Need image improvement opinions...

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

08/01/2007 10:25:58 AM · #1

This image isn't for a challenge entry, but I do want to get it printed (8x10) and, for personal reasons, would like it to be the best image that I can (in my very limited abilities) make.

Based on the success of collaboration on recent challenge images, I thought I'd ask for some help too.

Sooo...whattayathink?

This is the only image that I have (can't reshoot), but I'd appreciate any PP comments, critiques, enhancements, reactions, whatever...

Thanks for looking.

pcody

Canon PowerShot G6

08/01/2007 11:03:38 AM · #2

That is just lovely. The little house thing is charmingly set off by the light toned trees. The darkness over on the right of the picture looks a little bit to uniform. Like a straight up and down gradient was used. Other than that, it's beautiful.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35 f/4 ED VR

08/01/2007 01:01:34 PM · #3

Ok. Thanks for the reply and the comments!

Here is my attempt to incorporate the suggestions...

This new image brings out more detail in the right darkness, as well as the left.
(Created a Curves Adj layer, played with the darks, and masked what I didn't want to be touched)

LanndonKane

Nikon D800

08/01/2007 01:09:24 PM · #4

a bit of smart sharpening might help, it looks a wee bit soft

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

08/01/2007 01:14:12 PM · #5

Originally posted by LanndonKane:

a bit of smart sharpening might help, it looks a wee bit soft

This could be two things.
1. I didn't USM or smartsharpen.
2. I'm not wearing my glasses.

Actually, it's both. When I create the For Print version, I'll run my "For Print" sharpen action...

Thanks for the reminder though. When I settle on a version, I will probably come up with an 'official' web version, and I'll crisp that thang so it hurts.
:-)

levyj413

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

08/01/2007 01:53:03 PM · #6

It's a beautiful shot.

Do you have the RAW file? If it's possible, it might be good to add back a little detail to the trees on the left so they're not pure black. You can do that in two ways I know of:
1) pump up the exposure in your RAW converted before opening in PS so you see detail and then add that as a new layer. Create a layer mask and mask out everything other than the tree trunks with the added detail. You'll probably need to darken them some.

2) Use image adjustment - shadows/highlights Play with the shadow sliders to brighten them. Again, you might want to do it in a new layer and mask out everything else.

But that's a minor improvement. It's really very nice as it is.

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-85mm 1:3.5-4.5

08/03/2007 09:19:33 PM · #7

Awesome. Thanks for the comments and help everybody. I sent out the revised image to MPix, so it should arrive next week some time! I'm kinda curious to see what it looks like printed in 8x10 metallic.

I hope it doesn't suck.

:-)

electrolost

Nikon D200

08/03/2007 09:23:13 PM · #8

If a picture is gonna be viewed from a distance I personally don't feel it has to be super sharp. Have you ever looked at landscape painting up real close they are usually far from sharp but from a distance ... just a random thought