Costas Hummingbird Portrait

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks;

A combination made using the background enhanced in free FotoSketcher from a partial moon captured months ago and a little Male Costas Hummingbird slightly cleaned up using CS5. A rundown of what I did. Sized the moon & humminbird separetly. Then I took the moon into Fotosketcher, used Oil Painting which I lightened from the default. Processed Hummingbird in CS5, saved & opened moon. With moon opened I moved the hummingbird and positioned over moon. I then opened eraser tool, about 1" wide & rough cut hummingbird backround, then finished fine trimming with backgound eraser tool at 35% tolerance. Frame was default applied by Fotosketcher

Comments welcome & appreciated.

Keep smiling

Gus

[Dennis Bishop]

Very nice composite, Gus. The composition, colors, and background are all great. I have no idea what inspired you to include the moon, but it works just perfectly. I really like this.

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Dennis;

Thank you for your kind comments, also for calling it a "Composition". At 87 my memory kicks out at times, and I knew "Combination" was not the word to use, but couldn't get my tongue around the correct description.

Old age ain't for sissies!

At 3000' and clear blue skies I quite often take pictures of the moon in the daylight hours, and save it for the right moment when I have a nice flight capture. Thought I would give this little Costa a shot!

Take care

Gus

[Steve Adkins]

Wonderful images and combination, Gus! I like how the branch enters the frame and the Fotosketcher BG. The highlight in the Costa's eye and feather/beak detail contrast well with the BG. Nicely done.

[denise ippolito]

Gus, This is one of my favorites of yours. I like the way you combined these! Sweet pose and textured background.

[Julie Kenward]

Gus, I was just thinking about you this morning! Was wondering how you've been doing lately...

Hey, this is really great! The relational size between the moon and the bird are perfect IMO. Love the painted texture as well...really a lovely showcase for this beautiful bird!

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Julie;

Thanks for the kind words. We were on the same wave length. I was looking at your address only this morning. E-mail me if you can use some more of the same

Big hugs

Gus

[Mitch Carucci]

Beautiful little hummer, and I really like the moon also.

[Mark Fuge]

Very nice image and application, Gus.

Like everything on this one. Nicely composed and textured.

Don't worry about the memory and old age. Having memories is one of the joys of age and the only reason we sometimes forget is that we have so many words in our head to sort through! The young'uns don't have that problem ...

[Cheryl Slechta]

Beautiful composite, Gus. I love the moon and the Costas hummer and especially love them together.

[Judy Howle]

This is an outstanding composite Gus!! Definitely one of my favorites of your paintings. Well done!