Hi All
I captured this backlit image a couple of days ago. Overall I am quite happy with the composition, except for the lower left hand corner. I'd like to lighten and blend the edge of the purplish blob. I would be happy if the hint of its former self remains but it ceases to be a distraction. Can I get some specific suggestions about how to do this either in LR2 or in CS3 or CS4 PS.
Thanks ever so much. C & C also much appreciated.
Cheers
Gail
Canon 50D with 500mm lens at f/4.0, 1/1600 sec, ISO 800
I would suggest the best course would be to remove the "blob" from the canvas, by cropping out that area. I would crop about 2/3rds of the open area from the top of the frame and remove the "blob" area totally, I think this would greatly increase the composition and frame the subject. While it is good to have an larger open area in the direction the subject is looking, I try to limit that to about 2x the open area behind the subject, unless it really adds to the intent of the composition. Sometimes rules can be broken. However, I do not think that this image justifies the added space as there is no interest there ... Only the "blob".
I would tone down the bright spot, that would be in the cropped lower left area, by cloning some of the colored area to the right there. I find that picking an area above the area to add the cloning to and clone straight across at that level while moving down into the area (to be cloned) helps to maintain the same level of lighting and the color. It takes a little practice, but isn't too hard and gives reasonable results, sometime even great.
The image could also be sharper and the eye could have a catch light, which requires the eye to reflect a small spot of light.
I like the general pose and subject. See if the above works better for you.
Let me know if this one suits your taste.
I tried a bit of sponge and dodging on the background, Enhanced the subject color a bit, worked a bit on the eye of the subject.
I am sure, working on the raw version will be much more productive.
Hi Gail It is possible to do away with the dark area Your best bet is quick mask .. you take a large area and move it into the dark mass then smooth out the edges. This one presents more of a challenge with the tonal changes !!!
Cropping is not a bad solution at all and looks good !!! ... I do like the composition very much and only which the eye was sharper. With that type light a fill flash would sure help out in that category plus will create a catch light !!!
Hi Gail,
I like the capture...agree on all of the good advise given...I took the liberty in modifying your base composition by cropping on all four side to make your bird bigger in frame. I adjusted your mid-tones and opened up the area around the eye, and selective sharpened. I also gave you a round of noise reduction in the background...see if this presents best to you...:cool:
Gus - thanks very much for the suggestions and the re-post. You continue to be a wonderful resource for learning PS techniques. I appreciated the reminder about NR; the 50D images almost always seem to need a good dose of that.
Cheers Gail
Mountain Bluebird - need help
