Star Against the Snow

[Don Schaeffer]

[MB1]

Now I really like this one-not so much as aphotograph but as an image.

With all the digital processing artifacts this hardly looks like a photograph, combined with the bright simple colors this is striking.

IMHO This one would sell.

[Ronnoco]

The concept here is good, but the problem is that you need to learn a lot more about post-processing. There is a specific method, approach and even an order necessary to accomplish every objective in post-processing. Not following the particular approach creates noise, artifacts, related saturation and purple problems, black or white edges on objects, loss of colour information etc., all of which show up in this image. One needs to avoid the temptation of pushing the slider controls on the choices in Photoshop too far or the result is creating visual problems.

Look at some on-line Photoshop tutorials, pick up some of the Photoshop User magazines with guides, check out even a few of the more advanced books like Camera Raw etc.

Ronnoco

[Greg McCary]

I agree with Ron, I would like to this one a little more natural looking.
Greg

[Don Schaeffer]

Thanks guys. I appreciate your comments. I stopped using photoshop 4 very much. I find my old version of Photosuite is much simpler and daoes a lot of the same things in a different way. This photo combines two layers--a postrized layer and the original real layer. I can make it more real or less real. For the time being, I chose this compromise.

[Greg McCary]

I do find that some of your photos are over sharpened some what. I would really like to see some of your pictures more, out of the camera without PS work. I don't know if it's your PS work or how you got about posting them. I like the composition on this one, something I feel you are improving on. If you are trying to be more artistic with your pictures, I think that going the other way, softening them some would work better. I also like it that you are being creative and developing your own style......
Greg

[readingr]

Don,

This is one of your best images that you have posted. I really like it even though I have to agree with the others about the post processing.

I have to agree with Ron and if you can get it in Canada Digital Photo has some fantastic tutorials on the CD that come with the magazine in the UK.

Roger

[MB1]

...........Not following the particular approach creates noise, artifacts, related saturation and purple problems, black or white edges on objects, loss of colour information etc., all of which show up in this image. ........

If Don did all his processing according to the "rule book" this image would be just another photograph. Perhaps a fairly nice photograph but the result of not playing by the rules in much more than a fairly nice photograph.

Me? I don't mess with the rules much but I can appreciate it when someone else does it so successfully. YMMV

[Ronnoco]

If Don did all his processing according to the "rule book" this image would be just another photograph. Perhaps a fairly nice photograph but the result of not playing by the rules in much more than a fairly nice photograph.

Me? I don't mess with the rules much but I can appreciate it when someone else does it so successfully. YMMV

It has nothing to do with any rules, it is technique and method for achieving quality results in post processing.

Ronnoco

[GB1]

Don - I saw this earlier but didnt comment, because I felt that I've said the phrase "It is oversharpened (TM)" about a million times... , and this one looks waaaaaaay overprocessed to me.

It's possible you're using the PS stuff as a bit of a crutch: try to achieve a very sharp, properly exposed and compositionally pleasing shot in the viewfinder. The only way to do that is to work on the basics by taking time to analyze the composition, using a tripod, and so on. PS can help, but it shouldnt be used to perform miracles.

So, for now, no PS for u! rrr:

GB

[Don Schaeffer]

I know what you are all saying. This is the way it works for me. I am retired and have no aspirations. It's all fun. I go on walks and snap away (no tripod--not a lot of time). Ilike toplay around with techniques at home. My camera has no manual focus so I have to rely on autofocus. This advice that you give does not fall on deaf ears but will help me judge and perfect future photos.