DawnDucks

remask, adjust, starEffects and simplify.

Very creative and interesting composition, Mitch. Like the two different duck poses and the starEffects for the sun turned out great. If it were mine I would add a little bit of canvas above, and I might try desaturating the duck's feet and experiment with different hues on the bottom edge. Maybe purple instead of green? Just thinking out loud, and all personal taste.

Mitch, fun, surreal look to this. I agree w/ Brendan regarding some room on top. I haven't quite settled in on the StarEffects plug-in yet. I used the beta and felt it needed some improvements. Are you using the updated version? If so would you care to share your thoughts on their improvements. I haven't had time to take a look at it.

Very nice, Mitch. All your bg are stunning... and this one no exception. Good suggestions from Brendan. Beautiful work!

Denise,

I upgraded to version 1.1. I am still playing with StarEffects, and like it. I have problems, however. The preview image exaggerates the effect significantly on my system. When you finally export the image back to the photo editing software, the effect is much weaker, so you have to judge how much extra "effect" to apply in order to get what you want. I have mentioned this over at the Topaz forum, and it seems others have this problem. Also, it is VERY slow on my system. Much slower than any other Topaz plugin that I use.(I know, I should upgrade one of these days...). Additionally, I don't understand why sometimes it just "paints" part of an image with its effect and leaves bands untouched.
That being said, StarEffects does do things that I can't do otherwise, and Topaz is pretty good at improving their products over time. It is useable (if sometimes frustrating) as is, and I hope that it will improve. Another user suggested a "Star field" brush. I don't know how difficult that would be to implement, but that would be a great addition.

Mitch

Thanks Indranil,

We have great sunrises during the Winter months. By Spring, the sun has moved too far to the east, and is blocked by trees for the rest of the year. It can be cold, but it is worth it to get out and see the Sunrise.

Mitch

Brendan,

Yes, I have to tone down the duck on the right particularly. I got carried away. :w3

M

Mitch, interesting composition as always, the background rocks, I would have done the duck placement and size, a bit different, but your image...well done