old milkweed pod
I know it seems like forever since I posted, but I've been trying. Just having trouble getting any that I could post. Would love to hear how to improve this one. I tried several filters and adjustments trying for a soft silky look, but not losing details. But I think it may look a bit over adjusted now, especially the seed heads. what do you think?
Well Ms Flory it was worth the wait! Beautiful filtering and I like the diagonal composition. Complimentary BG. I might tone down the one brighter spot if it were mine. I love it!
Nice presentation, Cheryl! I agree with Denise, toning down the bright area would help this. In my repost, I did tone down the whitest area and then added an "Orton effect" layer to add softness. This created an amber cast that I don't know if you would like but is seems pleasing to me.
I like your idea, a lot. Thanks for demonstrating it.
Now, if I can remember how to try that Orton effect again..... I had trouble with it before, and haven't tried it since. will have to see if I can find my notes.
Thanks.
Cheryl, for my orton, I created a background copy layer. Then click on "image" (upper tool bar) > "apply image" > change blending mode to "screen". Then click on "filter" > "blur" > "gaussian blur" set to roughly 45. Finally, change the blending mode on this bg layer to "multiply", then you can play with the opacity if you like. This isn't the traditional method but it works!
This is beautiful, Cheryl. Nice filter effect and I like the color here. Agree with toning down the white as in Dan's repost
Thank Indranil and Dan. I appreciate your Orton Effect method, Dan. I like the center toned down a bit, but don't want to lose any more detail there.
Lovely composition! I like the angle of the stem and placement of the pod filling most of the frame. The smooth bg is luscious, as are the brown tones. I like the effects you got--bringing out details. They look especially good in these brown tones. Whether or not it is overadjusted is a matter of taste. I like it. I also like how the lower curly strands stand out.
As to the lost detail in the very white areas--if your original image is a RAW file, you can do two RAW conversions--the basic one you already did, and another one to preserve or recover detail in the whites. Then, superimpose the original converted image on top of the other, create a layer mask, and brush away in the white areas. I don't know if this makes any sense to you. If not, you can email me or just ignore it.
Good point/method, Anita. Thanks.
Do you see any/enough detail in the center?
I don't see detail in the brightest areas of the center. This actually doesn't bother me as I think the image works just fine as is, maybe with the center toned down just a bit. I like that silky feel to the center and it contrasts nicely with the details in the other areas.Originally Posted by Cheryl Flory
I was making my suggestion only because of your comment about loss of detail. Unfortunately, you would have to go back to the beginning and start over to use the method I described.
Cheryl,
I like the original image as posted as the brightness doesn't bother me. Beautiful effects and composition.
Richard
This image fascinates me, Cheryl! I like the OP.
I also like the OP. It's a great image with enough detail. Beautiful composition, Cheryl
Beautiful work Cheryl, Well worth the wait!
Thank you, Richard, Steve, Maureen, and Andrew!
The help, information, and encouragement of this list is amazing!
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