Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)

[AlanBeesley]

Nuthatch caught in wonderful light (I like it anyway). Love the way it brings the eye detail out.

[JohnRostron]

Yes, I like the light in your picture. It gives it an almost studio quality.

My views of Nuthatches have always been from the bottom of a tree when they are performing at the top - resulting in a cricked neck! I've yet to see one as close as this.

John

[Geoff F]

Yes, disappearing glimpses only for me as well.

Agree that this image works well.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice, great details

[madcrow]

Yes, beautiful light and excellent capture.

[Dave A]

Very nice.

Dave

[Shadowman]

Nice shot.

[Rita]

Beautiful lighting and detail. Works very well.

[NorthernFocus]

This is a great capture. Good job of using lighting to isolate the subject. You might consider selectively lifting the shadows just a noodge on the bird and branch and warming it a little.

[AlanBeesley]

Thanks for the feedback Dan.

I see what you mean and I agree with what you say. Can you explain how I would do this in Lightroom please. I only know how to lift the shadows on the whole image. In fact I've often wondered how to selectively address parts of an image. That would be an awesome bit of knowledge to have.

Thanks

Alan

You might consider selectively lifting the shadows just a noodge on the bird and branch and warming it a little.

[NorthernFocus]

In lightroom there is a tool called the "adjustment brush". It is farthest to the right in to tool selection buttons just above the "basic" adjustment panel at right of screen. When you click on the tool button a panel will open with the adjustments that are available. The "o" key toggles the visible mask on/off so you can see what you are brushing if you like. You can search on-line for tutorials on how to use it.

The selection tools in LR are pretty basic. Photoshop and other third party software tend to have more user friendly tools for more advanced editing. You can get it done in LR but it can be tedious.

If you don't mind I tweaked the image just to give an idea of how small changes can make a difference. I only adjusted lighting leaving sharpening etc. alone. If you open it in the lightbox you can toggle back and forth with the OP and see the difference.

[Wavelength]

One of the classic bird shots i have ever seen... it is a story in a frame

[AlanBeesley]

Very nice. Very subtle but very very effective. It gives the bird much more punch.

Thanks a lot Dan

If you don't mind I tweaked the image just to give an idea of how small changes can make a difference. I only adjusted lighting leaving sharpening etc. alone. If you open it in the lightbox you can toggle back and forth with the OP and see the difference.

[marlunn]

Very nice image Alan, I must admit to a strong liking for these birds, they are real characters and I must admit to having a few images of them as well

[AlanBeesley]

Hi Mark,

Thanks for that. My most photographed bird. Theres something about them.

Very nice image Alan, I must admit to a strong liking for these birds, they are real characters and I must admit to having a few images of them as well