Malka_1
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 Is this as good as it can get or I am missing something? | |
Shasoc wrote:
Malka_1 wrote:
Shasoc wrote:
This is a fine image of the interaction between the hummingbird and the flower showing the beautiful detail of both. 
I like the vibrant colors of the bird and the clean background that keeps our attention on the bird and creates a sense of depth, a pleasing isolation, and a breathing space that makes the subject to stand out.
Great job on the exposure as it shows the iridescent colors and fine detail w/o harsh highlights.
Good choice of the SS as well. Give that slight blurring effect of the bird's wings that doesn't make feel as if it is "frozen" in space 
The only distracting element I see in your photo is the thistle in the foreground. A bit prominent competing for attention with the bird while drawing the eye away from the subject. I would suggest masking or reducing its visual weight. The Remove Tool in PS can help. Also (minor thing) cloning out those blade of grass on the right top and side of the image would give a cleaner BG.
I would also brighten the bird’s eye/face to increase its dominance and to create a better connection with the viewer. Also if you like the slight grainy BG that is fine, otherwise I would think to run a slight noise reduction on it.
Those are the only improvements I see for your already great capture. You did a very good job on this capture and should be proud of it. Keep shooting.
Socrate
P.S. I don't remember who, but somebody said: If you think your photo is not good enough you are not close enough
Your recommendations have been very helpful! That very light exposure touch-up on the head made a big difference. I increased noise reduction a bit and applied a few methods to reduce the distractions. Some of these are so obvious in hindsight but weren't until you pointed them out.
Appreciate the encouragement. It's hard not to be intimidates into inaction by some of truly spectacular images on this site. But they are the reason I am here, and working to improve my photography is a labor of love.
I like what you did with the retouching in your image. Excellent job on reducing the visual weight of those "distractions"!
Now, here is a (sort of) provocation. My approach to editing is based on the idea that if any tool can enhance my vision to make a better experience for the viewer, I have no problems on using it. I mentioned before the Remove Tool.
I know different photogs have different beliefs concerning the level/ethics of manipulation, and I accept/respect that, but I would encourage you to try it when it comes to eliminating distractions, see how far you like to go and see how you feel about it, and mostly see how that can improve your vision and your intent of your photos. Only you can decide what to do with your image. Everyone has a right to decide what kind of tools one wants to use in their photography, and everyone has a right to decide what kind of photography they like.
Below is your image where I used only three brush strokes of the Remove Tool to eliminate the distraction completely. Too much? Not enough? You decide. Mine is only a suggestion.
Here is a thought: whatever is in the final result is all that matters to the viewer.
Socrate
Oh-oh, you're going to get me started on AI and I can be at it for while. I know there are other techniques that well predate the AI for image manipulation, but the package deal with AI takes it to the next level and is the tool of choice. Here it goes.
I have done extensive research into AI, the technical and moral dirty laundry, for my day job when it first made the splash, so I have the background to speak to it. It's tool, and it's not going away, but is it the devil of our generation that's slowly consuming our souls in return for cheap labor? Or an incredibly useful helpmate that takes on the drudgery and allowing artists to focus on what they do best?
I think the answer is that it depends on usage and intent, but I am afraid a lot people out there are getting it foisted upon them in many sneaky ways so that they never get the choice and the clarity as to what they're giving up when using it.
I believe that a true artist imbues his/her work with part of his soul and that's what makes the work so powerful. Vast majority of AI-generated images give me the creeps, like nails on chalkboard, Frankensteins assembled by AI.
Having said that, I have observed it used effectively and deliberately. I have seen your work, Socrate, and took note. Your "Out of the Canvas" made me pause - no creeps. I didn't think it was possible. My theory, and forgive the metaphysical bend, is that you impose your intent on the work so strongly that it takes over completely.
I can go on and on, but back to your point re. using the tools at hand to enhance the image. I have used AI de-noise and AI removal. I let AF have the free reign for most of my shots. I stop short of using up-scale, and have never used Gen-AI for creative content. So many factors play a role, and I'll proceed on case-by-case bases with what's comfortable for me.
Re. my little hummingbird - I am leaving the dry thistle, if anything else, as a reminder that I have work cut out for me to improve my photography, and don't want to rely on genie in the bottle to save the day.
Out of curiosity, I did try the AI removal when I first played with the image and got a very strange flower similar to yours.
Thanks for your help and the conversation!
Malka
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