Post-processing shots with high texture

[ram.adi88]

Hello! I've been brushing up my photoshop skills and have been working on a photo with a lot of texture in it. I'm a bit stuck on how to proceed, and would appreciate some feedback/direction. I've attached the before (first) and after (second) shots. Thanks in advance!

 

[dennybeall]

What part is bothering you?
I personally like more contrast in surf, like this.

 

[ram.adi88]

I'm still a bit puzzled. Maybe it's the shot itself, but I'm not able to get 'that' finish! I played around a bit more and got to this (below). Isn't there anything more I could do to it?

 

[astroNikon]

Maybe you are looking for more detail ?
your shot was at f/5.6 @ 1/1250 I think per EXIF
The bird is in focus but stuff goes OOF before and after it a bit when I pixel-peep.
Maybe that is what you are noticing ??

I see a good transition (from my novice eyes) from the before/after shots.

 

[ram.adi88]

I think detail's the word - I must admit, this is a compressed version cause I couldn't upload the full quality image, but generally looking at the image without zooming in, it's most probably the lack of detail which I see. So does this mean I have to shoot at a higher aperture? I can't probably find fault with the shutter speed (maybe could have been even faster), as the bird was moving quite rapidly, as was the water (this was taken on a boat, and the trail is from the motor).

 

[JacaRanda]

Unless there is a specific reason you are trying with this picture, I would try practicing on a different one. The subject is too small in the frame to matter much in my opinion.

 

[beagle100]

Unless there is a specific reason you are trying with this picture, I would try practicing on a different one. The subject is too small in the frame to matter much in my opinion.

I agree, you need a longer focal length for that bird pic

 

[limr]

Unless there is a specific reason you are trying with this picture, I would try practicing on a different one. The subject is too small in the frame to matter much in my opinion.

^^This.