Into the Light

[Christopher Miller]

Here's one of my "magical" woods images, that I created last year. I used my usual method of adding light rays and a vignette to give it the lighting effect. I also added an orton effect, one of my textures, and a slight blur overlay.

For more details on the techniques I used, check out the tutorial I did here: http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...d=1#post731289.

[John Storjohann]

Chris, there's a mystical quality to this image..a peaceful sense of hope, an soothing calm...how appropriate on Easter morning! The vignette around the corners and edges is very effective; I may have like to have seen just a LITTLE more sharpness in some areas, but that's a matter of personal taste. Well done!

[denise ippolito]

Christopher, I like this one even more than the last. The softness and the vignette add to the thoughtful composition. I am working on one that is similar for the theme. Hope I get to finish it in time :)

[Cheryl Slechta]

Christopher, this is one of my favorites! It has a very magical look and feel to me. Beautifully done

[Andrew McLachlan]

Hi Christopher, this is great...love the light coming down through the trees.

[Michael Zajac]

Soft and dreamy Christopher. Thank you for your tutorial.

[Paul Lagasi]

Christopher, it would be nice to have an action do this.....maybe an idea for those cold winter nights. Very lovely work, nice effects and composition

[Steve Adkins]

Wonderful vision and result, Christopher! Love the soft glow and rays.

[Dennis Bishop]

This is great. The rays and the vignette work together very well. The most incredible part to me, though, is how the branches, leaves, and tree shapes line up so well with the rays. You must've taken a great deal of care putting that together before you released the shutter. Wonderful.

[Christopher Miller]

Thanks, guys! I appreciate your kind words.

Paul, I might see about making an action to create this look. Thanks for the idea.

[Anita Bower]

Gorgeous! I want to try this technique if I can find an image of mine that can use it.

[Christopher Miller]

Thanks for commenting, Anita! Remember that this technique is not limited to woods images like the ones I do. You could use it on any image where you want light rays.

[Anita Bower]

Thanks for commenting, Anita! Remember that this technique is not limited to woods images like the ones I do. You could use it on any image where you want light rays.

I've tried it without success. If I have time to try again, I'll send you a message telling you where I fail.

[Christopher Miller]

I've tried it without success. If I have time to try again, I'll send you a message telling you where I fail.

Sure, I'll be glad to help you if I can.

[Hazel Grant]

Like Anita, I have an image somewhere that I can't seem to find. Hope I do in time to try this for the challenge....if not, I'll try it later. You have done a great job with this image and with the tutorial...very detailed, thanks.