Photography @lemmy.world JamieCristofani @lemmy.world 7 mo. ago

Redkite catching some sun (feedback appreciated)

A lucky snap of a red kit turning in some sun. I love the way the tail is illuminated and tried to brighten the body a little, but I am still getting to grips with editing in 'proper software' and would love to get some feedback.

18 comments

Learn about levels or curves (slightly different tools) if you want to brighten the underside of the bird without it looking unnatural.
- Those are the tools to play with (might also be called Gamma Adjustment), but I think in this particular case, because of those lovely areas where the sun is shining through, having the rest of the body dark (and the sky bright) works really rather well.
- Thank you, I did look at them briefly, but everything went very weird, very quickly, more research is definitely required. Do you recommend any key resources?
  
  I did look at them briefly, but everything went very weird, very quickly
  
  It was to be expected.
  
  The pic is quite nice as it is. The strong backlight is one thing that makes it special. Be proud of it.
  
  At the same time, it is a very difficult example for these editing tools if you are just starting to learn them. It gives only a narrow space between "seeing no effect at all" and "overdoing terribly".
  
  I recommend to relax and put this photo away for at least some months. Go through several youtube tutorials and start your practicing with some easier examples = normal photos.
Nice shot! There's definitely some detail in the shadows that could be be pulled up a bit more without it looking artificial. Was this shot in RAW or JPG?
- It was shot in RAW, but I am incredibly new to editing in software not on my phone. Another comment mentioned curves and levels which seems to be the route to go, but it is very daunting going that route for the first time. I intend to do a little research and have a go at lifting the shadows just enough to ideally see more of the face (as they are the lighter feathers anyway).
  
  I'd be happy to reprocess the RAW and walk you through the work flow if you're interested.
This is probably the first kite I've seen without a v-shaped tail
- We have a lot where I live, I am by no means an expert but it may because it was making a hard turn.
  
  That's interesting. Maybe it's a regional difference.
Like others have said I would either try to lift the shadows or go for a high key style photo and make the bird more of a silhouette

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