A very nice series Anthony. I agree with Gene, a touch more sharpening would improve the first three. I really like the rough-legged, it seems tho that your camera tried to focus on the branches, that is almost always the case when I shoot hawks, my camera wants to focus on the most contrasty element. I try stopping down a bit more for the hawks for "insurance". The Phoebe shot is spot on, sharp, balanced and the light was just right.
Ok on the sharpening > I will try to get a little more aggresive on these few shots.
I agree on the mark III wanting to focus on the branches. Problem is this was nearly a full frame shot > Center Focus Point > Expansion "OFF" >>> The darn thing shouldn't have been trying to focus on the branches but it sure did shot after shot after shot........ ughhhh
Glad you liked the last two > I think the Phoeb and Vulture were the best of the post. Well at least PP wise.......... IMHO
Thanks Steve I appreciate the info. That's very similar to what I'm doing now except I'm doing this with selective sharpening using the quick select tool. I think I"m using an initial sharpen right after bringing into PS at 130 / 0.3 / 0. Then PP to my liking. Then downsize for web and do another 2 quick passes at 100 / 0.3 / 0 but again only to the critter using the quick selection tool. I've been trying to keep my BG's really clean (Not sure if I've accomplished it or not though)
Anthony, #5 and 6 look very good: clean and sharp. #3 is very nice too. The other shots could use some sharpening. #1 and 4 look out of focus a bit and sharpening wouldn't help much. Scott gave you some good advice about the eyes, they can also use some noise reduction. Overall you did a very good job with the PP. Just keep practicing, it will only get better.
Socrate
