At the Sheep Dog Trial (2)

[Donald]

Thanks to everyone who commented on the first of this series.

This second one shows a man and a dog but without the sheep. In that sense it does fail because without accompanying text you wouldn't know what was going on. But as an image meant for consumption by those present and those who know sheep dog trials, I think it works well. It is very much a case of identifying and knowing your audience for a picture such as this.

The hardest part of this was the shadow created by his hat cutting across his face. A number of selections and curves were used to bring that area into play and make it look okay.

The man is perfectly in focus, the dog is not. Now, I have convinced myself that is okay. But maybe that's what I've done to the detriment of the image.

And, for those who commented against the first in the series that they didn't know what was going on as the didn't know anything about sheep dog trials, I have produced a little diagram. The sheep start at the pole at the top of the page. The man and dog are at the pole at the bottom. The line and arrows show the route taken by the dog with the sheep. My artistic skills show why I use a camera to realise my artistic visions!





Any comments and critique will always be welcome.

[Manfred M]

Any comments and critique will always be welcome.

If I were you, I would stick to photography. You're unlikely to win any prizes with your sketches...

[Donald]

If I were you, I would stick to photography. You're unlikely to win any prizes with your sketches...

Mmmn. My thoughts exactly!

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Donald,

The first thread's image did make sense to me because I have watched this kind of thing on CountryFile in the past.

In this thread, I suspect the diagram is going to attract far more comment and query than the image - because even I am wondering whether there's a significance to the colour code for the lines?

Turning to the picture;
I was going to say it works because you have 3 picture elements arranged in a triangle, but actually, for me, the man isn't one of them, his crook is - because it's sharper and better defined.
Also; perhaps a smidge more space on left hand side?
Just a daisy's width or two, no more.

Cheers,
Dave

[Donald]

In this thread, I suspect the diagram is going to attract far more comment and query than the image - because even I am wondering whether there's a significance to the colour code for the lines?

Yes, they correspond to the elements of the trial:-
a) The outrun
b) The fetch
c) The cross-drive
d) The pen

I didn't include 'the shed', which is the 5th element cause that would have made it very complicated.

[pnodrog]

If I were you, I would stick to photography. You're unlikely to win any prizes with your sketches...

A little unkind Manfred considering the bold use of colours in the artwork (or work of art?) in contrast to the predominantly monochromatic style of photography.

I think we should encourage both forms of expression and communication.

[mugge]

I live in Australia and we have been to a few sheep dog trials. I have never seen a shepherd's crook nor have I seen such a bad drawing also I am to remove some halos from my previous photo which I cannot do effectively. That's it! I shall have an Irish Whisky tonight
Cheers Ole

[Donald]

I live in Australia and we have been to a few sheep dog trials. I have never seen a shepherd's crook nor have I seen such a bad drawing also I am to remove some halos from my previous photo which I cannot do effectively. That's it! I shall have an Irish Whisky tonight
Cheers Ole

Ole

The shepherd's crook is a prized asset. The shepherd will usually have one for working purposes and another one that's only taken out on special occasions, such as for a dog trial. The handle is made from sheep's horn. It is steamed in to shape and then carved. A good crook-maker is a skilled artisan.

The drawing - Yes, It's pretty bad.

Halos - Watch this movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUCq...ature=youtu.be

Irish Whisky - Oh dear. There's no accounting for taste!

[mugge]

Ole

The shepherd's crook is a prized asset. The shepherd will usually have one for working purposes and another one that's only taken out on special occasions, such as for a dog trial. The handle is made from sheep's horn. It is steamed in to shape and then carved. A good crook-maker is a skilled artisan.

The drawing - Yes, It's pretty bad.

Halos - Watch this movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUCq...ature=youtu.be

Irish Whisky - Oh dear. There's no accounting for taste!

Thank you Donald. I have been trying to isolate the sky by using the Quick Selection tool and go from there with a nice barrier but I am terrible with that tool. Will persevere using your method.

[george013]

Thank you Donald. I have been trying to isolate the sky by using the Quick Selection tool and go from there with a nice barrier but I am terrible with that tool. Will persevere using your method.

Try to avoid them.Then you don't have to correct it.

Donald,
I didn't want to make remarks about your drawing talent and your use of colors. But I finally understand now.
I still think you've some trouble with his stick.

George

[Manfred M]

Thank you Donald. I have been trying to isolate the sky by using the Quick Selection tool and go from there with a nice barrier but I am terrible with that tool. Will persevere using your method.

Of course, the preferred method is to be a bit less aggressive in the PP work and avoid the halos from becoming obvious in the first place.