Official Photography Thread

[Northwestcoug]

I use Lightroom Classic, with two plugins from Topaz Labs, Denoise and Sharpen. Occasionally Photoshop if I need to remove things or do some Topaz Labs modifications on specific parts of an image (via layers). I have no experience with Luminar. Unless you need the 1 TB cloud storage, the Adobe photography plan that includes Lightroom and Photoshop for 9.99 per month is better IMO. There is often deals to get it annually for less than that.

Appreciate the advice. I was leaning towards Lightroom because it seems most people use it. I just don't like the idea of a monthly subscription...

[swampfrog]

Appreciate the advice. I was leaning towards Lightroom because it seems most people use it. I just don't like the idea of a monthly subscription...

I used to have the same hang-up. Hobbies have costs, some of those are subscription-like. What does an annual lift pass for Bachelor cost?

[Northwestcoug]

I used to have the same hang-up. Hobbies have costs, some of those are subscription-like. What does an annual lift pass for Bachelor cost?

Ha! More than what I'm willing to pay!

[swampfrog]

Meanwhile back at the refuge with the lens rented for last week's trip back into Eastern Oregon.

[swampfrog]

[swampfrog]

I won't start another thread and post all of the images, but I went on a 4th trip this Spring. For those interested, all of the images can be found here:

https://www.jpugmirephotography.com/Family/Vacations/Photography/n-4gNSJk/OregonEasternStandouts/

Here are at least some highlights:

[beefytee]

Amazing as always!

[swampfrog]

[Bo Diddley]

Great shots. I really like how many of those pop against the backdrop.

[swampfrog]

This year's submissions to the local refuge photo contest. Struck out last year. Sizing slightly larger, go fullscreen.

[Pelado]

This year's submissions to the local refuge photo contest. Struck out last year. Sizing slightly larger, go fullscreen.

How rare are these birds? Seemed like that was a big contributing factor to the winner(s) last time, right?

[falafel]

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[swampfrog]

How rare are these birds? Seemed like that was a big contributing factor to the winner(s) last time, right?

None are rare. Last year's winner wasn't rare either, just more difficult to photograph because they are so skittish and hide in the reeds most of the time along the ground. Probably the fact that it was a skittish bird with chicks put it over the top. The honorable mentions (HM) last year were not rare either. My grebe image is difficult to get in the sense of a clear look at all thread heads in profile with an interaction, but I don't know if it will matter.

https://ridgefieldfriends.org/photocontests/2020-refuge-photo-contest/

The green heron isn't as common as the great blue, but is seen quite regularly and it was honored twice. Same with the Sandhill crane, of which I have a similar image I did not submit. I submitted a marsh wren that I think is better than the HM wren image from last year. Still not sure exactly why those other images were included, I thought I had better.

I just have to submit what I think are my best photos, even if the birds are common. I'd submit a robin if I had nice light with a bug in it's mouth with a clean background. It's what I like. I spent some time trying to figure out what their criteria might be and then decided that's a waste of time.

[Northwestcoug]

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That's pretty good.

Love the pics, SF. Especially the last two.

[Bo Diddley]

I think that last one is my favorite.