Clark's Nutcracker

One of the Jay family in its environment. With my lack of PP expertise how do you manage the adjustment in order to make the subject pop out?

Canon 1D3 sigma 120-300mm 1/250sec 120mm ISO200m f/7.1 handheld

Advice and Critique most welcome

Thanks for looking

Barry

Hi Barry,

I hope you don't mind but I put your image into CS2 and made some adjustments. I adjusted the levels sliders just to lift it a little (Image>Adjustments>Levels) then gave the Curves a gentle "S" (Image>Adjustments>Curves) Then give it + 6 on contrast and saturation (Image>adjustments>contrast, then saturation) Then I gave it 5 rounds of USM at levels 100, 0.2 , 0 (Filter > sharpen > Unsharp mask).

Hope that makes sense, it's a nice image, I'm sure some of the other guys could do a much better job, but it gives you an idea of what can be done.

I also notice on all your posting that you shoot hand held, you really really need to use a tripod or at least a bean bag, it's amazing how just a support makes all the difference to the end result.

HOpe it helps

Regards

Rob

I've had a quick go too Barry, just a levels adjustment, a bit of sharpening and some noise reduction on the background (which was by no means essential). Is this a US bird?

Matt

Thanks Matt & Rob no problem for me your adjustments demonstrate where I'm failing. I feel that the brightness on my monitor could also be a factor.

I do have a tripod in the USA which will be in use when I return next week.

The Clark's Nutcracker is a native USA Jay.

Barry

Nice shot, re-posts have drastically improved the shot and given it much more punch..

Agree the reworkings have added some oomph to the shot. Nice inquisitive typical jay-like pose Barry

Very nice shot and the adjustments made, are a great improvement

Nice shot with the adjustments Barry.