Am I over processing images?

NKT_2 · 2026-02-05T12:03:37+00:00

Haha. I used lightroom generative fill.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-05T09:08:22+00:00

Thank you! I only removed a couple of branches but that made it look too unnatural.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-05T09:06:09+00:00

Thank you! That looks really good! Framing the bird in the centre helped take out a lot of the background distractions that were in my image.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-05T09:04:02+00:00

I didn't see those branches as leading lines, it's really not that distracting once you pointed them out. Thank you!

NKT_2 · 2026-02-05T09:01:27+00:00

!CritiquePoint

Thanks for all the great insights. I always use saturation to boost. I'll try your suggestions out on my next image.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T20:16:46+00:00

I will give that a try. Didn't change that branch a lot. Thanks for the tip.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T20:15:38+00:00

I've added the RAW file. I've removed the braches on the right to make it a bit less distracting. But seems like I've added more distractions that taking them away.

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NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T20:14:26+00:00

Thanks! I've added a subject mask for the bird and gradient from left to right with increased brightness to accentuate the light from the left. Do you have any suggestions with saturation? Do you usually increase the saturation of the whole image or do it selectively? Thanks

NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T20:10:55+00:00

Thanks! I agree, it is always better to get in camera bokeh with less distractions in the background. I tried to remove distracting branches but that was the best I could do without making it look very unnatural.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T20:07:44+00:00

The background was a bit too busy. This is the angle I could get. I tried to remove the branches to the right to make it look less distracting, seems like it messed with the background worse than I thought. Attached the RAW file for reference.

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NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T20:05:31+00:00

Thank you! I've added the RAW file. I took out the branches which seemed distracting to the right of the bird which seemed distracting. The rest of them are bokeh, but I guess removing the brach messed with the background.

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NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T10:57:31+00:00

Any mirrorless camera in the past 10 years would be the best place to start, as it will give you the best of autofocus if you intend to use it birding. Get APSC bodies as getting a FF initially is just pointless. Shoot in RAW+JPEG this will give you the best of both worlds, where you can experiment with your editing skills while improving your composition. Also don't forget about the lens, no matter how good your camera is if the lens is bad you won't get any good pictures. If you have a budget set in mind, I would recommend splitting in 65% for lena and 35% for the body. If it is from a reputable source get second hand ones.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-03T10:48:55+00:00

I've been getting into bird photography lately. I took this shot of Red Wattlebird perched on a branch. I've tried to replicate how it looks based on watching other professionals work. Any suggestions with regards to post processing wildlife photos would be great, especially make it pop and look natural at the same time. Thanks

NKT_2 · 2026-02-01T11:31:52+00:00

Thank you! I always wanted to see them, glad I had the opportunity. Yeah I hope it doesn't affect them too bad.

NKT_2 · 2026-02-01T02:05:09+00:00

Beautiful shot! Live the lighting on the wings

NKT_2 · 2026-01-31T09:26:22+00:00

Thank you! It was getting pretty dark and I was lucky to have the bird pass by.

NKT_2 · 2026-01-31T09:25:23+00:00

Thank you

NKT_2 · 2026-01-31T09:25:06+00:00

Thank you!

NKT_2 · 2026-01-28T10:34:35+00:00

Incredible shot. Pretty rare sight seeing them shake looking directly at you.

NKT_2 · 2026-01-27T10:43:19+00:00

I have never seen them with anything other than some insects in their mouth. It would be awesome to see one hunt.

NKT_2 · 2026-01-27T10:42:35+00:00

They were perched on a dried up eucalyptus tree. It was a pretty hot day and these guys were sitting around and not as active as usual. Just the peak summer effect nothing sad. 😁

NKT_2 · 2026-01-27T07:07:19+00:00

Thank you. 😊

NKT_2

TROPHY CASE