As I walked through this area along Shark River Inlet (Belmar, NJ), I saw these pine cones and were really taken by their beauty and by the light at that particular time of day. I ended up doing a digital sandwich (Orton Effect) with the image. Then I processed the sandwiched image using Nik Dfine for noise reduction; Nik Viveza 2 for color and brightness control; and Nik Color Efex Pro where I used the Darken/Lighten Center filter to brighten the center even more while darkening the surrounding areas and finished by adding a black Vignette which further served to draw the eye to the cone’s center. The effect, I believe, is to create the appearance of a spotlight shining on the single cone.
Canon 30D; 70-200 2.8L IS w/ 500D close-up lens
1/320 @ f/8.0; ISO 200; 0 EV
01-11-2010, 08:00 AM
Julie Kenward
Very nice use of both the Orton Effect and the center light, Ed. Beautiful, deep, rich colors...like velvet!
01-11-2010, 10:02 AM
Barbara Kile
Yes, the lighting is exquisite! I love the PP; you created some warmth here which I like.
01-11-2010, 11:05 AM
denise ippolito
Ed, Nice spotlight effect. I like the soft yet detailed look to this. Nice color tones also.
01-11-2010, 02:03 PM
Cindy Mead
love the colors and the soft effect that the orton lends to the image Ed.. I like th play of light/shadows, nice work!
01-12-2010, 07:37 AM
Indranil Sircar
Very nice details on the cone. Great light and colors. I also the effect you have achieved here.
