Before and After Barred Owl

[Cheryl Slechta]

This is a great Theme and I've enjoyed looking at everyone's transformations. Hillary's post made me remember a similiar image of mine that I posted last year (although my "after" version isn't as nice as Hillary's). This was a barred owl in my back yard that I took at dusk - grabbed my camera with the lens I had been using (would have liked a longer lens but didn't have time). Anyway, I painted out the background, began with Nik Silver Efex and then 2 textures applied with different blending modes, then Nik Low Key. Before I had any Photoshop skills this one would definitely have been in the trash bin.
Thanks for looking.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Here is the "before" image.

[Dennis Bishop]

This is a remarkable transformation. I'd have cropped a bit from the right, but I think you added a great background and used colors that work very well. I also like how you arched the branches of the tree on the left over the owl. Nicely done.

[Janet Heintz]

Cheryl, this is so cool, I can't believe it came from the before image, very nice . The eyes are great!
Janet

[Andrew McLachlan]

Hi Cheryl, wonderful processing for this owl...I love the end result!

[Maureen Allen]

That's a rather incredible transformation, Cheryl Love the background you chose.

[Hilary Hann]

Amazing work. I like the shadowy trees in the background as it really adds to the atmosphere.

[Nancy Bell]

Outstanding transformation! The "after" has a wonderful moody feel that is perfect for the owl. You have really inspired me to check out some of my own "before" images.

[Indranil Sircar]

This is indeed a remarkable transformation! I like the mood in this image and the muted bg is really special.

[Mark Fuge]

Nice image and application, Cheryl.

Good work on the BG and restoration of the owl.