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Hi there,

I went back out to Moorooduc Quarry this afternoon with much better light than this morning.

Not that many birds about (that I could see anyway)... but I think I got a winner...

What do you guys think?

D70 + 500 f4 (ISO 500, F9, 1/60, -1.0 flash comp)


This was the first time I've really used flash with my bird shots. I think it worked quite well.

I have another image that also looks quite good but there is a branch across the birds face...GRRR... I'll see if I can clone it out and post it later.

Paul

yep, I think you got a winner also here.

This is a nice shot.

Sweet morning light helps also.

the flash at -1 makes a big difference with bird shots.
often helps to bring the colour in the plumage out.

Steve

Here is my second image....

Any ideas on how to clone out or remove the branch across the body? Everything I do (clone tools) leaves obvious traces...



Paul

the clone tool, but use it to extend the lines of the feathers.

should be right with time.

or perhaps clone some feathers off another similar shot??

The second shot seems a bit hot too.

Steve

do you have the photoshop version with the healing brush tool?

There we go Paul, though the border needs fixing as the white is more grey now.

Wow... well done Kipper.

Was that just using the clone tool?

If not could you part with a few secrets?



Elffinarts
I have PSCS2 and I'm pretty sure that has the Healing Brush

Purely the clone tool, haven't really played much with the healing tool and should do I guess as everyone raves about it. I used varying brush sizes depending on which colored feathers I was trying to recreate/rectify with an opacity of about 50%. On the outer feathers I had to use a fairly small brush to try and keep it looking like ruffled feathers.

Darryls effort was done the way I meant,
you can do amazing stuff with clone!!

Looks like I have much to learn about this clone tool

Hi Paul. #1 is very nice and of a professional quality. It would make a nice poster for the bird nuts. Are you still getting a lot of use from your 500mm toy?

Beautiful shot of a beautiful bird - well done !!

Thanks for the comments so far everyone. It's great to get some good feedback

Willy wombat wrote: Are you still getting a lot of use from your 500mm toy?

Not as much as I'd like but that's usually work's fault. It's certainly still my favourite lens (my macro comes a very close second though!!). My 500 and I have a love hate relationship... If my technique is good and the birds are co-operating I love it.... if not then the macro becomes my temporary favourite

Paul

Great shot Paul.