Time to explore the magic of monochrome macro: Cricket

[Mike Buckley]

It's interesting that I usually absolutely hate green tints but for whatever reason I can't identify I really like it in this image. Combine that green tint with the overall increased detail in Trevor's version and you have a real winner in my mind.

[JBW]

Brian I would strongly recommend getting NIK Silver Effex to play with. Go crazy with the sliders the first few times as it the best way to learn.

I played with a screen shot in Silver Effex. This is my vision and may not gibe with yours. I wanted to make the image a study of the structure and textures of the cricket. I feel quite few macro images of insects would be suitable for this sort of thing. I did this without your permission, I will remove it if a problem

What I did was darken the midtones, brighten the highlights and darken the shadows. Then I increased the structure on all three (highlights, midtones (the most) and shadows. Then I sharpened it. Really wanted to emphasize the structures May be a bit extreme but i wanted the image to have major impact .

Don't you dare to take it down. Does NSE stand alone? I use Capture 1 Sony Pro for RAW. it does lack the translucence I was trying for but it also takes the shot into a whole new area that is superb. beautiful work.
Anytime you want to offer me a lesson in pp feel free to use my shot.

[JBW]

It's interesting that I usually absolutely hate green tints but for whatever reason I can't identify I really like it in this image. Combine that green tint with the overall increased detail in Trevor's version and you have a real winner in my mind.

our eyes and or monitors may be just slightly out of sync I thought I set it up with a hint of blue. But I agree Trevor's version is a winner.

[tbob]

Don't you dare to take it down. Does NSE stand alone? I use Capture 1 Sony Pro for RAW. it does lack the translucence I was trying for but it also takes the shot into a whole new area that is superb. beautiful work.
Anytime you want to offer me a lesson in pp feel free to use my shot.

I have it linked as an add on to my processing program Aperture and I strongly suspect it is not a stand alone program. That would mean having to buy Lightroom or Elements. You would have to run the cost benefit analysis from your point of view.

Glad you like the image and I hope it inspired you to branch out. I think your macro images have a lot of potential for black and white because insects have such great form, texture and tones.

[Mike Buckley]

Brian,

My monitor is calibrated. Is yours? My eyes are not calibrated, but please don't tell my wife that, as so far I have been able to convince her that my perception of color is more accurate than hers.

[JBW]

Brian,

My monitor is calibrated. Is yours? My eyes are not calibrated, but please don't tell my wife that, as so far I have been able to convince her that my perception of color is more accurate than hers.

if you count the calibration tools in Windows 10 it is. I also was very intentional about enhancing the blue and downplaying the green in Capture 1. But it wouldn't be the first time I messed up the color balance.

Have no fear your secret is safe with me.