Done dinner

[ied]

I'm sorting files, rating some images and binning others.
These two Grossbeaks were spared and I used them as my
PS trials. ( Went from PS Elements to PS CC this week).
Although there are similarities, it will be a learning curve to be sure.
My cloning and healing brush leave a lot to be desired.


C&C appreciated.

Irene

1.


2.

[Cantab]

Irene, I'm hesitant to make any comments because I'm viewing your photos on an iPad, not a calibrated monitor. But here goes. The first one in particular is sharp and very much in focus.
My initial reaction was that the first one may be a bit underexposed but, on the other hand, your exposure managed to keep detail in the white feathers, they're not blown out. Perhaps an increase in contrast? I'll be interested to read what others think.
Were these photos taken recently? I haven't seen any grosbeaks this year, perhaps a sign that I need to get out looking more frequently!

[Shadowman]

Nice captures.

[GBO25]

The light, especially in the first one, was from a perfect angle to produce those micro shadows that bring out the details in the feathers.
The second one is a tiny bit noisy but they are two very nice shots.

[IzzieK]

I like both of them, Irene...I have nothing to nit about it...

[bnnrcn]

Hi Irene I'm not a bird shooter but I like both of them. They might be improved in some ways and bird shooters might give better advice than me but IMO they are both nice even if you don't do any more edits

[chauncey]

Went from PS Elements to PS CC this week).

Oh yeah, there will be a learning curve involved...fortunately there are a ton of tutorials out there.
FYI, one of my favorite tools, not that popular, is HDR Toning...Image>Adjustments>HDR Toning.
It requires delicate adjusting but can cough out nice results using the detail slider.

PS...the birds are quite nicely done.

[Rebel]

Very nice, Irene.

The first one is my favourite, lovely colours and nice and sharp.

[Geoff F]

You might get away with very slightly increasing brightness on the birds; but not the background.

Clone and Healing Brushes are very handy tools which I use all the time. But yes, it is a technique which has to be learned, mostly from experience; and the starting point is deciding which one to use.

[Brownbear]

Hi Irene,

Both are beautifully focused with lovely detail, but the 1st image especially so.

The first is my favourite because of the level/position/pose you captured the bird in shows the beauty of its face and has interest, and shows the feather patterns and gorgeous colouring of the Grossbeak.

With respect to your cloning out that branch, yes it is obvious something has cloned. Perhaps best with the branch left in? Cloning is something I can't do well unless it is just a wee little branch using the healing brush tool, and then zoom in and use the clone tool very carefully while viewing at 100%. I suspect that it is something that requires a lot of practice and a certain talent to do well. Less time consuming for me to just get out and try again.

Well done!

[ied]

Thank you Bruce. I appreciate your input.
These were taken in April. They have been here all winter and
there are 4 pairs visiting the feeder at this time.

Thank you John, Graham, Izzie, Binnur, and Matt.

Thank you Chauncey, I will look up HDR Toning. Thank you for the
suggestion.

Thank you Geoff. I will certainly try a slight increase in brightness to see the difference.
I appreciate the suggestion.

Thank you so much Christina. I value your input. You are truly an inspiration.
As for the cloning, I agree it is most time consuming and best kept to a minimum for the time being.

Irene