Overexposed Cactus Wrens

[Ineluki]

Having a tough time deciding whether to reduce the brightness/exposure of this pair of Cactus Wrens. Shot was taken shortly after sunrise in SE Arizona and produced almost a spotlight effect on the birds. Also, should I clone out the stray cactus on the lower right? Any other suggestions. I like the pose and I love Cactus Wrens.



View attachment 2290

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

This my edit

 

[bajadreamer]

View attachment 3241
This my edit

Thank your for your time and thoughts. I tend to like a little more room for the birds on both sides. Also a little less sharpening would be my preference.

 

[rlpatrick]

This is a re-edit. I followed most of your suggestions, including Steve's. I brought down the highlights, recropped, cloned out the corner cactus and also the stray weed stems. I also very slightly brought up the orange saturation. Don't know about you, but I like this one better.View attachment 2377

I really like the final edit!

 

[Harry.G]

Beautiful image -Totally love the re-edit its easy on the eye

 

[Kenyan]

I too would clone out the cactus numbs on the left and right

 

[will139]

They are both great, but I do like the re-edit a little more.

 

[gaknott]

I agree that you took a good image and improved it with the final edit. The birds stand out much better and their eyes really pop now. Good work!!