This image was taken this morning at the local Botanical Gardens. The light was direct sunlight. I wanted to portray the image I saw in the bright light in a way that my camera couldn't. I exposed at minus 1.3 stops to capture the bright areas. I started with a base image using Simplify. I used both CS5 and Nikon NX2 for shadow work using about every tool available. I then grunged it up a bit and added a brush stroke layer. The reflection was hand done. The background was lightened to dark charcoal with NIK's Fog and a texture layer added. ...with all that...........what do you think? Also, I'm working on a different display that has not been calibrated.......so I'm hoping the colors turn out ok
Last edited by Jay Sheinfield; 08-13-2011 at 04:38 PM.
You're killing me, Jay......I've shot the blooms from that lily plant for three weeks and still don't have an image I like! The curl of the pad up against the bloom adds so much to this composition...great job with the exposure, and effective use of your DOF...the colors look pretty spot on. It'd be interesting to compare "pre-grunge" and "post grunge" work, with just Simplify applied...you've got such a strong base image. I find myself wanting just a little bit more on the LHS...that's really my only criticism. You did a fabulous job with your shooting angle on this...you got lower than I did, and a bit closer...it made all the difference in the world!
Hi Jay, I like how the comp is handled along with the softness of the filter application in the OP. The repost while having richer color the flower has become somewhat muddier. I like how you toned down(made darker) the grey areas in the water in the repost as opposed to it's dominance in the OP.
Dave, thanks.............I developed this on a laptop, and am still having trouble with colors and tones the way I want. I'll try another RP, re your suggestions.
Jay, I like the original post best. Maybe just a sliver more on the left if you have it. The filter work is terrific. I like how you are adding so much interest to your images with the processing.
Jay, I like The placement of the WL in the frame and the pads framing it on each side. I also like the treatment in your pp. For me your last repost is looking better. Nice work!
Thanks everyone. Great feedback. I'm floating between the posts, I'll land on one of them. John and Denise, good heads up on adding some left canvass.
Dave, yes, the second post was too muddy! :)