The Devil is in the Details

When I process an image, I like to look at it from all angles, examine the corners, edges, I look for highs and lows that can either add or distract the viewer’s eye. I also look for any distracting items in the scene. Sometimes, what we initially intend as an addition can look more like a distraction than a supporting element. When I look for pleasing compositions, I often like using juxtapositions to create depth and additional points of interest within the frame. However, sometimes a second look can reveal a whole new idea for the shot. That is what happened with this photo…

Originally, I liked the juxtaposition of the small pelican in the top left-hand corner, but after looking at it more closely, the pelican started to bother me. It was too small, my framing was too tight and the bird was essentially looking out of the frame. Also, the blue water line at the top was accentuated by the small pelican bringing the viewer’s eye straight to that little guy.

Another thing that bothered me about the shot, is the foreground reflection comes off the page. I like including things and having a border to create a finished edge. The reflection is also a bit jaggy, at first I liked that then it started to look sloppy.

What I did like about the shot was the reflection from the water on the bird’s wing. I also liked the tight crop showing some nice detail and I loved the open mouth.

To address the things that bugged me, I worked in Photoshop on a duplicate layer. To clean up the small pelican in the corner, I simply cloned it out. To address the reflection, I used motion blur to soften the jaggy look and I cleaned the foreground edge using the clone tool. I also lightened the pelican and added a touch of vibrance which made the bill pop.

To find Motion Blur in Photoshop, go to the top menu bar and choose Filter> Blur> Motion Blur, then when the dialogue box opens, set the angle to the angle of the water-for this image it was at zero and the distance was at 48 pixels (the distance is like the speed of the blur—move the slider all the way to see how it affects the image, remember a little goes a long way). It is important to work on a duplicate layer so you can apply the effect selectively with either a layer mask or the layer opacity.

Everyone will have their own idea of what looks good to their eye. I just processed this to my liking.

Dalmatian Pelican, Lake Kerkini, Greece. Image copyright Denise Ippolito.

"The devil is in the details" is an idiom alluding to a catch or mysterious element hidden in the details; it indicates that "something may seem simple, but in fact the details are complicated and likely to cause problems". Wikipedia

FIRST DAY OF ISSUE for my Tulip Blossom Forever Stamp Collection is April 5th at the Tulip Festival in Woodburn Oregon. I just pre-ordered my stamps and these envelopes at the USPS .

Florida East Coast Workshop 2024 Announced!

After two very successful years of back to back Florida workshops Donna Bourdon has garnered a ton of praise. Her teaching ability-coupled with her enthusiasm and technical expertise has proven to be a winning combination. Registration has just opened up for her March 2024 bird photography workshops. SIGN UP HERE. Our target subjects include but are not limited to: Roseate spoonbills, Great egret, Osprey, Wood stork, Black skimmer, GBH, Little blue heron, American white pelican, Barred owl, Ibis, Wood duck, Sandhill Crane, Peregrine falcon, woodpeckers and so much more…

*Below are a few of the shots that Donna captured on her past East Coast workshops.

Florida East Coast Workshop - March 4-9th, 2024

Join Donna Bourdon for five days of bird photography on the Florida East Coast. There are tons of great birding spots in Florida and we will hit quite a few of them, Exact locations will of course be determined by the birds—after all they are in charge! Daily schedule will be an early morning shoot followed by a break with image review/selection and Photoshop as time permits, then head back out for a late afternoon shoot. A detailed file will be sent with hotel, gear and clothing recommendations. Our base will be Vero Beach Florida, we may choose to stay at a second location for two days-participants will be kept informed.

Price: $2499.00

Dates: March 4-9th, 2024

Limit 10

This workshop will be led by Donna Bourdon

A detailed file will be sent to all participants. SIGN UP HERE.

 

Blue Cypress Lake Florida Workshop

Blue Cypress Lake, Florida - March 10, 11th, 12th 2024

Blue Cypress Lake is a lake in Indian River County of the Treasure Coast in Florida. It is teaming with nesting Osprey. We will photograph the nests and the Osprey flying to and from the nests from a boat. We will be careful not to get too close as we do not want to disturb their behavior. However, we will be close enough for great images.

Price: $899.00pp

Dates: March 10-11, 12th

Limit 5

Included: Two hour photo sessions daily from the boat each morning followed by a short break, image review/Photoshop session as time permits and an afternoon shoot for more Florida birds from one of our many East Coast locations. each morning, then we will have a short break and an image review daily (as time permits).

This workshop will be led by Donna Bourdon. To sign up CLICK HERE.

*A detailed file will be sent with hotel and gear recommendations along with lots of other details regarding the trip.

*All images in this post copyright Donna Bourdon with the exception of one (scenic) copyright Denise Ippolito.

 

Ft. DeSoto Workshop ANNOUNCED!

Join Donna Bourdon, A Creative Adventure tour leader for a 5 day workshop at Ft. DeSoto, Florida. Fort DeSoto has long been known for its variety of wading birds. It is a popular layover for migrant shorebirds. As well, we can expect to see a variety of terns and maybe even some Snowy plover. During March, most birds are in breeding plumage. Our target birds will be dancing Reddish Egrets, both white and dark-morph. There should be plenty of Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron and Ibis. Great Horned Owls and even Roseate Spoonbill are possible. To sum it up, Ft. DeSoto is a haven for bird photography!

Cost: $2499.00

Dates: March 14-19, 2024

Location: Ft. DeSoto, Florida

Tour Leader: Donna Bourdon

A detailed file will be sent with hotel , airport and other necessary information pertaining to this trip. To sign up CLICK HERE.