Skimmer Chaos

I just wanted to let everyone know that I took a short break from BPN but I am back and I have looked at everyone's images and you guys are really, really good! I'm glad to be back.:S3:
Every now and then I get inspired to create a look that has caught my eye. I really liked Arthur Morris’ recently posted blog image that he named “Salt and Pepper Snow Storm.” The title really fit perfectly with the image and it made me take a closer look. I liked the sketchy look to his in-camera capture. I never look to copy an image but I like to take inspiration from them instead. I study the image and decide what it is about the image that appeals to me and then I create my own version that concentrates on the “feel” of the image more than the exact recreation. To begin with I duplicated my original image several times so that I could layer them on top of each other to fill the frame with birds to create the chaotic look that I wanted for my final version. Make sure you reduce the opacity for each layer.
To make this look completely my own I have taken it a little further with my processing. I added several rounds of Topaz Simplify BuzSim, adjusting the opacity of the layers. Then to add some much needed texture and some dimension to the image I used the Lighting Effects filter in Photoshop, for those of you that have purchased my “Guide to Creative Filters and Effects” this technique is covered in depth there. I find it to be a useful tool in Photoshop that many do not use. You will need to change your bit mode to 8 bit then duplicate the image and go to Filter> Render> Lighting Effects. Adjust the opacity of the layer as needed.
I hope you like it. To see the original capture, which is pretty bad - you can visit my blog post titled "Inspired"

Denise, this is gorgeous. I get the feel of a "storm" of birds. The black, bronze and white interpretation is perfect. I love the subtle clean white layer that just set the whole thing up! The layers show such a depth and texture to the composition! I have to learn this technique..:S3: Amazing.......Glad to have you back.

Denise, that's beautiful! I love the depth and the amount of energy this piece has.

Beautiful and unique, denise! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and process. The organized chaos makes for a powerful effect. :S3:

Love it Denise! I really like the way there are fully recognizable birds as well as "bird fragments", if you'll forgive the term. Definitely a unique and appealing style. Very nicely done.

Nice work, Denise! I love the depth and random pattern in the storm of birds. You have to look real close to see that you duplicated the original. to create it. Well done!

Denise, I love this one. I like how the blacks of the wings seems to be spread out evenly throughout the comp. Very Nice! :S3:

Love this abstract design and the patterns you created here, Denise. It does seem to have chaotic but natural flow & energy to it. Way to work and craft the image into your own vision! Hope you had a refreshing break! :S3:

Thank you all for the kind comments.:S3:

Denise, I'm glad you're back - I missed you! I love this - the abstract aspect, the amazing things to look at and digest. I almost looks like camouflage.

Thanks Chery, Sometimes a break is just what is needed:S3:. I appreciate the kind words and this would make a great camo print. I might send it over to Scott Elowitz from Lens Coat ans see if he would like to use it for his LensCoat covers!!:S3: