Nature PEG & Possible Submission

mikeSF · 04-19-2013, 06:07 PM

these are beautiful. I especially love the first one! nice work.

**patrick9** · 04-19-2013, 06:51 PM

While all three are nice photo's and I like the first The colors play nicely with each other.I really like the second one with the way the ice softens the stronger colors and adds it's own strong texture . You do have a way of getting the wow in your shots.

Alliecat · 04-19-2013, 09:33 PM

Very cool

(no pun intended)
I like the first one best too -- the little bits of colour. The ice texture in #2 is pretty strong but makes an unusual effect. I think I too might like a little more stem in #3... or maybe for most of the substance to not be in the bottom right corner... although I think it's mostly the stem. The abrupt cut-off end seems somehow at odds with the more delicate textures of the ice & flowers.
I love macro photography too

You have some nice shots on your blog. I like the stream pix, the dogs, many of the close-up leaves...

**Kerrowdown** · 04-20-2013, 06:07 AM

Well done some different images to look at, the like of which I've never seen before.

The middle one's particularly strong and reminds me of an old stain glass window. The really old glass, where they had bubbles and other imperfections actually in the glass.

Strong composition, good colours, lots of details that keeps the viewer interested. Print it large and get it on the wall.

Also consider selling to the likes of this one to the poster publishers and card folk, it's certainly good enough, well done.

tessfully · 04-20-2013, 09:39 AM

Originally posted by dane.dawg

Dr Orloff to always gives great CC..

Yes, he is very good at critiquing the details... and it is appreciated.

Originally posted by whitelotus9

I kept going back to the middle photo and thinking that I would really like that as the wallpaper on my computer monitors. The 1st and 3rd photos didn't seem to work for me because of the large white-ish flower/plant?? The images are new and unique...and seem to hold the attention. I kept asking myself were they taken from above or beneath the ice. But there's something about the middle photo that kept pulling me back to it while I was trying to admire the other two. Maybe it's the more pronounced colors and the less busy appearance. More simple. And I think if you follow the good Dr. Orloff's suggestions about the middle image, you'll detract from it too much. My finger is getting tired from scrolling back up to look at it from way down here.....

Thank you whitelotus! Your comments are important to me and I appreciate the input. I am pleased you like the middle image. It is so different I wondered if it would work.

Originally posted by mikeSF

these are beautiful. I especially love the first one! nice work.

Thanks Mike!

Originally posted by patrick9

While all three are nice photo's and I like the first The colors play nicely with each other.I really like the second one with the way the ice softens the stronger colors and adds it's own strong texture . You do have a way of getting the wow in your shots.

Patrick you are always very thoughtful! Thanks for commenting

Originally posted by Alliecat

Very cool

(no pun intended)
I like the first one best too -- the little bits of colour. The ice texture in #2 is pretty strong but makes an unusual effect. I think I too might like a little more stem in #3... or maybe for most of the substance to not be in the bottom right corner... although I think it's mostly the stem. The abrupt cut-off end seems somehow at odds with the more delicate textures of the ice & flowers.
I love macro photography too

You have some nice shots on your blog. I like the stream pix, the dogs, many of the close-up leaves...

Thank you Alliecat! It was great that you stopped by my blog. I am new to the whole concept of blogging, but it's great to have a place to lodge some thoughts and favourite photos.

I am going to work on that third image later. Work with the advice I have received. Thanks!

Originally posted by kerrowdown

Well done some different images to look at, the like of which I've never seen before.

The middle one's particularly strong and reminds me of an old stain glass window. The really old glass, where they had bubbles and other imperfections actually in the glass.

Strong composition, good colours, lots of details that keeps the viewer interested. Print it large and get it on the wall.

Also consider selling to the likes of this one to the poster publishers and card folk, it's certainly good enough, well done.

hmmmm... thanks Kerrowdown

Never would have thought of contacting the poster publishers.

