Get your teeth into this one

[Sonsey]

I managed to get this pic of a vulture at a zoo a few weeks ago, considering it was shot through dirty glass I was pretty pleased with what I got... but there's no real punch to it.

Since post processing isn't my strong point I thought I'd let you folks have a crack at it (if you all dont mind), and if you could let me know how you did it i'd appreciate it!

 

[CT]

Great pic!

I duplicated the pic, and adjusted the histogram of the copy to kill the blown highlights as much as possible. Then copied that version and pasted it over the original as a new layer.

Adjusted the opacity of the layer by using the 'multiply' blend method to combine the two layers and flattened the image.

Finally adjusted contrast and applied USM.

You might get a similar result by HDR processing the shot?

 

[Bachs]

Applied an S-curve to boost contrast.

Added a hue saturation layer and boosted or cut specific colours.

Switched to LAB Mode, selected the lightness channel and applied USM.

Flattened image, duplicated background layer and added another hue/saturation adjustment layer, this time reducing the saturation to make the vultures' collar look white.

Added a layer mask and painted back in all detail but the 'collar'.

Finally ran 'NeatImage' noise reduction over the image.

 

[RobertP]

Impressive result Bachs

 

[Bachs]

Impressive result Bachs

Thanks Robert...what I should also have done was do the LAB mode sharpening on a duplicate layer, add a layer mask and paint out the edge halos, as I had to be quite aggressive with the sharpening.

 

[Fangman]

Bachs - you win on this one. I will have to try this technique to salvage some of my efforts.

 

[Sonsey]

Thanks very much for taking the time to work on this all

Yep, I think Bachs has got the :1st:

The amount of detail you've brought out is very impressive, can you do it again if I send you the original?

I'll get to work on it myself and see if I can replicate your results...

...thanks again everyone!!

 

[Bachs]

By all means send me the original, just PM me...or if you want a breakdown of any particular section of the editing, again PM me.

I'd love to knock up a video tutorial but there's never a moments peace and quiet in this house with a 3 month old baby :bang:

 

[dazzajl]

Impressive result Bachs

I'll say so.

Good partnership of a great capture and brilliant processing. I'll be having a good look at that process when I get a mo.

 

[mrgubby]

Weird , just had a go at this and it's ended up looking like a Turkey :bonk: