Comments & Critics

[Sahil]

I need your C&C on these shots.
I could not decide upon the composition of the shot. Tried my hands on this kind of post processing. I somehow could not figure out how to take care of the over-exposed lid.



And this one needs to be cropped?

[nanook]

First time I saw the top one, I didn't even reflect on the blown out highlights. The whatever it is has a great structure. Perhaps if you take down the exposure a notch? Is it a RAW image? In such case, down with exposure a tad, up with recovery if possible without banding. Perhaps down with contrast, up the blacks? I would perhaps prefer the background to be a bit less prominent. It might be well served if you crop it a little bit - remove right upper corner. I think this image has some defining character which I like.

[Sahil]

I did try selecting the overexposed area and then pulled down the exposure with curves. It looked ok. And yea, this was shot in RAW.

[Geoff F]

The next question is what RAW converter do you have? And do you still have the original image?

If possible, try to convert the original image again but use the Highlight Recovery settings to reduce those over exposed highlights. If your software doesn't have a Highlight Recovery option try again with reduced exposure during conversion.

Getting the highlight exposure correct during conversion should produce better results than using Curves afterwards. You can always give a final little tweak with Curves as required; particularly if it is making midtones or shadows brighter.

[Sahil]

Geoff F, I use CS4 for RAW editing. Will try what you have suggested soon. Thanks

[Sahil]

Geoff F, I Gave it a quick shot and this is what I have come up with. But I guess I am happy with the first PP. What say?

[Geoff F]

That is a lot better, you have far more detail there. I would just give it a little extra boost (don't overdo it though) to improve contrast and saturation and I think it will work well.

[Sahil]

Thanks Geoff F, But I tried the little boost, but the again the highlights were getting blown out. So stopped here.

[Geoff F]

Ideally, when problems arise I would work with a duplicate layer and mask to give different levels of adjustment.

But just starting with your latest adjusted image, I have tried a very quick extra tweak. Not sure if it will work as I really need an original RAW photo to start with.



All I have done is to use Curves with a reduction of highlights, increase in midtones, and darken of shadows. But all very slight. Plus a little extra Saturation and Unsharp Mask.

Possibly a duplicate layer with a suitable Blend Mode (like Soft Light) with reduced opacity and maybe a semi transparent mask would work better.

[Sahil]

Well, your version has really popped out. Thanks

[Sahil]

Well, how about this one? I am kinda happy with the outcome.

[Geoff F]

Yes that is an interesting use of light and textures. In this case, I like the out of focus background.

I assume you had to empty the can first!

[Colin Southern]

Well, how about this one? I am kinda happy with the outcome.

Hi Sahil,

I think you did a remarkably good job here. I tried to do better, but with each can my results just got worse and worse!

1 can ...



3 cans ...



10 cans ...

[agaace]

Ahaha I remember I was shocked when I was in India and I discovered the airlines I flew with were actually beer producers too But Kingfisher turned out to be very nice - both the airlines AND the beer

[Sahil]

LFMAO @ Colin. Thanks for giving me a good laugh right in the morning.

Yes Geoff, I can't hold a filled beer can for long, especially when its Kingfisher!

Kingfisher always gives a good experience, Agaace!

[Colin Southern]

LFMAO @ Colin. Thanks for giving me a good laugh right in the morning.

Thought you might like it

[Sahil]

My First Insect shot. I am happy with it
This bee, as I am typing, is still sitting on my laptop's lid.



Comments & critics, as always, are welcome.

[Dave Humphries]

My First Insect shot. I am happy with it
This bee, as I am typing, is still sitting on my laptop's lid.

Good head shot, what lens did you use?

On camera flash isn't too bad for this kind of thing (I assume that's what you used).

I'd be pleased too, well done,

[Sahil]

Thanks, Dave

I used 18-55, f4-5.6 lens. Thats the only lens I have till now
I cropped the pic to have this view.
Yes, I used the built in flash!

[Dave Humphries]

Thanks, Dave

I used 18-55, f4-5.6 lens. Thats the only lens I have till now
I cropped the pic to have this view.
Yes, I used the built in flash!

I'm amazed you got that big a view - but perhaps Indian bees are bigger than UK ones

Seeing your Comp entry title, how's this?

Two bee or not two bees?