This is an old photo I came across recently. I like the textures and color variations. I experimented with different edits and this comes closest to what I envision. I want a soft look and feel. I’d like to have a little more “glow” to it, though, but can’t seem to get it to happen.
Any suggestions? All feedback is appreciated.
I think this is a good find worth working on. I understand your wish to give it a soft look, but it has the look of negative Clarity, and I think there must be a better way. It’s hard to know what might work but maybe going very low in contrast with the raw file and then maybe Dream Glow in Nik CEP? I love the soft colors against the two rugged posts!
The colors are so subtle and beautiful. I’m with Diane, though, on the negative clarity here. It feels a bit overdone. Maybe a bit of Orton effect applied to the light bits to make it glow? @Kris_Smith (I think) had a method involving edge filters to dial in just the right amount.
Chris,
Love the colors and even the textures here - and I think I see where you I think you’re going with this. I would agree with Bonnie and Diane that perhaps the clarity went a little too far (if that’s what was used).
Hard to suggest when we don’t know what the original looks like and where you started from.
Aside from colors/processing, I wanted to comment on the composition. Not sure if the whole UL quadrant of space is helping. There aren’t any of the colors in that area. Combine that with the two tree posts(?), I’m thinking a crop removing about 1/3 or so in from the left; leaving a strong vertical with just 1 post and then all the combo of colors .
Also, those tree stumps are a little soft - but then that could be from your “soft” processing. I think it’s one thing to tree all the fine detail in the plants with a soft or glowing approach - but the tree stumps - are what they are, so to speak and knowing what they are, I guess I’m expecting sharpness.
I think there’s great potential here and again, seeing what you’re working with could help with suggestions. Orton was suggested and that’s a possibiity, although I’ve often found it increases contrast and makes a scene “harder” and not softer… not sure if that makes sense.
Definitely loving the colors here. Get the texture right and perhaps a different comp and this could be wonderful.
Lon
@Diane_Miller @Lon_Overacker @Bonnie_Lampley Thank you for your helpful comments and suggestions. Lots to think about and try.
I like this scene a lot Chris. My eye keeps being pulled up and to the right with little holding interest in the upper left, so wondering if there was more to the crop or if you can crop it more from here?
I might be the naysayer here, but I really like the image as is. It feels soft, painterly, and pastel-like. The larger version is nice for just exploring the various parts of the scene. I like it as is.
@Matt_Payne Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks, David. It’s always nice to hear different opinions. Much appreciated.
You certainly captured wonderfully soft tones in this image Chris. I just love the pastel colors. I agree with you about where you want this to go but the negative clarity??? , if that’s what you did in fact use, is making everything too soft and almost blurry looking. From a distance I can see this actually working but you know us photographer types, we like to zoom in and check all the details out and that’s where things look at little soft.
I’m also wondering if you are in love with the two wooden posts? If not, I would clone them out. I’m not sure if they add anything to the scene but they might mean something for you. Also, the ULC is kind of monotone. Yeah, there is a little bit of color in the very ULC and along the top but not enough to hold my interest. I saw that @Lon_Overacker recommended a crop and I completely agree with him. I think the right portion of the image holds together in a composition much better than the landscape version as depicted.
I would also suggest some of the methods for making this glow that have been discussed by @Diane_Miller and @Bonnie_Lampley . I think this image has some really good potential so I would try reworking it to get that glow that you’re looking for.
Thanks for your comments and suggestions, David. I’ve learned a lot from everyone.
I’ll have to agree with @David_Bostock . I just love it as presented. I first thought it was an ICM. But I just love the look you got from the camera and whatever processing you did. It looks like a painting. Just beautiful!
This is what I call “stunning simplicity”
@Vanessa_Hill @J_Fritz_Rumpf Thank you very much!
