#70 the great outdoors.

davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
edited February 20, 2011 in The Dgrin Challenges
Did kind of a quick edit on this, ran it through Pixel Bender.
I think I need to get rid of some of the spider branches, what do you think?

1182848152_oKBtG-X2.jpg
dave.

Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.

Comments

  • konomaniackonomaniac Registered Users Posts: 335 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    I agree - it's difficult to tell what belongs to the tree and what belongs to the deer. Neat effect.
    --- Kono ---
    Pentax K-x and assorted lenses
  • ghinsonghinson Registered Users Posts: 933 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    Here's what I would do. Apply the plugin as you did (in a separate layer). Then use a ask to remove 50-60% of it from the deer's face, from the spider branches and from some of the more upclose trunks.
    uosuıɥ ƃǝɹƃ
    ackdoc.com
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited February 9, 2011
    Ok, got rid of some of the branches, removed most of the effect from the face.
    The dark lines on his face are scars from past fights, he gets to keep those.mwink.gif

    Before
    1182848152_oKBtG-X2.jpg

    After
    1182912312_sWUCQ-X2.jpg
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • indiegirlindiegirl Registered Users Posts: 930 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    Oh, Dave. I just love your work. But I am not loving the effect. It stands on its own without the fussing.
    main | recent work |
  • sweetharmonysweetharmony Registered Users Posts: 405 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    I'd love the see it au naturale, as they say, so as to compare the processed with the original.....what a gorgeous image!
    Leah

    My Smugmug Photos
  • mr peasmr peas Registered Users Posts: 1,369 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    That is a really cool effect. The removal of branches helped. May I ask what type of filter/action you've put this through?

    **oops I just re-read you post, Pixel Blender, cool, I shall google her up :)
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    sweetharmony wrote: »
    I'd love the see it au naturale, as they say, so as to compare the processed with the original.....what a gorgeous image!

    A quick edit of the real deal.
    1183641966_X8FKE-XL.jpg

    I took 600 swans shots today, so maybe I'll have one of those to chose from also.
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • PattiPatti Registered Users Posts: 1,576 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    I really like the effect on this photo. Very cool and lovely light on your great composition. I do prefer the subdued version.
    The use of a camera is similar to that of a knife. You can use it to peel potatoes, or carve a flute. ~ E. Kahlmeyer
    ... I'm still peeling potatoes.

    patti hinton photography
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    It's a good thing I time to think about this, I'm hoping to get out a lot this weekend.

    From today with a little added glow.
    1183733519_t6Spa-XL.jpg

    with the glow.
    1183733524_mHinv-XL.jpg
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • slpollettslpollett Registered Users Posts: 1,219 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    You've already posted two great shots. I'm so envious!

    I still haven't decided if I like the pixel bender effect. It's really cool and I think I might like it, but I'm a sucker for more natural looks. I'm glad you posted the natural version, too. The pixel bender makes the image look like a work of art (a really beautiful one--something I would definitely hang on my wall). I like it more as art than as a photograph. For a photograph, I prefer a more natural treatment. Does that make sense?

    I love the glow on the goose, too. Great shot!

    Sherry
    Visit my galleries at: http://psphotos.smugmug.com/ and/or http://pollettsquaredphotography.smugmug.com
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited February 10, 2011
    slpollett wrote: »
    You've already posted two great shots. I'm so envious!

    I still haven't decided if I like the pixel bender effect. It's really cool and I think I might like it, but I'm a sucker for more natural looks. I'm glad you posted the natural version, too. The pixel bender makes the image look like a work of art (a really beautiful one--something I would definitely hang on my wall). I like it more as art than as a photograph. For a photograph, I prefer a more natural treatment. Does that make sense?

    I love the glow on the goose, too. Great shot!

    Sherry
    Thanks Sherry, and yes, I understand what you're saying.
    That's why I asked for C&C on this.
    I've been having a ball playing with Pixel Bender and because of that, I'm kind of looking
    through PB glasses. I like almost everything better once I've applied the plug-in.

    I have a about 1000 more shots to look through, plus I'm going to try for some eagles tomorrow.

