Unexpected turtles

[STiZzle2010]

I found some turtles at Bass Pro. I found it a bit of a challenge and I'm up for any CC.

f/2.5, 1/50th, ISO 320
JMH_0020 by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

[Shadowman]

You've done well, were you expecting something different?

[STiZzle2010]

I had a hard time exposing because of the highlights in the shell. I relied on post processing to get the job done. Here is a before and after:

RAW by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

[GBO25]

I can see what you mean re the bright reflections off the shells but the processing has very nearly fixed it. I say very nearly because now that I've seen the original the specular reflections look a little grey.
But really, I wouldn't have noticed that without the original.

Sometimes cloning similar areas of the subject over the bright spots can help but be sure to set the clone brush opacity to about 5-8% so you only get a hint of cloned detail and keep the right amount of underlying brightness.
Nice shot.

[STiZzle2010]

Thanks! This is one of the most challenging edits I've done to date and, I spent a good amount of time on those damn highlights lol. Great suggestion about cloning, I would have never thought of that!

[bnnrcn]

Hi Josh, a very nice image IMO the two stones (?) at the top left are competing with the turtles. I would darken them a bit to see how it works.

[Mike Buckley]

I had a hard time exposing because of the highlights in the shell.

You did an amazingly good job of minimizing the issue during post-processing. However, using a polarizer would have easily minimized the problem at the time of capture. Though a polarizer would have been a huge help, the curved shape of the turtles' shells make it highly doubtful that it would have eliminated the issue on all areas displaying glare. So, you would have perhaps needed to eliminate the remaining parts of the issue during post-processing.

The fact that you did such a good job during post-processing that still left some issues remaining in the image debunks the myth that a polarizer is not needed when making digital captures.

[Shadowman]

I had a hard time exposing because of the highlights in the shell. I relied on post processing to get the job done. Here is a before and after:

RAW by Hebee's Visions, on Flickr

Nice recovery on the highlights, not sure if the green reflection/mossy look helps or hurts but the color is quite strong, but the color offers a good contrast for the warmth of the shells.

[IzzieK]

What software are you using, Josh? Can you do some selective processing, meaning select only those that you needed to do instead of globally (?) I am interested.

[STiZzle2010]

Thank you for the replies and feedback. I wish I had a polarizing filter but I haven't invested any filters yet. I'm a sole provider for a family of 5 and it takes me a bit longer for new toys. Until then I'm trying to make the best out of what I have.

I'm using Lightroom though the creative cloud plan. I have photoshop along with it but lightroom is easier for me to understand. I've only dabbled in PS by doing a couple color changes and head swaps. I spent quite a bit of time doing selective editing in this image. Of course this is also the first time attempting something like this. I'm still amazed to this day how much info you can extract from a RAW file!

[IzzieK]

Try Photoshop...since you already have it. Many here will teach you or go through with you using your own image...than you can practice. Photoshop has a big learning curve but once you got the idea, you're in, hook, line and sinker though most of us now, wanted to get out of it because of the restrictions...just a thought...

[Mike Buckley]

Considering that I mentioned the polarizer, I should also mention that now that I realize you rarely shoot landscapes, a polarizer should probably be a relatively low priority. With that family of five, surely you have higher priorities.

[Wavelength]

Nicely done

[STiZzle2010]

Try Photoshop...since you already have it. Many here will teach you or go through with you using your own image...than you can practice. Photoshop has a big learning curve but once you got the idea, you're in, hook, line and sinker though most of us now, wanted to get out of it because of the restrictions...just a thought...

What restrictions are you referring to? I would also be opening to uploading the RAW file and any of you are welcome to take a crack at the edit. It may be interesting to see the different perspectives and I may learn some advanced editing from you as well. What do you think?

Considering that I mentioned the polarizer, I should also mention that now that I realize you rarely shoot landscapes, a polarizer should probably be a relatively low priority. With that family of five, surely you have higher priorities.

You're right I rarely shoot landscapes however, I love this type of photography and I hope to get the opportunity to shoot more in the future. I'm also a huge car fanatic and I attend a lot of car shows. I've already learned that a circular polarized is a must and considering that it may have multiple uses, I will snag one in the nearby future.

Right now my next photography priority purchase is a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. I'm leaning towards a Tamron only because I cannot afford or justify a Nikkor at this time in my photography journey. This will make a nice edition for my family portraits!

Nicely done

Thank you very much!

[IzzieK]

Josh...I like using Photoshop and have been since version 4...but now it is in Clouds. I do not trust my data to be somewhere else floating about and you can't own the program outright like before...my Photoshop version is PCS 6 where I will own for the rest of my life I suppose. It is the last version, hence they do not want to upgrade it anymore. In the meantime, I am looking for alternative. If Nik will have an alternative standalone version, I will buy that one too...then other programs though smallist in nature and operation will do what Photoshop can and will do, I will try that and if satisfied I will do it in that other program and get rid of Photoshop altogether. Photoshop is like petrol...everyone eventually uses it but alterntives are coming out too and if tried to be better and easier to use, Photoshop will have to go...hope you understand...