in the bird now. There seems to be a little heat wave affect (like from a jet) at head level straight up from the wing on the right. It is much less noticeable than the repeating pattern though.

My wife just ordered me a kayak. Maybe some wildlife will pose for me too.