    BTW, that's a Trumpeter Swan.mwink.gif
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • sapphire73sapphire73 Registered Users, Super Moderators Posts: 1,970 moderator
    edited February 11, 2011
    I have been relatively contented with Lightroom 3 and Photoshop Elements but that may be changing. Like Sherry, I really like the photo as art with the Pixel Bender treatment. It seems to amplify the beautiful light. Also enjoy seeing your subtle processing of the Trumpeter Swan. Looking forward to seeing eagles and whatever else you find out there!

    My SmugMug Galleries

  • JimW396JimW396 Registered Users Posts: 64 Big grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    Wonderful composition Dave. Your first post with Pixel Bender took my breath away. I found that with the branches around the antlers it drew my eyes immediately to focus on his head and antlers, which I feel was a good thing. Nice job.
    Jim Wilkinson
    www.WaterIslandPhotos.com
  • ghinsonghinson Registered Users Posts: 933 Major grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    Love the swans. Like the deer too. I've just finishing my Pixel Bender honeymoon. Love what it does to images. I apply it to a lot of my landscapes. But, I've changed how I use it. I will apply it, with as subtle of effect as possible, and then go back and paint it away from the parts of the picture that are sharp. Leaving it on the noisy, bokeh-y, and less than sharp areas. Seems to add to subject focus or create a subtle, rich painterly effect to a wide open landscape. Almost like I am using it as a noise reduction, bokeh-enhancement filter. I posted a picture into the Pixel Bender's Oilpaint group on flickr, only to have the group's moderator remove it because he thought I didn't use the filter. I kinda took that as a compliment.
    uosuıɥ ƃǝɹƃ
    ackdoc.com
  • kdotaylorkdotaylor Registered Users Posts: 1,280 Major grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    These are both absolutely gorgeous. I like the first swan the best. I like the deer after you un-did some of the treatment you'd given it. I can't wait to see what else you have.
    Kate
    www.katetaylor.smugmug.com
    "You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." Mark Twain
  • ic4uic4u Registered Users Posts: 1,455 Major grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    kdotaylor wrote: »
    These are both absolutely gorgeous. I like the first swan the best. I like the deer after you un-did some of the treatment you'd given it. I can't wait to see what else you have.


    15524779-Ti.gif I admire your wildlife shots Dave, you have such a gift!
    Karin


    "Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    ic4u wrote: »
    15524779-Ti.gif I admire your wildlife shots Dave, you have such a gift!

    Thanks everyone.

    No eagles today, we have very cloudy skies so I won't waste my time with that.

    I did notice that a very small amount of this plugin can act like a noise reducer, I have done that to a few landscapes.
    I've been finding out that my 7D isn't nearly as noise free as the 5DMKII. To bad it took almost a year that out.

    As for the gift, the only gift I have is the ability to get to the spots were these animals are in a short amount of time.
    Anyone could get the shots I get if they had access to the areas that I'm going to.

    It's all the equipment. :D
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • FrochFroch Registered Users Posts: 571 Major grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    ghinson wrote: »
    Love the swans. Like the deer too. I've just finishing my Pixel Bender honeymoon. Love what it does to images. I apply it to a lot of my landscapes. But, I've changed how I use it. I will apply it, with as subtle of effect as possible, and then go back and paint it away from the parts of the picture that are sharp. Leaving it on the noisy, bokeh-y, and less than sharp areas. Seems to add to subject focus or create a subtle, rich painterly effect to a wide open landscape. Almost like I am using it as a noise reduction, bokeh-enhancement filter. I posted a picture into the Pixel Bender's Oilpaint group on flickr, only to have the group's moderator remove it because he thought I didn't use the filter. I kinda took that as a compliment.

    Good for you Greg. As Chris Orwig will say....Subtle, but Significant
  • TentacionTentacion Registered Users Posts: 940 Major grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    Love the treatment processed on both these shots. ON the AFTER Shot, The "black" hole in the deer is really taking my eye from the shot...and I notice that with the processing there is no separation between the ears and the antlers. I love the very detailed treatment of the bark in the trees...I was also wondering how the photo would appear if you removed the pieces of tree (from the rear side of the deer)...When I want my eye to imagine venturing and looking beyond, it seems though it just comes to STOP because of those two...

