White on white..

[Bobobird]

An egret preening high up on a bare tree was generous enough to let me take a couple of shots before flying off.

Both are tight crops - most certainly need a longer lens but...

AV, ISO 800, f5.6, +2 EC.

Comments/suggestions welcomed and appreciated as usual.

Thanks for viewing.

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[RustBeltRaw]

Is the line trailing away from the egret's head part if its plumage? To a non-birdwatcher, it looks a bit strange.

I like the tones and sharpness, but the exposure looks a tad low. A little bump to give the whites more oomph might be worth a try, and the same goes for a little more contrast to bring out your buddy's beak and eye. Of the two shots, I prefer the second, but I might try a portrait orientation with the egret's feather cloned out. Regardless, good capture!

[Brownbear]

The first shot is stunningly gorgeous...

The 2nd shot is lovely but I don't love it as much as the first, likely because of the crop. not sure why.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Christina. Perhaps the twigs on the right of #2 should go but I am not sure about that as they help to anchor the crop. Maybe as Lex suggested a portrait orientation but have to rework the image from scratch to get that right.

Thanks Lex. Yes he has 2 head strands which were flying around with the wind. Did not catch the 2nd in these shots. It was pretty windy as can be seen from the flowing feathers on the top of the head.

Re-works - the exposure and a bit of work on the eye and beak. Will try a portrait later.

I will be printing out both so will want to get these drafts right before doling out the $$$.

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2a.

[Shadowman]

Very nice, I think a longer lens wouldn't have given anything better than what you captured here. Closeup of the face sure, but I think the perch serves a purpose in anchoring the bird against a drab background.

[Bobobird]

Thanks John.

I agree with your reach assessment.

The 70-300L serves me well and will be sticking with that. There will always be a time when a target is within reach. Patience will save my back (and bank account).

[FlyingSquirrel]

Bobo, I really like shot #2 (especially the reworked, brighter one). The closer crop showing the head and "expression" is what does it for me. I was also thinking possibly clone out the twigs at bottom right, but was unsure as well. Finally, I think the wider shot would work IF the foreground branches were not there. I can understand why some like the full bird/perch shot, but for me it doesn't work as well in this case. Beautiful bird and shot!

edit- forgot to mention, I kind of like the flowing plumage off to the right. Adds motion and interest, also balances the shot a bit IMO

[Brownbear]

I too, think both shots are stunners now...

[Bobobird]

Thanks Matt, Christina.

I presume that drafts look good enough for print ?

[Brownbear]

I'd be delighted to have prints of these hanging on my wall

[Bobobird]

Thanks Christina. Off to my friend's shop on Tuesday.

[jprzybyla]

Nice Bobo... good work with the exposure.

[Bobobird]

Thanks Joe, appreciate the expert's assessment.