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I'm not a frequent visitor to this forum, but I'm guessing this post is pretty bland compared to many here. I photographed these three Hooded Mergansers on a pond near the Jersey Shore last Friday, and I liked the comp and setting. (This is essentially full width after slight rotation, cropped to pano.) I thought it might look good as an oil painting. I've used the PS5 Palette Knife artistic filter. As a novice in this area, I'd appreciate any advice.
The images posted here range quite a bit in terms of departure from photojournalism. In my opinion, this fits nicely within that distribution. Filters can be overdone to the point that it's the effect of the filter rather than the appeal of the image as a whole that's noticed. Although a heavier application would likely have worked, too, I applaud your restraint.
The mergansers stand out nicely from the background, and I agree with you about the composition and setting. You did a good job in both capture and processing. I hope to see more of your images here.
Well done Bill. Very nice composition and processing.
Welcome! I especially like the position of the ducks, in a line, with the male framed by the two females, and the wings up on the females and down on the male. Good job. They stand out beautifully from the bg, giving it a three dimensional look. I might crop a little off the top. Nicely done.
Wonderful initial capture and well-processed to suit the subject! I love it!
I wonder how it would compare with the highlights on the near water taken down quite a bit. They pull me eye away from the gorgeous ducks and BG.
Thanks everyone. Your comments are appreciated. Good suggestion, Diane. It's worth a try.
One quick additional comment, add back a tiny black dot in the eye of the male. The eye appears vacant as just yellow. Very nice capture with the two females in wings up position and the center male wings down! Looking forward to more images!
Thanks Nancy. I had meant to do that, but somehow I posted it without the dot. In this version I've added the dot, reduced the impact of the highlights in the water per Diane's suggestion, and slightly increased the strength of the Palette Knife filter.
Look for an unadulterated version of this in Avian in the next day or two.
Great base photo, and really like what you did with it!