******

I have reworked the first image based on feedback. Is it any better? Does it still work? I have so many versions of this shot I am getting confused on which rendering I like most.

grrr... now that I see it reduced on the forum I think it might be too dark.

kcmadr · 04-20-2013, 10:37 AM

The first one had more natural and believable colours. This one seems a bit flat and oversaturated.

tessfully · 04-20-2013, 11:05 AM

Thanks Mike. I agree that it is flat and the colours have changed. The thing about back lit ice is that it is very bright and it is natural for there to be really bright highlights.. I think that is why the first set seems more natural as I didn't try to underexpose while shooting and in pp I didn't try to adjust the highlights to the point where the translucent colours were effected.

I am going to bring back the natural brightness and see what that gets me with this version. Thanks.

tessfully · 04-20-2013, 11:48 AM

I copied the exact same colour and brightness values from the 1st version to this version. I am wondering if the original is still better despite the highlight down the left side of the image. I am actually starting to think I like it there... it adds to the balance of the shot. I know watching someone else's process can be tiring, so thanks to everyone who has provided me with advice and comments.

Original

Newest version

Racer X 69 · 04-20-2013, 12:32 PM - **1 Like**

Tess,

That's all I can say.

Racer

mrNewt · 04-20-2013, 03:48 PM

Originally posted by tessfully

Hey Mr. Newt... so glad to hear from you and really happy you liked these. Was your bigger project photo related? I am going to take your advice and crop the third and I know I can take care of the highlight down the left side of the first. Thank you sooooo much for commenting.........

Well, the new project involves pictures as well, but not mostly. Is a new family member that just joined us a month and a little bit ago

.

As for the new updates (last post) ... both pictures has their charm I must admit. I like the cleaner one a little bit better ... maybe boost the brightness just a bit more ... !?

whitelotus9 · 04-20-2013, 04:09 PM

What the Fonz said.....

kcmadr · 04-20-2013, 06:46 PM

Originally posted by tessfully

I am wondering if the original is still better despite the highlight down the left side of the image. I am actually starting to think I like it there... it adds to the balance of the shot.

So... I agree with the balance and the brightness...
I'm not sure which software you are using, but I use PS and ran a layer blending on it you may wish to try.
It's a Hard Mix at 7% Fill Opacity with the "Blend If" sliders set to Underlying Layer: 8/32 and 207/239. Everything else at default. If you can, then give it a try. It restores some of the "natural" brightness in the image and adds some punch. It's slight which is why it works well - it doesn't seem like over-manipulation.

**MSL** · 04-20-2013, 07:05 PM

btw, Tess is the 35 the 2.4 or the 2.8 macro or some other Pentax lens?

tessfully · 04-21-2013, 04:42 AM

This sure has been an enjoyable process, so thanks to everyone who commented. Love the graphics Racer and Whitelotus!

Mr. Newt! Congrats on your new family member

I'd *love* to see pictures of this project!!!

Mike, I only have Aperture and it doesn't do much outside of the basic RAW conversion. I can adjust highlights, shadows, sharpness of course.It also has brushes to dodge and burn etc. But it doesn't do layers. I was thinking of getting Topaz as PS for a Mac is 800.00, but I sure wish I had it and knew how to use it.

Marc, it is the Pentax 35mm f/2.4 and I have a polarizer on it... It is an inexpensive version of the f/2.8, takes awesome photos, but doesn't do macro.

Well, I think I need a bit of distance from these and then I will submit to the PEG and see what happens. I still welcome now or then any critical feedback to help me better my craft.

Thanks again.

Racer X 69 · 04-21-2013, 05:34 AM

Originally posted by tessfully

I was thinking of getting Topaz as PS for a Mac is 800.00, but I sure wish I had it and knew how to use it.

Gimp is FREE.

