Advice on image in CS3

*FHPhotographer* · 03-25-2009, 05:23 PM

I want to emphasize the tree branches in the bowl and balance this out and I need some advice on the best approach. Shot in RAW, so far all I've done is USM for capture sharpness and cropped. It's a little daunting at this point on how to pull out the fine detail in the bowl and holding it together, how would you go about it in PS3? Thanks for any/all input,
Brian

*Wheatfield* · 03-25-2009, 09:51 PM

I'd grab just the branches with the magic wand, or a layer mask (I think, I've always been a bit buffaloed by masks) and then adjust it with curves.

Parallax · 03-26-2009, 08:49 AM

I'm with Wheatfield on the curves layer mask.

*graphicgr8s* · 03-26-2009, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Wheatfield

I'd grab just the branches with the magic wand, or a layer mask (I think, I've always been a bit buffaloed by masks) and then adjust it with curves.

The mask just hides things or effects or makes them visible. The confusing part is which layer does it affect.

jlp · 03-26-2009, 04:58 PM

Make a copy of the original file if you haven't already.

Maybe a quick and simple way . . . select LAYERS / Duplicate Layer. Go to the Layer function tab and select Multiply from the drop down. Grab the slider and adjust it (down from 100%) to whatever looks best (~9%?); now, again, do the same Duplicate Layer routine and then select SOFT Light from the drop down menu. Again, grab the slider and adjust to your preference (~15%?). Select Layers again and FLATTEN image. You could further adjust the saturation of the Greens by selecting IMAGE/Adjustments/Hue-Saturation/Green and eyedropper the leaves. Then adjust sat/lightness to taste. Bigger problem is the blown highlight/reflection on the right lemon.

Have a try . . . every mistake can be a learning experience.

KrisK10D · 03-28-2009, 11:13 PM

If this is the result you're after...

... I made an Adjustment Layer for levels. Played with them till I was happy. Then made another Adjustment Layer for colour balance and upped the green just a little (10 IIRC). Then went back to each mask and uncovered the lemons back to the original layer. Editing would look better with the RAW file I recon.

Parallax · 03-31-2009, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by graphicgr8s

The mask just hides things or effects or makes them visible. The confusing part is which layer does it affect.

It hides or reveals to varying degrees depending on what shade of grey you paint with. Black reveals all below, white none.

*FHPhotographer* · 04-06-2009, 06:31 PM

Thanks to you and jlp. I'm going to try these techniques, see what works, and resubmit results. I appreciate the specific input,
Brian