Looking to see what people’s thoughts are on HSL sliders/white balance. Just started getting into wildlife/birding. I’d like to keep my editing to competition standards, so keep it as true as I can with minimal editing, but how much HSL/WB is too much?

Image I have linked is both raw out of camera and my edited version. No manipulation done outside of crop, HSL/WB exposure highlights shadows, the usual. But is that much warmth too much? It was taken 40ish minutes before sunset, so I tried to give it the dreamy sunset vibe, but maybe it’s overdone.

I enjoy how the final edit turned out, but is it not “pure” enough for say photo competition standards? I’d like to stay on those standards as I keep getting into it and get pictures I’d like to submit at some point.

  • @mattrsphotoOP
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    21 year ago

    Thanks! The bird is an eastern phoebe, their call actually sounds like they’re saying “phoebe” a little bit. The hawk is a good catch!