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11/29/2006 08:56:44 PM · #1 |
I was looking for some more professional help with improving this image. I'm a novice at using PSE 4, and new to digital photography. The image is of the Potomac River at very high levels after a rainfall in West Virginia. Unfortunately, the water was muddy and it was hard to differentiate the water, mud and the rocks. I've tried to follow some of the suggestions for improvement, but... So any suggestions would be appreciated. I hope this thumbnail to the image comes out. thanks.
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Message edited by author 2006-11-29 21:01:27. |
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11/29/2006 09:02:07 PM · #2 |
Here ya go, just take that 6 digit number...only.. and stick it in the insert thumbnail tab. |
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11/30/2006 07:46:11 AM · #3 |
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11/30/2006 08:20:01 AM · #4 |
I believe there is a contrast problem. When I looked at this in levels -the curve appears to be far right. The sky area appears overexposed and has blown highlights. You would need to selectively adjust the contrast.
If you look at the rocks in the foreground these appear to be out of focus. You may have needed a more sturdy support - tripod and more depth of field.
Drop the text altogether.
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11/30/2006 08:26:46 AM · #5 |
Most of the comments seemed to be about the color or saturation, or lack thereof. One way to combat that is to try black and white. As a wise man once said, if the color doesnt add anything to an image then just remove it. I think another aspect of the image that doesnt go down too well is that most people expect to see the smooth mist-like quality of water. Since that section of river is usually that fast flowing then there isnt anything you can do about it, other than accept that some people will think you didnt use the right 'shutter speed' :P
I had a little play with it. Darkened the sky some to bring out more contrast to the land and made it black and white.
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11/30/2006 08:41:00 AM · #6 |
I like this B&W treatment, specialy the sky. Could you give a brief rundown? I've been using the channel mixer to do B&W conversions, but still can't get them with this much contrast
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11/30/2006 12:25:56 PM · #7 |
| I love the B&W treatment. thanks so much. I will try it when I get home tonight! |
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11/30/2006 01:17:25 PM · #8 |
The B/W is very nice. There's color to be had, if you want to work for it. I used tone mapping to generate some exaggerated color in this version:
R. |
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11/30/2006 01:41:19 PM · #9 |
| Both the B&W and tone-mapped versions are excellent improvements. If I was going to shoot that location, I would have likely shot it about an hour or so before sunset. As the sun comes in at that low angle, you start getting that golden quality to the light. Also, with so many clouds in the sky, you could capture some amazing colors as the sunlight lights up the side of the clouds. You would still have enough light to show detail in the foreground, but would have richer tones in the sky, dramatic clouds, AND the lower light levels would let you use a longer shutter speed for that "soft water" look that so many people like. :) The rocks along the shore would also be hit by raking golden light and would stand out against the muddy water. Of course that's assuming that you had a choice of when to shoot that location. ;) |
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12/01/2006 05:43:38 AM · #10 |
Thank you for the suggestions, and for both versions of the photo. What a tremendous improvement. I will have to learn more about tone mapping - I will have to learn more about a lot of things:).
As stated, there was too much water to have that nice "soft water look", and I was completely blowing out the sky and the water by slowing down the shutter speeds.
I was out hiking, so I only had the monopod with me that day. The comment about the later afternoon sun was correct. The sun was coming and going, but this was taken mid-afternoon. By 4:00 pm my feet were tired after hiking about 3 miles. Next time I will go later in the day, so I have some energy for late afternoon.
This is a great group.
Message edited by author 2006-12-01 05:52:40. |
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12/01/2006 09:45:30 PM · #11 |
Here are the improvements that I was able to do by converting to B&W .It's still not as good as TrynityRose, but much better.
I tried the color version, but no success so far. Thanks again.
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