Gannet - Is it ok to add color to the sky?

[MikeA]

This is an image of a Gannet from my trip to Scotland and the weather was grey. Is it a good idea to pep it up a bit in photoshop or should I rather distance myself from such coloring?

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[jhallettbc]

With that changed background, it doesn't look natural to my eyes. Looks like it's done with a flash.
What I do to keep a natural look but change the gray is LR I select the sky, then move the colour temperature towards the blue and maybe a small adjustment with hue.

 

[jhallettbc]

I also might brighten the background.

 

[Nimi]

This is an image of a Gannet from my trip to Scotland and the weather was grey. Is it a good idea to pep it up a bit in photoshop or should I rather distance myself from such coloring?

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Who is the intended audience? Technique-wise, it's an unrealistic edit; the shadows or llight source is on the wrong side.

 

[Charles Loy]

Nice image of the fowl, that is a fact, Pale white may work better, suggesting clouds in far distance

 

[bleirer]

I think what you did looks nice, but agree that it is evident by the light on the bird
That it is not dusk or dawn, so I'd say no.

 

[Butlerkid]

I like it just the way it is........ The gray sky is natural and a subtle backdrop allowing the bird to garner all the attention.

 

[MikeA]

O dear, I am glad I asked. I think I will try selecting the background and making some slight adjustments to the hue as commented. THX.

 

[Rude Boy]

As a native Scot I can confirm No 1 is a fairly accurate depiction of our skies all year round.

Out of interest where was it taken? Bell Rock, Troup Head?

 

[MikeA]

As a native Scot I can confirm No 1 is a fairly accurate depiction of our skies all year round.

Out of interest where was it taken? Bell Rock, Trouph Head?

On the way to Bass Rock

 

[Rude Boy]

On the way to Bass Rock

Lol. Aye. I meant Bass Rock not Bell Rock. Troup Head is closer to me. Great place.

 

[MikeA]

Lol. Aye. I meant Bass Rock not Bell Rock. Troup Head is closer to me. Great place.

It was in May and a great experience

 

[Nerja Rob]

Maybe a slight adjustment to the background as, one assumes, it is supposed to be a natural shot. Attention should be on the bird, which in turn, should have the most editing attention.

 

[MikeA]

Maybe a slight adjustment to the background as, one assumes, it is supposed to be a natural shot. Attention should be on the bird, which in turn, should have the most editing attention.

Thank you - probably the best to leave it as it is.

 

[Anjin San]

This is an image of a Gannet from my trip to Scotland and the weather was grey. Is it a good idea to pep it up a bit in photoshop or should I rather distance myself from such coloring?

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I like the overall.ook better with the sky edits…but as noted in other replies it’s different lighting than on the bird…I would tone down the sky a bit but the color is better than the original. It really depends on which one *you* like better.

 

[raptor photo]

I like the first one more. However, I would think about adding a blue cast to the ocean so that it's not gray. I've done that before and it's looked natural.

 

[MikeA]

I tried blue and somewhat darker, what do you think now? The bird almost comes out 3D.

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[jeffnles1]

I'll address your opening question first: Yes, it is OK to change backgrounds. It is your image and you can do whatever you want. Sometimes we get all twisted up in the "it must be 100% natural" vs. "That has been heavily processed" discussions. If you are entering a contest where the rules dictate how much, if any, editing then you need to abide by the contest rules. Also, there are rules and guidelines around photojournalism if you're into that genre. Your photo above isn't photojournalism.

Now, to the subsequent discussion, I do like the last edit better than the yellow sky edit. On the first edit, with the yellow sky, I think the issue isn't the sunset it was how far the sliders were pushed. You could have masked the background and warmed the white balance a few degrees if you wanted.
But at the end of the day, it is. your image and there is absolutely nothing wrong (as far as I'm concerned) in editing it any way you see fit and making it an image you enjoy.

Just my 2 pennies worth.

Jeff

 

[Archibald]

I quite like the very first photo. It looks natural, and the attention is on the bird.

It is a great feeling to have all that editing power at our fingertips! It can give amazing, creative results. But sometimes less is more. In this case I would opt for the simplicity of the original.

 

[MikeA]

Thank you everyone - I will stick with the natural first image, almost as out of the camera. That seems to get the most votes

 

[raptor photo]

I like the third edit!!!! Maybe make the ocean a bit brighter but it's better than the first.