Glorius Gull

slowpez · 07-20-2008, 09:19 AM

I took this photo a couple of months back. It was never a great shot as I had to do it on the fly - the bird just wouldn't hold the pose for me. Initially, I sharpened (most likely too much) and have since made a B&W out of it. Which do you prefer? I would really like to salvage the shot.

*rparmar* · 07-20-2008, 10:31 AM

I see in colour and tend to like photos that way too. I prefer the colour shot here even though there is not much hue variation in the frame. Is there a way you can bring out the midtones a tad? Maybe just in the beach / bird part of the image.

*daacon* · 07-20-2008, 10:31 AM

I think it is a fine shot. I prefer the color the water and Gull have a few sublte tones of brown in there. Both are good though.

slowpez · 07-20-2008, 10:42 AM

I adjusted the hue a bit - better or over processed?

slowpez · 07-24-2008, 07:38 AM

Anyone get a chance to take a second look at these photos and provide some feedback? Did the PP in the third shot improve it at all.
Thanks again, Susan

mel · 07-24-2008, 08:48 AM

I prefer the original coloring best. The sand is more realistic. But I think that maybe if you cropped it in just a bit all around, so the gull was in roughly the same position but took up just a tad more of the frame, the composition all around would be more interesting. Try maybe cropping, proportionally, to about the top of that wave that's curling, that much all around.

I think it's cool how you caught the gull. I'd be trying to do something with it too.

*Peter Zack* · 07-24-2008, 08:55 AM

I like the first version as well. The colours are subtle but where they should be. Otherwise it's a fine shot. I agree wwith Mel`s crop ideas but also caution that if the resolution drops too much you'll loose sharpness and don't do much if that is the case (if you want to print it that is).

slowpez · 07-24-2008, 09:22 AM

I feel like I was in the right place at the right time with the wrong skills but I do want to save this shot. Thanks for everyone's help. I do appreciate it. Here is the crop Mel suggested. Better?

I do wish I had at least spelled glorious correctly.

*Peter Zack* · 07-24-2008, 09:26 AM

I think more like this.
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*gawan* · 07-24-2008, 02:01 PM

Glorious indeed! I like the colour version. Toning aside, I think this is wel taken picture, the surroundings is great and you have a good composition too!

slowpez · 07-25-2008, 09:01 AM

Thanks everyone for your help. Peter, thanks for the crop - it was an improvement. I have to admit, I am partial to that funny sepia color that came as a surprise when I downloaded the photo. Most of the photos I took that day look like they were done in sepia. Funny light at the time I guess.
Again, thanks for the second looks and the C&C, I do appreciate it.
Susan