Does this look real? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/28/2005 07:19:31 AM · #1

I added some sparks to this photo for a job and wonder if it looked passable or if anyone knows how I could have done this better.

I'm no PS expert but I can pull off a trick or two here and there. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanx in advance.

Message edited by author 2005-07-28 07:19:59.

BlackDot

Canon EOS-20D

07/28/2005 07:26:27 AM · #2

I'm not familiar with that kind of sparking, but I think it needs less solidity, and a bit of glow.

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/28/2005 07:34:39 AM · #3

I find the photo to have a little OoF feel on the right side. Almost like the shot was take without a tripod. I might also make the sparks a bit smaller if possible to make it fit the photo better. Less is more sometimes.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

07/28/2005 07:44:14 AM · #4

Originally posted by notonline:

I believe that was first shot EVER with the D70 taken the minute I could tear it out of the box. Handheld.... for sure. That's passable on occasion but not in a challenge.

The Art buyer was ok with the OoF look but needed sparks. So I made some.

I think you're right about making them smaller.

Message edited by author 2005-07-28 07:46:01.

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

07/28/2005 08:54:25 AM · #5

Does this look real?

No ;-)

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/28/2005 09:03:45 AM · #6

Originally posted by Falc:

Does this look real?

No ;-)

Direct and to the point. I LOVE that!!! Thanx.

BlackDot

Canon EOS-20D

07/28/2005 09:11:23 AM · #7

Aren't they Blue ?

digitalknight

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

07/28/2005 09:32:43 AM · #8

I've been doing effects for a long time, and here's my advice - have a couple of layers of effects, some blue, some larger, some smaller, and sit the client down and ask him what looks good to him - make recommendations based on your research, but they are the only one whose opinion should matter, they are writing the check.

Many rookie effects guys take effects too literally - by studying EXACTLY what something looks like and trying to replicate it - really we're just trying to communicate the essence of the effect, especially in motion effects.

Audio guys make the sound of feet walking in snow with celery, because celery "sounds" more like snow than snow does (put celery in a plastic bag, and twist the celery to crack it slightly, now close your eyes and what does it sound like?). Same visually. Often larger sparks than real life are needed to convey the "feeling" of sparks, or over-saturating them beyond "reality" so the eye is drawn to them, or under-saturating them to let the eye see what is really important in the shot ... it goes on and on.

If you would have asked in your thread about the pole that you had inserted into this photo, or the red light you turned on, nobody would have even thought twice about the sparks - and somebody would have told you how fake the light looks.

So I think the effect looks a little bright, but it all depends on the context of the final usage - I think it's a terrific job.

I admire your willingness to push yourself to new levels too. That will serve you well.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/28/2005 11:29:31 AM · #9

To echo digital knight, I think it looks fine; had you not told me the sparking was added, I'd never have thought it wasn't real. Good job. Even if blue were "more accurate", I think the bright white of the sparkign here "looks right"

R.