The Egret: Which one and why ?

.... or is there something in between ? Thanks for your comments !

Very nice shots.

the second one is overexposed. whites are blown out.
the first one is definetly better IMO and might improve if some of the shadows are removed. that's more of a personal preference though.

I agree with Larry. Sweet shot.

Nice action shot.

The correct exposure is between the two you presented. Check your histogram, that high spike should be centered. On your first image it's slightly left and on your second it's to the right of center. Did you bring the highlights down on the top of the bird's wings? They appear a bit gray for being in direct sun, giving that plumage a drab look.

No:1

I agree with Nighthound , your correct adjustment is in between . I've seen very few of these birds but they are much brighter on a sunny day and white . #2 is blown out on the whites but #1 is too dark and has that bluish/gray tint .

bigjohninva wrote in post #17138756
Very nice shots.

Larry Johnson wrote in post #17138760
the second one is overexposed. whites are blown out.
the first one is definetly better IMO and might improve if some of the shadows are removed. that's more of a personal preference though.

2n10 wrote in post #17138776
I agree with Larry. Sweet shot.

macui1 wrote in post #17138876
No:1

Celestron wrote in post #17138993
I agree with Nighthound , your correct adjustment is in between . I've seen very few of these birds but they are much brighter on a sunny day and white . #2 is blown out on the whites but #1 is too dark and has that bluish/gray tint .

Thanks all.... this is what I expected and agree with you all, especially bigjohn & "Nevada John" !

I do see the loss of detail in #2 and the gray in #1 just isn't acceptable. These guys are kind of like shooting snow they are so white. Dummy me, never really thought about splitting the difference just like me though, all or nuthin' ! I'll play some with the shadows Larry and see what comes of it. Thanks.

Ted

Nighthound wrote in post #17138795
Nice action shot.
The correct exposure is between the two you presented. Check your histogram, that high spike should be centered. On your first image it's slightly left and on your second it's to the right of center. Did you bring the highlights down on the top of the bird's wings? They appear a bit gray for being in direct sun, giving that plumage a drab look.

Nighthound ! I just realized you got me to where I needed to be, thanks for the correction ! Very nicely done. I really appreciate you taking the time. Not a bad shot after all !

Now tell me.... can you see my histogram ? How do I do that ? This could be a great learning aid for me. Please advise.

Honestly, I have a lot on my plate. Just the DSLR is all very new to me and at times frustrating.... My Lightroom abilities are lacking even more, my work there is not very sophisticated. Can I just effect parts of the image with the sliding bars or does one action say, bringing the highlights down, effect the whole image ? I agree 100% about the "dirty" plummage in #1, not a very becoming look for such a splashy looking fellah !

Man there is a lot to this hobby, but I'm lovin' every minute ! Now if I can just learn how to control the light !

Ted

itw wrote in post #17139661
I do see the loss of detail in #2 and the gray in #1 just isn't acceptable. These guys are kind of like shooting snow they are so white. Dummy me, never really thought about splitting the difference just like me though, all or nuthin' ! I'll play some with the shadows Larry and see what comes of it. Thanks.

Ted

One thing you might do is learn how to use your WB (White Balance) especially outside . IF your doing a lot of outside shooting you can do Custom White Balance settings on your camera . Just go to Youtube.com and type in "how to set custom white balance on a (what kind of camera you have) . Youtube has tons of info . Other thing is check the Histogram on your camera for pictures you take . It will help you decide what settings are best to adjust the Histogram . You can have a great camera and lens but if you don't use them properly your not going to get the best image possible with your camera . Sometimes I just sit around and take a bunch of pictures and make different adjustments to see what I can do to get a better image . When you learn and use your camera correctly you'll have less editing to do on an image to make it look good .

Celestron wrote in post #17139768
One thing you might do is learn how to use your WB (White Balance) especially outside . IF your doing a lot of outside shooting you can do Custom White Balance settings on your camera . Just go to Youtube.com and type in "how to set custom white balance on a (what kind of camera you have) . Youtube has tons of info . Other thing is check the Histogram on your camera for pictures you take . It will help you decide what settings are best to adjust the Histogram . You can have a great camera and lens but if you don't use them properly your not going to get the best image possible with your camera . Sometimes I just sit around and take a bunch of pictures and make different adjustments to see what I can do to get a better image . When you learn and use your camera correctly you'll have less editing to do on an image to make it look good .

Thanks Mahn.... headed out again today. I will play more with WB and keep an eye on the histogram and see where it leads. I appreciate your take.