I created this image in December 2007 at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, NSW. The subject, a Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) was coming into land in a small colony congregating on the rock platform. With the light behind me (even though a bit strong for my liking) I captured the landing. Looking at the RAW image, flaws are immediately evident and it took close to 18 months and a new set of Photoshop skills learned for me to take another look at the RAW image again. 
IMAGE DETAILS: Canon 30D, 300mm f/4L IS USM + 1.4x, ISO400, f/8, 1/1000th, zero exp. comp., evaluative metering, Av mode
With a series of Quick Masks, some cloning and healing and a crop for taste I created the final image that you see at the bottom. In the process I took out three other members of the cormorant clan already resting on the rocks, drying their wings. I find the final image much more satisfactory, though in the first instance I would always prefer to do as LITTLE as possible with a RAW image. Thus my aim (and yours too) really, should be to capture the ideal image in the camera so no time-consuming retouching work and tweaking become the necessary enhancements in the post process.
Hope you like my image(s).
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