04-20-2013, 11:48 AM	#23
tessfully Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: S. Algonquin, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,860 Original Poster	I copied the exact same colour and brightness values from the 1st version to this version. I am wondering if the original is still better despite the highlight down the left side of the image. I am actually starting to think I like it there... it adds to the balance of the shot. I know watching someone else's process can be tiring, so thanks to everyone who has provided me with advice and comments. Original Newest version Last edited by tessfully; 04-20-2013 at 12:20 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
LCD in Black & White possible?	nickmeertens	Pentax K-5 & K-5 II	5	05-08-2012 06:07 AM
Contest Submission Thread Fields & Titles	Damn Brit	Site Suggestions and Help	2	01-09-2009 09:33 PM

04-19-2013, 06:07 PM	#16
mikeSF Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: East Bay Area, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,620	these are beautiful. I especially love the first one! nice work.

04-19-2013, 06:51 PM	#17
patrick9 Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Murfreesboro Tennessee Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,458	While all three are nice photo's and I like the first The colors play nicely with each other.I really like the second one with the way the ice softens the stronger colors and adds it's own strong texture . You do have a way of getting the wow in your shots.

04-19-2013, 09:33 PM	#18
Alliecat Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: East of Everywhere, Canada Posts: 740	Very cool (no pun intended) I like the first one best too -- the little bits of colour. The ice texture in #2 is pretty strong but makes an unusual effect. I think I too might like a little more stem in #3... or maybe for most of the substance to not be in the bottom right corner... although I think it's mostly the stem. The abrupt cut-off end seems somehow at odds with the more delicate textures of the ice & flowers. I love macro photography too You have some nice shots on your blog. I like the stream pix, the dogs, many of the close-up leaves...

04-20-2013, 06:07 AM	#19
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,816	Well done some different images to look at, the like of which I've never seen before. The middle one's particularly strong and reminds me of an old stain glass window. The really old glass, where they had bubbles and other imperfections actually in the glass. Strong composition, good colours, lots of details that keeps the viewer interested. Print it large and get it on the wall. Also consider selling to the likes of this one to the poster publishers and card folk, it's certainly good enough, well done.

04-20-2013, 09:39 AM	#20
tessfully Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: S. Algonquin, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,860 Original Poster	Originally posted by dane.dawg Dr Orloff to always gives great CC.. Yes, he is very good at critiquing the details... and it is appreciated. Originally posted by whitelotus9 I kept going back to the middle photo and thinking that I would really like that as the wallpaper on my computer monitors. The 1st and 3rd photos didn't seem to work for me because of the large white-ish flower/plant?? The images are new and unique...and seem to hold the attention. I kept asking myself were they taken from above or beneath the ice. But there's something about the middle photo that kept pulling me back to it while I was trying to admire the other two. Maybe it's the more pronounced colors and the less busy appearance. More simple. And I think if you follow the good Dr. Orloff's suggestions about the middle image, you'll detract from it too much. My finger is getting tired from scrolling back up to look at it from way down here..... Thank you whitelotus! Your comments are important to me and I appreciate the input. I am pleased you like the middle image. It is so different I wondered if it would work. Originally posted by mikeSF these are beautiful. I especially love the first one! nice work. Thanks Mike! Originally posted by patrick9 While all three are nice photo's and I like the first The colors play nicely with each other.I really like the second one with the way the ice softens the stronger colors and adds it's own strong texture . You do have a way of getting the wow in your shots. Patrick you are always very thoughtful! Thanks for commenting Originally posted by Alliecat Very cool (no pun intended) I like the first one best too -- the little bits of colour. The ice texture in #2 is pretty strong but makes an unusual effect. I think I too might like a little more stem in #3... or maybe for most of the substance to not be in the bottom right corner... although I think it's mostly the stem. The abrupt cut-off end seems somehow at odds with the more delicate textures of the ice & flowers. I love macro photography too You have some nice shots on your blog. I like the stream pix, the dogs, many of the close-up leaves... Thank you Alliecat! It was great that you stopped by my blog. I am new to the whole concept of blogging, but it's great to have a place to lodge some thoughts and favourite photos. I am going to work on that third image later. Work with the advice I have received. Thanks! Originally posted by kerrowdown Well done some different images to look at, the like of which I've never seen before. The middle one's particularly strong and reminds me of an old stain glass window. The really old glass, where they had bubbles and other imperfections actually in the glass. Strong composition, good colours, lots of details that keeps the viewer interested. Print it large and get it on the wall. Also consider selling to the likes of this one to the poster publishers and card folk, it's certainly good enough, well done. hmmmm... thanks Kerrowdown Never would have thought of contacting the poster publishers. ****** I have reworked the first image based on feedback. Is it any better? Does it still work? I have so many versions of this shot I am getting confused on which rendering I like most. grrr... now that I see it reduced on the forum I think it might be too dark.

