|
Post by philmco on Nov 5, 2005 16:48:15 GMT -5
Some times I find it hard to know when to stop playing with an image. This picture was taken with a Hasselblad. I used extension rings with the 80mm lens. I would appreciate hearing comments on the two images of the same negative. and
|
|
|
Post by ellacoya1 on Nov 5, 2005 17:19:06 GMT -5
The first picture is interesting, but I find the colors a little to vivid. Prefer the softer colors of the second one, petals look more like velvet and the image looks a little sharper. Sherri
|
|
|
Post by philmco on Nov 5, 2005 17:25:33 GMT -5
Sherri Thanks, that is what I was looking for. I just kept playing and playing and I think the original is better than what I ended up with. Less is sometimes better. Phil
|
|
PeterW
Lifetime Member
Member has Passed
Posts: 3,804
|
Post by PeterW on Nov 5, 2005 19:24:52 GMT -5
Hi Phil,
To my mind the second image is better. The slightly subdued colours make it look just that little more laid back and suit the subject better. I don't know what image editor you use, but I'd guess Photoshop or Paintshop pro. I can possibly imagine the stages you took with a slight drop in colour saturation and maybe just a touch towards the magenta side and maybe a slight slide away from yellow. I imagine you may have finished with unsharp mask, or something similar.
I may of course be completely wrong, but never mind the mechanics of it, they're not important. However you achieved it, it is to my mind an improvement, and the end result of a good picture is what it's all about, not how it was achieved. When the great artist Turner was asked by some art dabbling society lady 'With what do you mix your colours Mr Turner?' He answered 'With brains, madam!'.
Peter
|
|
|
Post by philmco on Nov 5, 2005 20:39:52 GMT -5
Peter Unfortunately the first image is the over maniulated one (cropped, soft focus edges, color shift) that I couldn't leave alone. The second image is essentially the way it came back fromthe printer. I think the consensus is that I over worked the one image. Phil
|
|
|
Post by John Parry on Nov 6, 2005 3:13:56 GMT -5
Hi Phil
I can see what you were trying to do - make the picture about the stamens and stuff in the heart of the flower. But the flower itself forms too powerful a backdrop for the central detail.
I suspect that perhaps you got in too closely with the extension rings - I would have preferred to have seen all the petals of the flower. And maybe got someone to hold the adjacent blooms out of the way.... And maybe put an insect in the flower.... And....
Nice picture!
|
|
|
Post by kamera on Nov 6, 2005 6:54:15 GMT -5
Phil,
Sometimes one can 'play' with manipulation too much, and that is the reason I avoid doing so in the editing programs. I always end up going back to my first choice.
I prefer to do as much as I can in-camera, and leave editing to minor adjustments such as cropping.
The brighter pic reminds me too much of the high saturation film available today which I steer clear of. I really prefer the 'normal' color of things as they exist. The mood is much more calming and pretty to me.
In fact, the only filter other than a UV I use is a polarizer.
On the other hand, playing around in editing, you can come up with some amazing images...and perhaps learn a bit more of what the editing program is capable of.
Ron Head Kalamazoo, MI
|
|
|
Post by philmco on Nov 6, 2005 9:19:00 GMT -5
Thanks to all who commented. I think I have learned something worthwhile from this exercise. And I think you were all being restrained so as to not hurt felings so thank you for that as well. In hind sight I think I went way over the top in the manipulated image. I will submit more as it comes along. Phil
|
|
PeterW
Lifetime Member
Member has Passed
Posts: 3,804
|
Post by PeterW on Nov 6, 2005 12:10:07 GMT -5
My mistake, Phil . In that case I agree with you. To be blunt, mate, you b......d it up. Never mind, though, it was worth a try. If we never try these things we never learn. The person who never made a mistake never made anything . Thanks for sharing them with us. Keep trying and nil desparandum, per ardua ad aspidestra, and all that . Peter
|
|
|
Post by kamera on Nov 7, 2005 16:34:03 GMT -5
Phil,
I do not think our members will go soft on a critique or patronize you. From all I have seen since the board opened is honest, straightforward pro or neg criticism.
Which is what we really want when we ask for a critique. Otherwise, the effort is worthless as a learning tool.
Ron Head Kalamazoo, MI
|
|
|
Post by philmco on Nov 7, 2005 17:16:59 GMT -5
Thanks Ron No, it wasn't really that I felt I was being humoured but I could have been more clear initially on which image I had manipulated. That may have led to some confusion on the part of people looking at the pictures. If I didn't want an opinion, I wouldn't have posted it or looked for feedback. It was truly appreciated and confirmed my own thoughts after I did it that I had gone over the top. One of the problems for me at least, is that when I get into image manipulation, I don't know when to stop playing. In this case , the original image was OK and I didn't add to it at all and would be better to leave it alone. The manipulated one existed only as bytes in the computer while I have a nice print of the original.I do appreciate all the feedback and I will do it again until I get it straight ;D Phil
|
|