The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I seem to have a thing about shooting up through tree canopies, but the results rarely match the mood I was feeling and hoping to capture and convey. Then I started experimenting with adding textures. I despise “canned” textures that are slapped on and walked away from, and I often shoot textures that I feel might be of some use. The problem is, I have shot hundreds of them and even with some keywording it can be a job for ESP to find the right one for an image. And then making it work involves things like masking, clipped adjustment layers, blending modes and blend-if sliders. It can be frustrating to tame the possibilities but a lot of fun.
Specific Feedback
All comments welcome!
Technical Details
Clues to the processing are above. Lots of stuff. The base layer was with my IR-converted body.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
I think you did a really good job here! Soft calm feel to it. Nice warm colors. And the perfect texture! Like a pointilist (not sure that word exists …) watercolor. This image would look fantastic printed on watercolor paper.
Oh wow! I don’t usually go for images like this, but I do love old trees! This is actually a very clever edit and I love the result. Part of its magic is the composition, which you have nailed, in my opinion!
Oooh, nice! It feels old fashioned, like a weathered painting from the early 20th century. The combo of the texture and the gnarled tree is perfect. I could see desaturating those more open areas of yellow in the middle of the frame so they don’t get as much attention, but that’s minor.
Thanks, @annika, @Paul_Holdorf and @Bonnie_Lampley! Annika, pointillist is a word, and I am flattered by the comparison to a school of painting I greatly admire! Bonnie, I had a go at your suggestion but I couldn’t go far with it without turning the small branches too gray. In the original IR (even with my “Super Color” filter) there is a very limited palette. Posted above.
Both versions are excellent, Diane. My preference is for the second with the softer tones. I’d even be tempted to layer this with the softest of the greens as the sky layer to create an even softer look.
Thanks, @Don_Peters and @Dennis_Plank – everyone has me thinking now about going back to the original base layer and thinking about a State II – or a somewhat different direction. Not because I’m not pleased with this version – I am – but because I think I see other (similar) possibilities.
I was thinking more of a local adjustment, just on the more open, yellow areas, leaving the rest as is. Your global adjustment version looks good, though.
Hi Diane, I think this image is stunning! I find myself shooting the canopy of the oaks that look like fairy tale forests. I find these especially in CA wine country and even Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles. I like your first version the most because the darker color gives more contrast to the smaller branches. This is an intriging combination of branches, clouds and sky. Could be an old fashioned wallpaper pattern.
All the good things said @Diane_Miller . Both images are equally beautifully worked. I could see this boldly displayed on giant wall or printed on a delicate silk scarf…or a muted background for a period style portait.
Thanks, @annlouiselyman and @glennie! In frustration, @Bonnie_Lampley, I tried to brush on a very local adj but there was some sort of glitch in that it loaded back into PS with a lower contrast look, even after several tries. I suspect a mis-read color space conversion – the original was in ProPhoto – and I couldn’t get the base contrast and saturation to match well enough.
Diane - I’m glad you’re experimenting with stuff like this again ! It can be very frustrating and time-consuming to eventually come up with something pleasing - that could never again be duplicsted - but when it works, it’s quite an achievement.
This is excellent - the subject, textures, comp and colours are just mesmerizing.
@Bonnie_Lampley, I figured out the contrast glitch – the original is in ProPhoto (for no good reason) and when I opened it in PS somehow the profile mismatch warning was turned off. I’ll open it again and have a play. Will try a color mask but it’s all awfully monochromatic, mostly due to the IR base layer. Can also try a tighter-edged brush to localize the area more.
@SandyR-B, thanks! I really never quit, but better bodies and longer, lighter lenses have gradually expanded my reach farther into birds/wildlife and “zoomed in” landscape features, then I got back into astro, so I’ve been diluted!
Diane, this is a very enjoyable and nicely dreamy look into this tree canopy. The reduction in yellow cools it nicely and adds a touch more contrast. Both versions look very good.
This is fantastic! I have to honestly say I had the same reaction as Bonnie (and before I read any comments). I too see a 19th century pattern - whether it be fabric on furniture like a couch, drapes or even wall paper, which was very popular in the day. And I think the less saturated version works even better in that regard.
Many thanks, @Don_Peters for the EP! It’s delightful to see an older creation live again, and I’m inspired to do some more experimenting along this line.
