Giraffe collage

[Hilary Hann]

I've just started playing around with collages and this one is a blend of 3 layers. The giraffe is from a trip to the Laikipia, Kenya; the sky is from the Masai Mara and the 3rd layer which is blended over the top is an old concrete wall from a disused mine found locally. I wasn't sure where I was going with this, but I've ended up with an antique feel to the photo which I quite like. Any comments cheerfully accepted.

[Mark Fuge]

Nice image and application, Hillary.

The one thing that sticks out is the hallo around the giraffe. Did you remove the BG on that original image? If you did, you might want to clean up the edge by enlarging the image as much as possible and erase the hallo effect. I find it easiest to do that way as you can use a fine eraser to get into areas that you might otherwise shy away from. The hard part is around the hair, where you might still not get as close as you like. If the hallo is the same color, without artifacts, the majic eraser works well, but you have to be careful when the subject area is also that color as it will erase into the subject.

You might want to tone down the vertical lines slightly, as the antique photo would not be as consistent through the image. Maybe adjusting that layers density a little will make it more realistic.

Otherwise I like it.

[Indranil Sircar]

Nice composition, Hilary. I like the antique feeling. Good suggestions from Mark. TFS.

[Christopher Miller]

Very nice, Hilary, and fits the current theme as well. Love the antique colors and texture, and great pose. Ditto Mark's suggestions.

[denise ippolito]

Hilary, The halo is a little noticeable but this will be an easy fix w/ your PS skills. I really like where you are going with this look. The distressed BG is interesting.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks for the comments, appreciate it. I actually left the halo intentionally so will have to revisit that decision.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hilary, I like this one a lot. You have a very nice illustration style going on, like a big travel poster for a safari! I think it would be even nicer with the adjustments mentioned above, especially the large halo. I think the image will be stronger without it. Nice work!

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Kerry, here is a repost. I've had to start from scratch and so some elements have lined up slightly differently. Does it still work?

[Hilary Hann]

I needed to fix up the border so have another reincarnation. :o
I forgot all about putting the weekly theme in the title! :confused:

[denise ippolito]

Hilary, I think this one works out to be the best. I like the softened vertical crease lines and the removal of the halo. Was worth the effort! I added theme to your post for you:)

[Christopher Miller]

Nice work on the repost, Hilary. Compared to the original though, it looks like the giraffe is leaning a bit to the right? Other than that, it looks great.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Denise.
You may be right Christoper … I'll have a look to see how easily I can fix it. The thought of starting from scratch again is a little daunting, just when you thought you'd checked and double checked everything. Shame to be caught by something as silly as a rotation issue. :confused:

[Christopher Miller]

That's okay. I've had that happen to me too sometimes. :o

[Judy Howle]

I love this one! Sweet!

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Judy. :)

Christopher, I straightened the giraffe ... looks good now. Thanks.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hillary, I like the last post the best because the concrete lines are toned down a bit and the giraffe seems to be the star. I also like the bush on the right. (Have I mentioned that I really love your quote:)?)

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Cheryl. Glad you like my quote. :)