The Dune Lady

[Callie de Wet]

Leopard, Panthera pardus, Kingdom: Animalia (Animals), Phylum: Chordata (Vertebrates), Class: Mammalia (Mammals), Carnivora: (Carnivores) ,Felidae: (Cats), Luiperd
his is a mug shot of the TR leopard
D300; 200-400 F4; ISO 800; F7.1; 1/500; AP; Matrix; -1.3EV, 18h43PM; Handheld, Cropped top, right and bottom

[David Thomasson]

I like the pose and eye contact ... and that lick is a plus! Nice job.

How did you process this image? I see what appear to be masking halos around the subject. Can you post the unedited version for comparison?

[Callie de Wet]

Actually, that "halo" is there as shot. She is lying in a small depression on the dune, and her body slopes down, hence the rim on her body. The photo posted herewith is as shot, cropped and reduced to 800 high, no other work. The main photograph has exposure, levels and sharpen edges, and filter stylize done. Yours truly cannot mask, but would love to learn how to.

[David Fletcher]

I see what David is on about Callie. Like a shadow/ghosting. Worth thinking of blending that with a clone tool at reduced opacity. Love the shot though and see the above as no biggie. WD!

[David Thomasson]

Sorry, I wasn't clear as to what I mean by "halos." Let me show you. I'm seeing some clear, hard edges that look like they must
have been added (inadvertently, no doubt) during editing. I can't see any sign of them in the original.





Beautiful details in this cat that can show to better advantage with some curves adjustments. This is the from your original ...

[Callie de Wet]

Thanks David. PP is not my strongest point, that's why am here, hoping to learn. Will have another go.

[Fabs Forns]

Beautiful capture, I see David's point he's very good at editing.
You will be soon also :)

[Harshad Barve]

Beautiful pose , tounge out makes this for me ,
TFS & David TFS excellent repost

[Morkel Erasmus]

this is a splendid shot Callie. wish it was mine.

David has a point and the curves adjusment has done wonders.
I would stay away from "sharpen edges" as that is precisely what creates these hard edges and sharpening halos. The technique I showed you of selecting the subject with the lasso and/or magic wand, contracting and then sharpening within the outlines of the leopard will sort this out, and also make her stand out more from the BG.

[James Yule]

What a beauty, most are gonna think i'm crazy but i'd crop it tighter :)

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Callie, well done with your pp work to create what you have, from the original. Just love the pose, and of course, the protruding tongue puts it over the top.

[Marc Mol]

Lovely portrait of this fine Leopard, with that pink tongue really enhancing.
Good luck in your future PS editing skills, lots to absorb here Callie.
TFS

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Callie Sweet image and great re post !!!! Excellent David !!!

Do check the histogram and try to nail the exposure, a little under as presented. Remember under will give more noise and make it harder to process !! Make sure you have data on the last box to the right in histogram !!!