Black and white, and, oops, RED!

This did start out as a black and white but no inspiration hit me and then I used Photo Looks and came up with something in the middle stage with the red, and I added 2 textures, one was an old red book cover. I also used Silver Efex first and then Topaz Clean at a minimal setting to smooth out the stripes before I added the textures.

Sorry I've been AWOL, still playing with the iPhone, I'm hooked! I'll try to get in at least one b & w this week. I did get out twice with the SLR in the past week and you will probably see more coots as I got some pretty good ones.

Love the dark mood and wonderful glowing reds to this, Judy. Like how that red eye stands out. Really has a strong impact. Wish for a bit of detail in the feathers.

Thanks Brendan!

Hi Judy, you are such a rebel! :c3: I love the bill and eye and how they contrast with the background. I would suggest lightening the blacks on the coot just a bit to bring out some lost detail. Love the colors!

Hi Judy. Sounds like you are having a blast with the iPhone! Dynamic image and colors. Agree the red eye and bill are such strong elements. Also would like to see a version with some texture or details in the body.

Very strong colors. Nice pose and the eye is awesome Judy. I agree some detail in the body would be nice.

Nice image and application, Judy.

Interesting colors, but nice.

Thanks to everyone for the nice comments! I tried to restore some feather detail but it just went gray with the blend mode I was using. I didn't try just pairing the finished layer with the original bkg layer though. I may try that if I have time.

Beautiful image, Judy! I love the texture and that red color is so eye-catching! Well done.

Thanks Christopher!

It is fun experimenting, never know what you'll get and this is a fun, bright result. Agree with other comments regarding feather detail.

Very nice work Judy, good advice given above, especiall about lightening the coot just a bit...well done