How I edited "Midnight Swim" - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

04/02/2025 01:26:50 PM · #1

I'm extremely happy with how my "painterly" photo turned out. And I think it will be my latest canvas at art shows this year.

Neat asked if I could share the editing technique, and I was so excited about how it worked, that I was thinking about doing it anyway.

It was all because of this video from fstoppers: How to create a dramatic metal effect

I walked through the video step by step and just modified the bits and pieces. I didn't really add much new -- just played with the amounts.

Here's the before

Here's the after

When I first joined DPC 16 years ago (I expire in 3 days!), I was a purest. As little processing as I could. I remember seeing a hot air ballon shot that had almost no color, hazy, that someone did a lot of beautiful editing on. Didn't even begin to look like the original, and I thought it was cheating. Little did I know that they only brought out what actually was there. Now, not only do I bring out what's there, but I enjoy playing and experimenting.

I never felt artistic. But I feel like I'm starting to be! I love that this site has helped me grow to make my own art. I'm so excited about this piece, I need to go back and watch more videos. It's wonderful to keep learning!

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

04/02/2025 01:41:58 PM · #2

Haven't had a chance to look at the video, but I wonder if it's anything like what's in this tutorial ...

Anyway, the result looks great -- congrats on the ribbon!

Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS

04/02/2025 05:41:56 PM · #3

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Haven't had a chance to look at the video, but I wonder if it's anything like what's in this tutorial ...

Anyway, the result looks great -- congrats on the ribbon!

nope -- that's different. I'm not sure why the one I watched was called metal effect. Unless they were thinking cool tones, or something

Message edited by author 2025-04-02 17:50:18.

westford

Sony Alpha a7 III

04/02/2025 07:10:34 PM · #4

Congratulation on the Blue, Great tutorial on masking and using the different types of gradients,
can't wait to try it out.
Thanks for sharing

Neat

Canon Canon 1d x Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

04/03/2025 12:22:38 AM · #5

Thanks for posting the video. I feel it’s probably one of your best edits ever. IMHO.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

04/03/2025 11:11:11 AM · #6

Originally posted by Neat:

Thanks for posting the video. I feel it’s probably one of your best edits ever. IMHO.

Thanks! I'm really excited about it

roz

OM System 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS PRO M.Zuiko Digital ED

04/04/2025 10:36:18 PM · #7

Wendy ..
thanks for posting the link and showing the unedited version of your photo ..
and i loved reading how your ideas about photography have changed over the years ..
i see photos like a starting point .. ie. photos are the canvas and photoshop the pallette .. i imagine that's how you feel too ..

anyway .. i dont know why you have never felt artistic ..
when you think that artistic means having creative skill .. (got that from google btw !! .. ) .. then your photos in so many genres are very much artistic .. and i think everyone here would agree .. !! ..
anyway .. thanks again . :)

ErinKirsten

Nikon Z9

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED

04/05/2025 11:54:05 AM · #8

I second what Roz is saying-your creativity shines in your photos and the way (when) you capture them. I believe altering/enhancing your phenomenal captures will elevate them another level from what a person with a camera can create/capture. The more distance you create from what they can do cultivates an environment of wanting to buy it.

I think of it this way: I can paint a painting of my favorite flowers but in no way something I would hang on my wall. I will pay for a painting made by someone else that is untouchable in skill by me. The painting itself coupled with the talent of the person moves me to buy it and want to hang it in my home.

quote=roz] Wendy ..
thanks for posting the link and showing the unedited version of your photo ..
and i loved reading how your ideas about photography have changed over the years ..
i see photos like a starting point .. ie. photos are the canvas and photoshop the pallette .. i imagine that's how you feel too ..

anyway .. i dont know why you have never felt artistic ..
when you think that artistic means having creative skill .. (got that from google btw !! .. ) .. then your photos in so many genres are very much artistic .. and i think everyone here would agree .. !! ..
anyway .. thanks again . :) [/quote]