LBR

Gallery: AvianPosted May 17, 2017145 views6 comments

Probably one of the most photographed & photogenic African birds. Even just after 9.00am, the light was already starting to get harsh and the sky going thin, with little colour.

Thanks to those who viewed or posted a comment on the previous thread.
Steve

Subject: Lilac-Breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
Location: Botswana
Camera: Canon 1DX MKII
Lens: 500f/4 MKII with 1.4x MKIII HH
Exposure: 1/2500s at f/9 ISO1000
Original format: Portrait, small crop, FF on width
Processed via: LRCC & PSCC2017

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on May 17, 2017 at 3:41 PM

These guys are always a joy to see. The harsh light did you no favor - but the light in Africa is usually harsh.
I think added contrast and saturation, plus a little vibrance will do a lot to overcome the slightly washed -out look of this fellow.
I'd personally also clone out the green leaves, leaving only the sticks.
A very nice image worth a bit more work.
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on May 17, 2017 at 3:49 PM

Thanks Sandy, the light will sadly, flatten the very richness of colour, adding anymore Saturation will start to clog/choke the detail and vibrance will go more yellow in it's nature. cool

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on May 17, 2017 at 5:58 PM

Very nice, Steve. A perfect pose for the frame and excellent detail in the Roller.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on May 17, 2017 at 5:59 PM

Nice bird. Unfortunately the light and processing didn't help with the image. I'm a bit surprised at the dismissal of the comment provided by Sandy. I took the image, did some work and to me, it looked much better and not as flat. I'm not going to post it as it appears you are convinced it will "clog/choke" the detail. It didn't.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on May 18, 2017 at 2:33 AM

Keith, to me the subject isn't flat and portrays the scene as I remember. Like you, I too teach LR & PSCC and mentor others and have a very good grasp of how things work, so i can only base things on my experiences, but we all see thing differently which is fine.

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Kaluski on May 18, 2017 at 2:35 AM

Thanks Keith, I like the difference you get in the texture of the plumage around the neck compared to the body.

Registered on March 25, 2007, 189 Posts, 1064 Comments