04-20-2013, 10:37 AM	#21
kcmadr Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 614	The first one had more natural and believable colours. This one seems a bit flat and oversaturated.

04-20-2013, 11:05 AM	#22
tessfully Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: S. Algonquin, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,860 Original Poster	Thanks Mike. I agree that it is flat and the colours have changed. The thing about back lit ice is that it is very bright and it is natural for there to be really bright highlights.. I think that is why the first set seems more natural as I didn't try to underexpose while shooting and in pp I didn't try to adjust the highlights to the point where the translucent colours were effected. I am going to bring back the natural brightness and see what that gets me with this version. Thanks.

04-20-2013, 12:32 PM - 1 Like	#24
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,065	Tess, That's all I can say. Racer

04-20-2013, 03:48 PM	#25
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	Originally posted by tessfully Hey Mr. Newt... so glad to hear from you and really happy you liked these. Was your bigger project photo related? I am going to take your advice and crop the third and I know I can take care of the highlight down the left side of the first. Thank you sooooo much for commenting......... Well, the new project involves pictures as well, but not mostly. Is a new family member that just joined us a month and a little bit ago . As for the new updates (last post) ... both pictures has their charm I must admit. I like the cleaner one a little bit better ... maybe boost the brightness just a bit more ... !?

04-20-2013, 04:09 PM	#26
whitelotus9 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Kissimmee, Florida, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 148	What the Fonz said.....

04-20-2013, 06:46 PM	#27
kcmadr Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Photos: Albums Posts: 614	Originally posted by tessfully I am wondering if the original is still better despite the highlight down the left side of the image. I am actually starting to think I like it there... it adds to the balance of the shot. So... I agree with the balance and the brightness... I'm not sure which software you are using, but I use PS and ran a layer blending on it you may wish to try. It's a Hard Mix at 7% Fill Opacity with the "Blend If" sliders set to Underlying Layer: 8/32 and 207/239. Everything else at default. If you can, then give it a try. It restores some of the "natural" brightness in the image and adds some punch. It's slight which is why it works well - it doesn't seem like over-manipulation.

04-20-2013, 07:05 PM	#28
MSL Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Greater Toronto Area Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,749	btw, Tess is the 35 the 2.4 or the 2.8 macro or some other Pentax lens?

04-21-2013, 04:42 AM	#29
tessfully Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: S. Algonquin, Ontario Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,860 Original Poster	This sure has been an enjoyable process, so thanks to everyone who commented. Love the graphics Racer and Whitelotus! Mr. Newt! Congrats on your new family member I'd love to see pictures of this project!!! Mike, I only have Aperture and it doesn't do much outside of the basic RAW conversion. I can adjust highlights, shadows, sharpness of course.It also has brushes to dodge and burn etc. But it doesn't do layers. I was thinking of getting Topaz as PS for a Mac is 800.00, but I sure wish I had it and knew how to use it. Marc, it is the Pentax 35mm f/2.4 and I have a polarizer on it... It is an inexpensive version of the f/2.8, takes awesome photos, but doesn't do macro. Well, I think I need a bit of distance from these and then I will submit to the PEG and see what happens. I still welcome now or then any critical feedback to help me better my craft. Thanks again.

04-21-2013, 05:34 AM	#30
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,065	Originally posted by tessfully I was thinking of getting Topaz as PS for a Mac is 800.00, but I sure wish I had it and knew how to use it. Gimp is FREE.