    As for the swan, Great feel to it, but I would like to see more of a POP in it...for instance the beak and perhaps more of the feet. The swan is glimming over the water and the effect seems to be lost.

    Just my humble opinion, and of course we know everyone has one....especially photographers...Laughing.gif. Have a Great Day!

    Donna P.
    You're only as good as your next photo....
    One day, I started writing, not knowing that I had chained myself for life to a noble but merciless master. When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip; and the whip is intended solely for self-flagellation...I'm here alone in my dark madness, all by myself with my deck of cards --- and, of course, the whip God gave me." Truman Capote
  • TentacionTentacion Registered Users Posts: 940 Major grins
    edited February 11, 2011
    slpollett wrote: »
    You've already posted two great shots. I'm so envious!

    I still haven't decided if I like the pixel bender effect. It's really cool and I think I might like it, but I'm a sucker for more natural looks. I'm glad you posted the natural version, too. The pixel bender makes the image look like a work of art (a really beautiful one--something I would definitely hang on my wall). I like it more as art than as a photograph. For a photograph, I prefer a more natural treatment. Does that make sense?

    I love the glow on the goose, too. Great shot!

    Sherry

    I totally understand what you are talking about....That has been a debate, argument on many a photographer's work...."When Does Photography stop, and if becomes Digital/Graphic Art" ?

    I'm still a firm believer in the Photography Side, it is kind of depressing though, when excellent photography work gets beat out by all the Digital/Graphic art work. Although, I am always open to experimenting, and keeping up with the times :D.

    Peace,
    Donna P.
    You're only as good as your next photo....
    One day, I started writing, not knowing that I had chained myself for life to a noble but merciless master. When God hands you a gift, he also hands you a whip; and the whip is intended solely for self-flagellation...I'm here alone in my dark madness, all by myself with my deck of cards --- and, of course, the whip God gave me." Truman Capote
  • SeascapeSSeascapeS Registered Users Posts: 814 Major grins
    edited February 12, 2011
    Love the swan! Gorgeous!
    SandiZ
    If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera. ~Lewis Hine
    http://sandizphotos-seascapes.smugmug.com/
  • DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
    edited February 13, 2011
    Swan with glowthumb.gif
    Chris K. NANPA Member
    http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited February 19, 2011
    I'm back with not much more than what I had before.
    My plans to get out more were sidelined.

    The swan shot came out slightly ahead of the deer, so I'm going to go with one of these swans shots.
    Which one do you like? I realize all of them have some small hot spots on them, but there's not much I can do about that.
    When they're in dense fog, and move in and out of small pockets of sunlight, the camera has a heck of a time adjusting for it.

    On with the pics.

    1) Natural
    1184212612_5p5dQ-XL.jpg

    2) Glow added
    1184212562_PgNVP-XL.jpg

    3) Glow added
    1184212538_AvPM6-XL.jpg

    Thanks for looking.
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • bbjonesbbjones Registered Users Posts: 234 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    Definitely #1 of the swans. The pair is a really nice shot.
    The goal of my photography is is the effective, original communication of a feeling expressing truth, beauty, or love.

    www.photographyjones.com
  • sapphire73sapphire73 Registered Users, Super Moderators Posts: 1,970 moderator
    edited February 20, 2011
    All of the swan shots are lovely but have a slight preference for #1 or #2. I like the duo but also like the oomph of the second and the added glow.

    My SmugMug Galleries

  • richterslrichtersl Registered Users Posts: 3,322 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    #1, hands down! The light is gorgeous! Ditto for the detail you captured in the feathers.
    Linda

    http://lrichters.smugmug.com
  • ic4uic4u Registered Users Posts: 1,455 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    richtersl wrote: »
    #1, hands down! The light is gorgeous! Ditto for the detail you captured in the feathers.


    15524779-Ti.gif
    Karin


    "Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth." — Mark Twain
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited February 20, 2011
    Thanks for your opinions folks.

    Although I like the details on the first shot, the more I look at it, the less I like it.
    I feel like the birds are just to far past me, and the shot is near the dreaded "butt shot"

    I reworked the 2nd shot some, brought out some more detail, darkened the foot, and darkened the water.

    This is the shot I have entered.
    1193364313_okPPv-XL.jpg

    T
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
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