Just having fun with the new software ~ Shadows & Backlit

[JBW]

we have been off line so I haven't been able to try the new stuff. But this is interesting?

[Shadowman]

Nice effort.

[JBW]

Nice effort.

now if I can just sort out layers, cloning, healing and about 100 other details.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Brian,

I hope the reason for being off-line wasn't serious (knowing the weather you can get).

But this is interesting?

Yes .... but

You knew there was a 'but' coming, didn't you Brian?


Nature has provided you with a small scene that has attracted your attention, but has left it less than ideal from a purely artistic point of view for creating a good>great image.

So let's think about how it could be arranged to be more artistic;

The primary subjects I see are the dead leaf and the two corresponding live ones behind, which are at the same angle.
I therefore suggest the image ought to show that to the best advantage and also remove as much as possible that distracts from this.
I wonder, would it have been possible to encourage the larger live leaf to be more parallel to the dead one?
I think we need to see the end of it behind the stem the dead leaf is on; raising its tip would achieve this.

Also, there is a small bright 'whisker' visible which should be removed (physically or by cloning)

Talking of cloning, there are some other areas of brown leaves projecting in to the lower edge of frame, these should also be cloned out (if not removed prior to shooting). Cropping them off would place the primary subject too close to the bottom edge of frame IMHO, so I'm not encouraging that.

After that, a bit of 'dodging and burning' might improve the visual effect too.

I think there's a better image 'in' here, fighting to get out - what I propose hopefully could bring it more to the fore - all but one suggestion can be accomplished in PP. You're so close!


I am acutely aware that I am 'giving you a hard time' (with the best of intentions). but feel guilty none-the-less; perhaps I should take my camera out in to my (overgrown and untended) garden and try to find a similar 'gem' in the rough. I think that would be quite a challenge, especially if I limit myself to a 'kit lens' range of focal lengths (as you currently use) and do not succumb to the advantages of the Macro or UWA lenses.

No promises, but I feel I ought to do this.
Gulp me and my big mouth!

[JBW]

Hi Brian,

I hope the reason for being off-line wasn't serious (knowing the weather you can get).




Yes .... but

You knew there was a 'but' coming, didn't you Brian?


Nature has provided you with a small scene that has attracted your attention, but has left it less than ideal from a purely artistic point of view for creating a good>great image.

So let's think about how it could be arranged to be more artistic;

The primary subjects I see are the dead leaf and the two corresponding live ones behind, which are at the same angle.
I therefore suggest the image ought to show that to the best advantage and also remove as much as possible that distracts from this.
I wonder, would it have been possible to encourage the larger live leaf to be more parallel to the dead one?
I think we need to see the end of it behind the stem the dead leaf is on; raising its tip would achieve this.

Also, there is a small bright 'whisker' visible which should be removed (physically or by cloning)

Talking of cloning, there are some other areas of brown leaves projecting in to the lower edge of frame, these should also be cloned out (if not removed prior to shooting). Cropping them off would place the primary subject too close to the bottom edge of frame IMHO, so I'm not encouraging that.

After that, a bit of 'dodging and burning' might improve the visual effect too.

I think there's a better image 'in' here, fighting to get out - what I propose hopefully could bring it more to the fore - all but one suggestion can be accomplished in PP. You're so close!


I am acutely aware that I am 'giving you a hard time' (with the best of intentions). but feel guilty none-the-less; perhaps I should take my camera out in to my (overgrown and untended) garden and try to find a similar 'gem' in the rough. I think that would be quite a challenge, especially if I limit myself to a 'kit lens' range of focal lengths (as you currently use) and do not succumb to the advantages of the Macro or UWA lenses.

No promises, but I feel I ought to do this.
Gulp me and my big mouth!

The weather has been fine, very hot but fine. We went off line after our server had a problem. Not related in the least to the minor earthquake.
Tomorrow I can do a reshoot ~ BUT (there is always a BUT) it will be close but not exactly what it was.

Now I accept your challenge to yourself and to me.

Go find something to shoot!