[Tuner571]

Hey everyone,

I posted this in the PPG awhile back but it was declined. Ever since then I have been trying to figure out why. The only thing that I can notice is that maybe the picture is not as sharp as they like, but other then that I am lost. So I was hoping that some of you will give me your opinion of the shot and anything that you would change.

Thanks,
Cory

Rather than commenting, I'm just going to say "stop beating yourself up about it".
Just post it in the rejects thread, you are not alone.
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/post-your-photos/33574-post-your-ppg-rejects.html

[vievetrick]

I agree don't sweat it. Great shot!!

[roentarre]

This one is surely artistic in deed! Great capture!

[cupic]

I like this shot


cheers

[Taff]

I wouldnt worry about it either, great shot, the waterfall looks like milk

[Rense]

Cory, wonderfull shot! If I would have to vote for this one, I'd vote it in....

[atupdate]

Cory,

Very nice capture. This looks like Hocking Hills to me. I think your biggest problem is sharpness. However, there is a ton of detail in the rocks that could also be brought out and I think a standard 4x6 ratio crop to remove some of the right side of the image would help also.

Here is my work up of you image.



Processing steps with Paint Shop Pro

1) Levels adjustment: bump gamma to 1.38
2) A double USM adjustment per Ben Kanarek's method

Benjamin Kanarek post processing method | PentaxLife

I desaturated the duplicate layer and set the opacity to 40%

3) Slight Curves adjustment on the bottom half of the curve to bump the contrast in the rocks.

3) High Pass Sharpen: Radius 1 Strength 83 Overlay mode.

I think if you resubmit something like this you will get accepted.

Tim

[slowpez]

Cory,

Very nice capture. This looks like Hocking Hills to me. I think your biggest problem is sharpness. However, there is a ton of detail in the rocks that could also be brought out and I think a standard 4x6 ratio crop to remove some of the right side of the image would help also.

Here is my work up of you image.



Processing steps with Paint Shop Pro

1) Levels adjustment: bump gamma to 1.38
2) A double USM adjustment per Ben Kanarek's method

Benjamin Kanarek post processing method | PentaxLife

I desaturated the duplicate layer and set the opacity to 40%

3) Slight Curves adjustment on the bottom half of the curve to bump the contrast in the rocks.

3) High Pass Sharpen: Radius 1 Strength 83 Overlay mode.

I think if you resubmit something like this you will get accepted.

Tim

Tim, Maybe I'm wrong Tim but doesn't the PPG prohibit any type of PP except cropping and dodging and burning?
Great shot by the way Cory.

[Tuner571]

Thanks for the comments guys, I really appreciate it.

And thanks Tim for the sample that looks great!

[atupdate]

Tim, Maybe I'm wrong Tim but doesn't the PPG prohibit any type of PP except cropping and dodging and burning?
Great shot by the way Cory.

No, I shoot in Raw and everything has to be PP'd. If you shoot in jpeg, the camera is doing the PP for you and you adjust the camera settings (sharpness, contrast, etc.) to what you like.

What PPG is looking for are images that look like photos and not digital art. If you keep it real looking you can PP to your hearts content.

Tim

PS: If you are not sharpening your images after you downsize for the PPG, the images will look soft. I normally use either the high pass setting above or USM at .75 radius and 75 strength/threshold. Some adjustments to the settings are required depending on the details in the image.

[KrisK10D]

No, I shoot in Raw and everything has to be PP'd. If you shoot in jpeg, the camera is doing the PP for you and you adjust the camera settings (sharpness, contrast, etc.) to what you like.

What PPG is looking for are images that look like photos and not digital art. If you keep it real looking you can PP to your hearts content.

Tim

Actually, you aren't supposed to "over manipulate" any images submitted to the gallery. Standard levels, colour adjustments and contrast are OK, tho I've seen images with lots on manipulation in them and more that are either sharpened beyond ridiculous or out of focus. Frankly, I think the PPG is going downhill recently and wouldn't put much stock in what's selected and what's not, Tuner.

If you like the image that is all that should matter mate

[Taff]

oohhhhh........