It needed to be complex for the blog but it is still pretty?

[JBW]

[Brownbear]

Hi Brian,

This image lacks the pretty factor for me because of the right hand side of the image (oof flower, distracting bits). I do think it is very pretty when cropped vertically in half, using the left hand side of the image.

You have several beautiful shots of flowers (the soft white and pink ones come to mind) which have tons of pretty factor.

[Shadowman]

I don't know about pretty, but it has a bit of a wow factor, especially against the dark greens.

[Brownbear]

Hi Brian,

I hope you don't mind. I cropped the image so I could show you the side of the image that I think has the pretty factor - very pretty.

For me it is still complex, but prettier because it is simpler with less distractions, focusing my attention on the beautiful rich greenery against the pretty pink flower.

[ajohnw]

I think the same as Christina but would also use the scissors on the 2 sticking up across the flower.

There are two things you could do to brighten things up. Copy the layer twice and put both copies in soft light. Then select the one above the actual image and do colours-desaturate-luminosity. That layer will alter the bright - dark relationship and brighten up the brighter areas at the expenses of making the darker areas darker. It will work like a brightness control on the flower. The top layer which is just a straight copy will boost the colour contrast but as the layer below has knocked back the none flower parts the most apparent change will be to the flower.

The effect of both layers can be adjusted from nothing to full with their opacity sliders.

Only problem is that horizontal branch - it's rather light and little can be done about that. - maybe the scissors again unless there is a flower about with a nice evenly toned back ground.

Sometimes it's possible to move flowers around so that background is good and tie them temporarily to a cane out of view just for the shot. Also cut the flower and position as required.

John
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[JBW]

Hi Brian,

I hope you don't mind. I cropped the image so I could show you the side of the image that I think has the pretty factor - very pretty.

For me it is still complex, but prettier because it is simpler with less distractions, focusing my attention on the beautiful rich greenery against the pretty pink flower.

Of course I don't mind. Truth be told your crop is prettier. The only problem is that it is less suitable for the blog. here is the quote from the blog. I feel it needs a shot with complexity and in and out of focus areas.

Apparently The Buddha Understood That The Sauce For The Goose Was Not Always The Right Sauce For The Gander


O monks and wise men, just as a goldsmith would test his gold by burning, cutting and rubbing it, so must you examine my words and accept them, not merely out of reverence for me.

My teaching is not a philosophy. It is the result of direct experience...
My teaching is a means of practice, not something to hold onto or worship.
My teaching is like a raft used to cross the river.

Only a fool would carry the raft around after he had already reached the other shore of liberation.

If you were to follow the Dharma purely out of love for me or because you respect me, I would not accept you as disciple. But if you follow the Dharma because you have yourself experienced its truth, because you understand and act accordingly - only under these conditions have you the right to call yourself a disciple of the Exalted One.

[JBW]

I think the same as Christina but would also use the scissors on the 2 sticking up across the flower.

There are two things you could do to brighten things up. Copy the layer twice and put both copies in soft light. Then select the one above the actual image and do colours-desaturate-luminosity. That layer will alter the bright - dark relationship and brighten up the brighter areas at the expenses of making the darker areas darker. It will work like a brightness control on the flower. The top layer which is just a straight copy will boost the colour contrast but as the layer below has knocked back the none flower parts the most apparent change will be to the flower.

The effect of both layers can be adjusted from nothing to full with their opacity sliders.

Only problem is that horizontal branch - it's rather light and little can be done about that. - maybe the scissors again unless there is a flower about with a nice evenly toned back ground.

Sometimes it's possible to move flowers around so that background is good and tie them temporarily to a cane out of view just for the shot. Also cut the flower and position as required.

John
-

I have tried cutting the flowers and making an artificial setting but it never seems to work for me and I just end up feeling guilty about killing the flower. I will give the twin layers technique a shot. As for the rest look at my reply to C.

[JBW]

I think the same as Christina but would also use the scissors on the 2 sticking up across the flower.

There are two things you could do to brighten things up. Copy the layer twice and put both copies in soft light. Then select the one above the actual image and do colours-desaturate-luminosity. That layer will alter the bright - dark relationship and brighten up the brighter areas at the expenses of making the darker areas darker. It will work like a brightness control on the flower. The top layer which is just a straight copy will boost the colour contrast but as the layer below has knocked back the none flower parts the most apparent change will be to the flower.

The effect of both layers can be adjusted from nothing to full with their opacity sliders.

Only problem is that horizontal branch - it's rather light and little can be done about that. - maybe the scissors again unless there is a flower about with a nice evenly toned back ground.

Sometimes it's possible to move flowers around so that background is good and tie them temporarily to a cane out of view just for the shot. Also cut the flower and position as required.

John
-

i used your suggestion of 2 copies / soft light / desaturation on this shot that was edited in both rt and g.

[Brownbear]

Hi Brian,

That's truly beautiful. (quote) Thank you for sharing.

I see that the image you choose will be highly personal and loaded with meaning.

Of course I don't mind. Truth be told your crop is prettier. The only problem is that it is less suitable for the blog. here is the quote from the blog. I feel it needs a shot with complexity and in and out of focus areas.

[JBW]

Hi Brian,

That's truly beautiful. (quote) Thank you for sharing.

I see that the image you choose will be highly personal and loaded with meaning.

Yup.