To sleep: perchance to dream

[flashback]

What can I do to improve this image? Is the nose too dark? Bright spots in upper RH distracting? C&C welcome.

[rpcrowe]

I am getting lazy in my old age. NIK software is so easy to use. I know that this could have been accomplished in Photoshop, Elements or in just about any editing program. It's just that NIK is quicker and, for me, easier.

I did this in Viveza and just love the structure increase slider...

I did an global structure and contrast increase

I then used control points to:
lighten + increase contrast in nose
increase structure in nose
decrease brightness and increase contrast on the image left side of face
increase brightness on the image right side of face

I also darkened the area right behind the dog's ear.



I love bearded dogs like this. Your dog looks a lot like my Goldendoodle...

[Downrigger]

Richard's fix is nice, but mainly because it's a nice image of a nice looking subject to begin with. The modification I like best is the increased contrast and texture in the fur - among other things, seems to add depth.

[John 2]

Richards edit does it. The only additional adjustment I can suggest is to slightly lift the blocked out shadows around is nose and eye.

[flashback]

Richard,
Thanks, I can see the improvement in your version, sadly I can barely understand your explanation
I switch between RawTherapy and Gimp, so the terminology appears not to cross-over to those two (unless I'm missing something, and there's always a good-to-great chance I am.)
However, given what you've done I'll jump back in a see if I can come close.
Thanks again for your efforts and comments. As for my girl looking like a Goldendoodle....might be because she is one
Jack

[flashback]

Mark,
Thanks for the comments and input.
Jack

[flashback]

John,
Thanks for your comments. As for the shadows, she was in front of a window so she's lit up from her right side.
I'll see if I can lighten it up a bit.
Thanks again,
Jack

[rpcrowe]

I have been using NIK software ever since Google purchased it. I was first introduced to the NIK package at a seminar they held in their San Diego Corporate Office (prior to their purchase by Google) and I was extremely impressed with the capabilities of NIK as well as the ease of use. However, the price charged for NIK when it was an independent product was far too high - somewhere around seven hundred U.S. Dollars for the set. After Google bought NIK, they reduced the price to $150. Still pretty expensive but, a lot cheaper than the original. However, there are far more people using NIK now than there were when it was more expensive.

I absolutely love NIK because of the ease of post processing with this collection of programs. Here is a link to NIK with a free trial...
http://www.google.com/nikcollection/

I edited your doodle's image with the Viveza segment of the NIK Collection.
http://www.google.com/nikcollection/products/viveza/

BTW: Doodles are the greatest dogs! Our Goldendoodle, Holly, is five-years old and the light of my life. I dearly love her!

[pnodrog]

Hi Jack I think you knew what had to be done - the answer to both of your questions was yes. I do like to see eyes if at all possible - but then again he was dreaming of Shakespeare.