Mirror Mirror

Nice work.
lstván

I like it alot. The exposure looks good not sure about the sharpness since my eyes are 48 yrs and the larger version helps me with that,.

For the most part, the exposure looks good. The whites on the top of the back might be a touch hot and looks like the image is a bit soft, but as Cheryl said, it is very difficult to tell without a large image to view (especially when the bird is smaller inthe frame like this). I would suggest posting a large one also next time and I really think it willhelp with the ritique. Overall, I like the refletion and feel of this shot.

I like it, Neal. Good comp and reflection. But I agree that its difficult to see whether its sharp or not. I suspect it needs sharpening.

A beauty.
Mauro

Could also use a clockwise tilt.

I like the concept, colors and pose. I assume this is a pied avocet. The photograph is well presented as minimalistic, but I think you need some course correction for the next time around:

1. Aperture priority and a higher ISO would allow for a smaller aperture and hold the 1/1250 shutter speed. ISO 400 should have given you that. That would also entail getting off of auto ISO. This would give you a better DOF.

2. +1 2/3 EV seems a bit excessive, as it resulted in blown highlights on the back (out of gamut 255+ on my monitor). I think +1 EV might have gotten you closer, and even allowed you to drop the ISO back with a better aperture.

3. Because of the lack of detail, it doesn't show, but you are about 4 degrees off plumb. You can tell if you go from one point on the bird to the same point on the reflection.

4. The photo does appear cold. A higher temp in PS could possibly correct that.

I don't mind the minimalism, Neal. The green reflection does bother me, even though I know it's real. A nice job on the exposure, even with the hot spot-this is a tough one. I'm not sure why you're using a positive exposure compensation on a bright bird-I usually go the opposite direction, but maybe I'm doing it wrong.

Serene and quite beautiful, I like the reflection being a different colour.

Excellent! The reflection is near perfection.

The background are reflection are really amazing. The color cast and rotation are issues, but easily remedied and with a bit of adjustment you have a wonderful result!

This is a beautiful bird and one that is great for practicing exposure. My 2 cents is to shoot in manual and watch the histogram. Push as far right on the histogram as possible without blowing the highlights. You will be in control of all the camera setting and be guaranteed to have a good image file with as much detail as possible that you can process in PS! Works every time!!

Thank you very much for the time taken to respond. I will most certainly put into practice your advice re the exposure, ISO speeds, sharpening etc. and thanks for the tip to check if the image is plumb. I am learning so much from you in this forum.

Love the mirror smooth surface and comp Neal.. Looks like it could do with a bit more sharpening.

cheers
Rob

Very nice result. The composition works very well.

D&L

Great reflection.