Chiaroscuro preening cormorant

[Cheryl Slechta]

This has been challenging. I tried several different techniques (couldn't get it done with Denise's instructions but I have Elements not PS so maybe that didn't help). I first tried Topaz Adjust - Night but the whole image was too dark so I lightened the whole image, then used Night and masked back in the cormorant. I adjusted Brightness and
Contrast several times on layers and finally added a slight amount of texture.

Thanks for looking. Suggestions greatly appreciated:)

[denise ippolito]

Cheryl, I had a lot of trouble replicating the look using my initial technique on a different image. I had to use the lighting effects in photoshop for my second attempt at this look. I think your tweaks worked out well. I like how you emphasized the head but left the neck fall away to the BG. I might evict the one twig that is vertical and smooth and darken that area just a bit. The image has taken on a painterly look. Nicely done.:)

[Kerry Perkins]

Very nice Cheryl! I like this look a lot. You did an excellent job of accenting the light where it needs to be. Has a nice illustration feel. I agree that the branch on the left could probably be evicted.

[Steve Adkins]

Cheryl-Beautiful! I like the old world look of the singular soft light. Great emphasis on the head and the feather detail is engaging.

[Mark Fuge]

Nice image and application, Cheryl.

As we are all finding out, this is not the easiest week theme, :eek: but fun when it works. :cool: ;)

[Nicki Gwynn Jones]

Cheryl, I love the feather detail and the painterly look. Agree about branch eviction :)
Best,
Nicki

[Patti Edens]

Cheryl, I think this one came out really nice. I love the composition and pose of the bird.I also like the soft painterly look. Compositionally, I like that twig on left and wonder what will happen to the balance if it gets evicted.

[Morkel Erasmus]

this is very nicely done!!

[Cheryl Slechta]

Thanks everyone:) Patti, I'm in the "I like the twig on the left" camp with you.:o