Fluffed and Spritzed

[Coastal Flyer]

After a quick walk through the waterfall, this guy was fluffed up and ready to go. The third of three from my trip to the Zoo.

CF

[Ridgetop]

Perfect color. I love the way the water on its feathers caught the flash. Wish I could see his/her beak but that's just me.

[Coastal Flyer]

Thanks again for taking the time to comment. I think you are right about the beak. I think that is obligatory in flamingo shots, but this was the best of the bunch from today's trip.

CF

[livin4lax09]

nice shot indeed, though the feathers look a bit soft. nice composition, I would get rid of the red in the BG though, it takes a bit of attention away from the actual subject.

[Greg McCary]

I agree with Brent about the red spot in the BG. I would clone stamp it out. This is the best of the three. Nice work CF...
Greg

[starriderrick]

Nice Stunning Splash of color.
What catches my eye is the color blend on the bird's back "Fluffed" Colors. Your choice of title fits this image well.Impressive saturation.
Looks like you had a fun day. S.D. Zoo series.
Rick

[Coastal Flyer]

Rick,

Thanks very much for the comments. I had a great day at the Zoo.

CF

[julsoph]

I don't mind the beak being partly concealed...I think there's enough there to contrast with the pink. Beautiful color on this, and I agree about the little bit of red/pink at the top, but rather than cloning it out, I'd suggest just cropping right below that spot of color.

Emily

[Seb]

After a quick walk through the waterfall, this guy was fluffed up and ready to go. The third of three from my trip to the Zoo.

CF

Hello CF,

I guess that my take on this one relates to everyone. The colors are neat but the sharpness isn't quite there. I am not into wildlife photography but extreme sharpness seem to be a must with this kind of photography. Also, I'd crop the top of the image, partly to get rid of the red spot in the background but mostly to put all the emphasis on the shape of the neck. I'd crop some of the top even if the colored spot wasn't there.

Moreover, that's a pleasing photograph. Few adjustments could take it to the next level.

Seb

[Coastal Flyer]

Emily/Seb:

Thanks to you both for taking the time to comment. I appreciate the comments. I have spent some time with this photo given the suggestions and see that it can be much improved. I have cloned, sharpened, cropped, etc., and see how they all add to what is there.

Thanks again, and Happy New Year.

CF

[Trevor Ash]

I love this shape of the bird as you captured it! I didn't see anyone mention the quality and direction of the light but seems like you're comfortable enough with a little PS. It seems unfortunate that the birds face got caught in the shadow the way it did. It's adding good depth to the photo but it could have used a little more something to pop it out. Maybe it's just an illusion but I noticed that before the red spot that others mentioned so thought I'd throw it out there (assuming I make any sense). Maybe darkening the brighter portion on the neck (right side of photo) is a better solution that lightening the head area. I suppose being tucked behind doesn't help this idea. I'm blabbing now.

[gahspidy]

This is good, CF. I would agree with Emily and Seb about cropping off the top,and eliminating the Red spot at the same time. I think the eye and head area look sharp enough but hard to tell looking through monitor resolution. Looks like it would print fairly sharp with some unsharp mask. There is just the right amount of body here and the shot really is all about the shape of the birds neck, and color. The hidden beak area does not bother me. the lighting is a bit flat and could have been better, but the picture still works well for me.

[Coastal Flyer]

Thanks, Gary. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

CF