hi steve, that is a stunning image! I am a former photo editor, so I cannot myself here, have you considered taking a little bit of the blue of the top? For me, doing so draws more attention to the bird yet maintains plenty of the colorful background. Either way, it is one of the best Heron photos I have seen. Thanks for sharing!
I really like the way this image was processed. At first glance it looks very painterly but upon closer observation the details reveal that it is a photograph. Wonderful use of color and composition.
Photography by Steve daPonte 
This is truly amazing. I am flabbergasted and gobsmacked.
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well said
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So great!
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hi steve, that is a stunning image! I am a former photo editor, so I cannot myself here, have you considered taking a little bit of the blue of the top? For me, doing so draws more attention to the bird yet maintains plenty of the colorful background. Either way, it is one of the best Heron photos I have seen. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for the feedback. It is a photo composite using two photos I shot of the bird and the sky. Which have been combined using OnOne Perfect Layers.
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what a beauty he is …love all the blue!
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gorgeous close-up, even the clouds are working in your favour. I just read the above message after writing this.
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Wonderful pic and technique!
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Great shot and processing! One of my favorite birds, and one of the best shots I’ve seen.
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Thank you!
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Cool shot and thanks for your support on: http://aqueoussun.wordpress.com/2013/07/11/southbank-skate-park/
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Thank you and your welcome!
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Fabulous work!!
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Thanks!
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Great shot!
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Hi Mark
Thanks!
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I really like the way this image was processed. At first glance it looks very painterly but upon closer observation the details reveal that it is a photograph. Wonderful use of color and composition.
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