Portrait of a Heron

[terrib]

This is probably the closest I've been able to get to a Great Blue Heron. Driving through a park and didn't seem to mind us in the car. I'd prefer the dark bands of color weren't at the top but other than that I'm pretty pleased. It's actually a bridge in the background. It was cropped to change the aspect orientation/ratio so there's lots of room on the sides but not much above or below.

I processed in Lightroom and then edited a copy in a trial copy of Nik Dfine. I then tried sharpening in Nik Output Sharpener but it just seemed to undo what the Dfine did so I ended up doing the final sharpening back in LR. Apparently I need to review the videos on Nik.

C&C always welcome.

[Brownbear]

Wow, you capture the details beautifully.

[kaneohebud]

Terri:
You're really getting into this bird photography. Excellent picture. The feather detail is excellent. I might have darkened his bill a little and lightened/sharpened the eye just a bit to try to bring out some sparkle. But these are very nitpicking comments and should not diminish your terrific photo. Well done!

[jprzybyla]

Nice Terri, beautiful feather detail and colors. The car is sometimes the key to getting close, most birds are not threatened until one gets out of the car.

[jamn4ex]

Thats a beaut!!

[Steve S]

Nicely done, terri.

[terrib]

thanks everyone for the comments. Bud, I hadn't noticed the bill but I think you are right. I'll check out darkening it a bit. Thanks!

[Suzan J]

Hi Terri: I think you snagged a really great shot. The dark lines in the background do not bother me so much as I am drawn to the bird's eye and his interesting expression. I also like the texture in the feathers. The blue-grey colour is very pleasing and certainly explains his name.

[Teton Chuck]

Terri, very nice photo. I think it is the best of the ones of yours that I have seen. Keep them coming.

[terrib]

Thanks Suzan and Chuck for the kind words. I appreciate it!

[Dave Humphries]

Very good Terri,

[jeeperman]

Very nice, Terri! I love that the heron's feathers blow so easily, makes for great movement.