Gator w/ Chiaroscuro Effect

[denise ippolito]

I took this image at Gatorland. I was fascinated by the way water drops seemed to dance on top of the Gators back as he did his display. I added some dark lighting effect and tried to replicate the Chiaroscuro look for the theme.
I added a new layer to my image and filled it w/ 80% black. It is important to choose the image carefully, some will not lend themselves nicely to this look. Then I added a layer mask and at a low opacity started brushing on the light where I wanted it. I fine tuned it w/ a non-destructive dodge and burn. I think I learned a lot about this effect and would do it a bit differently. This can help you get started. :)

[Cindy Cone]

Great image for this effect, Denise. I love the water droplets and the pose of the gator and the light on its head. Thanks for the explanation of how you created it; it will be a huge help as I think about how to try this week's theme.

[denise ippolito]

Thanks Cindy, I also did this version which after looking at it for a while I think I like it better.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Think I like the orig D. I just would have made the water all black on top of the gator. Good d and b work:)

[Arthur Morris]

I like them both. I do not understand how you did it :) The lighting is way cool and yes, it works great with this subject. I would like to see a bit of light water above the eye as the eye seems a teench lost as is.

[Kerry Perkins]

Nice Denise! I think I like the second one better... Looks like a tad more saturation and less light in the water on the right, which brings more focus to the subject. Cool!

[denise ippolito]

Thank you all for the feedback. It was fun to try out the look.:)

[Anita Bower]

I can't say I can get excited about an alligator, even when beautifully presented. Like the water droplets and the overall effect.

[Nick Palmieri]

TFS Denise, I also wish i could see just a little more of the eye but I like both as presented.

[Patti Edens]

Denise, I love the image to start with. I have tried to capture the shimmering water droplets that the gators create when they bellow, but haven't had much success since it happens around here so infrequently.

Thanks for the info on how you created the effect. I will keep trying.

Patti

[denise ippolito]

Thanks guys. This was my first attempt. Hopefully by the end of the week we will all know a little more on how to re-create the look. Thanks.
Patti, It was fascinating to watch them. At Gatorland there were so many of them doing this-but this one was the largest!!:)