Post Processing Opinions needed

Hello there, I have been playing with techniques learned in CS5/6 to edit some images and I was playing with these two. What do you think of the before and after. Keep in mind the after was what I was going for, a little edgier sharper look. CC welcomed!

Before:

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

I think if you split the difference between the two you'll have a good one.

Agree^ Nice details in the original to begin with.

Thanks guys, I was playing with a technique that I found in this months Photoshop user mag. I am going to go back and play with it some more. I like the edgier look, but agree that maybe it's a bit to strong in this case.

The second is definitely better. I find when I push/pull the shadows and highlights it darkens slightly overall, and then I need to brighten it up a touch. Even though your first shot is (or at least looks to me) properly exposed. The #2 needs ever so slight more brightness, but the details are much crisper. Even still, as is, both are good.

i like the before, the 2nd one is over cooked

rick_reno wrote in post #14780355
i like the before, the 2nd one is over cooked

I agree. And, noise is more visible in the second one.

I like the first image because it looks more natural to my eyes.

Thanks for the CC guys. I appreciate the ideas and help!

I like them both but prefer the first. The original is nice and sharp and if it was mine I might try and subdue the busy BG, especially the highlites to minimize those distractions.

Gary Fairhead wrote in post #14801225
I like them both but prefer the first. The original is nice and sharp and if it was mine I might try and subdue the busy BG, especially the highlites to minimize those distractions.

I agree about the background and would alo like to suggest that rather than global sharpening, restrict it to certain key elements such s they eye and maybe parts of the beak and tongue.

You accomplished your goal of the edgier sharper look. To me the first is more pleasing because I'm not used to such PP on birds. I like the idea of splitting the difference. Hopefully you'll consider sharing what you come up with if you play with it more.

+1 on the before Most of my photos I pp, but if the original is quite good (like what you have here), I prefer to leave it alone (or maybe just a bit of contrast to make it pop)

After #2: After all the feedback, I reworked it a little. Now just the eye and the beak have sharpening and it's applied to a layer that is set to 55% visibility over the original via a layer mask. Thoughts?

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

I like that a lot. Good work.