Looking For Dinner

[Barbara Ponder]

Another shot of the Tri-Color Heron. Yesterday was the first sunshine we have seen in more than 2 weeks. The birds were out in abundance and enjoying it. So nice to be able to get out and shoot. CC always welcome and appreciated. I am learning and taking in all the information you are kind enough to offer.

[Wavelength]

Another excellent image from the series....

[Shadowman]

The ripples in the water compliment the wet feathers so well. Nicely captured.

[flashback]

Barbara, good image. I might suggest a slight clockwise rotation (so the ripples are level) and maybe pull down the midtones just a bit, it might brighten up the image.

[Geoff F]

A very nice look of concentration by the bird.

[FrankMi]

Well done, Barbara! And I've learned something new from John's comment on the ripples.

[Barbara Ponder]

Thanks John

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Barbara,

As Jack has mentioned, this shot reminded me of another way to ensure that water shots are level.

Not sure what PP software you are using, but most have a straighten tool of some kind (usually in the RAW converter stage) and levelling is usually best done before artistic cropping.

When a shot has some nice complete concentric ripples like this, it takes moments to check/correct.

For example, mentally 'pick' a complete ring, select the straighten tool, click on the left-most widest part, then drag across to the point on the opposite (right) side and release, the straighten tool will rotate the image to make that line horizontal (e.g. parallel to top/bottom edges of frame).

Hope that helps you and/or others.

Forgot to say - a very nice shot there - very typical of the species.
Given the close range of stare, I'd have been ready to snap the plunge at this point.

Cheers, Dave

[Barbara Ponder]

Thanks everyone. Jack and Dave great advice. I had not noticed and now will look more closely.