How can I make the colors look better in this picture?

[jbrowning]

This is my edited version.


This is the unedited version.


Thanks
Jim

[graphicgr8s]

You're starting out with a pretty flat shot. If you have PS create an adjustment layer (hue/saturation) and get the part of the picture you want to pop looking good. Then paint on the mas with white or black or gray to hide the areas you don't want to be enhanced.

Also change the crop to bring up an actual focal point.,

[code4code5]

I would start with a curves adjustment to make the exposure brighter. Try moving the histogram more to the right without blowing out the detail in the feathers. Once the exposure is changed, play with Saturation and Lightness controls to try and boost the color a little.

Another technique you might try is to fix the curve, then create a duplicate layer of the original. Run through the different layer styles and see what it does to the image.

[graphicgr8s]

Originally Posted by code4code5

I would start with a curves adjustment to make the exposure brighter. Try moving the histogram more to the right without blowing out the detail in the feathers. Once the exposure is changed, play with Saturation and Lightness controls to try and boost the color a little.

Another technique you might try is to fix the curve, then create a duplicate layer of the original. Run through the different layer styles and see what it does to the image.

All well and good but you want to do it with adjustment layers. It's a non destructive way to work on photos. It is always reversible and adjustable

[Clicker]

Google "Orton Effect" but leave out the blurred layer.

[FA5]

Here is my edited version. I only spent about 2 minutes on it, but it should give you an idea of what can be achieved even with a flat image:



All I did was:

- Curves adjustment
- Followed by a shadow and highlights adjustment
- Vibrance adjustment
- Color correction
- Brightness and contrast adjustment
- Sharpening

Done.

I found your corrected image was far too dark.

[jbrowning]

Just a quick reply while I can. I'm sorry I use Photoshop Elements 6.0 and Photoshop 7.0.

Thanks
Jim

[graphicgr8s]

It's been awhile since I've used 7. thing is whenever you do adjustments you really want them on an adjustment layer. If you decide tomorrow, next week, whenever, that it just doesn't look right you can always go back and modify it. Also with an adjustment layer you can use the mask to hide the effects where you don't want them to show. Doing it onto the actual image applies it to the whole image. It's like this shot a customer brings in yesterday. too much red on the pool deck area. Did an adjustment layer and "painted" the areas where I didn't want the desaturation to appear.

Whenever you work on files you want to be as indestructive as possible and layers are the way to do it.

[mithrandir]

Here is a copy of your picture run through the K10D-K20D CS-CE preset available on the PFs:

[graphicgr8s]

Don't know about you folks but all of these versions, because of the background hurts my eyes.

[mithrandir]

Bokeh isn't always the next best thing.

[MrEspie]

In about two minutes:
-duplicate
-high pass, blend as hard light, 58% opacity
-merge
-vibrance +50 (unfortunately this feature isn't in PS 7, it's basically a non-linear saturation adjustment)
-contrast (I forget how much though )
-curves
--I added a point at 50% on the red channel and brought it closer to 55%
--made a slight S in the RGB channel to boost contrast some more
-duplicate
-gaussian blur at about 2px radius
-nerf brightness/contrast
-mask with a large brush at 0% hardness to expose the foreground and subject

What this accomplishes is a boost to sharpness, better saturation (especially to that nice red plumage), less distracting background bokeh.

[code4code5]

Originally Posted by graphicgr8s

All well and good but you want to do it with adjustment layers. It's a non destructive way to work on photos. It is always reversible and adjustable

Just in case the OP was using the PPG software, I wanted to give him an idea of what to work with in a simpler sense without layers. All of these are good suggestions.

[graphicgr8s]

Originally Posted by code4code5

Just in case the OP was using the PPG software, I wanted to give him an idea of what to work with in a simpler sense without layers. All of these are good suggestions.

Roger that Houston. There's always more than 1 way to skin a cat (why would anyone want to skin a cat? Prefer squirrel myself Just call me Jed Clampett)

When Photoshop is being used I prefer to do it in the least damaging way possible. Plus with adjustment layers you can go bac an tweak it. In my line of work the only program I use for photos is PS so I really don't know the others and leave that to other peoples expertise.

[Eaglerapids]

What isn't helping is the same problem we have here in Idaho this time of year. Everything is brown! Photographically speaking, it sucks. At least you had a blueish sky Jim, a rarity around here.
Mithrandir, your CS-CE preset really works wonders on these type pics, have I thanked you yet today for sharing?:-)