I'm still learning, please be gentle

[Sailfin]

Hi

This is the first time I've had the guts to post in this bit!

Below are a few pics I took in work over the last year then I discovered my work computer had photoshop on it so here goes!

White orchid original

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/flagfin/whiteorchid-1.jpg

White orchid Photoshopped

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/flagfin/whiteorchidph.jpg

Playing around

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/flagfin/whiteorchidphbwwiframecopy.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/flagfin/whiteorchidphbwgraincopywiframe.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/flagfin/frostyreedcopy.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/flagfin/Portraitofsheeppscopy.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/flagfin/Icytreespscopy.jpg

I have no eye for colour and not sure if I'm any good at actually seeing a 'picture'

Hey ho if you don't ask you don't learn!

:thanks: for looking

[Alastair]

Some lovely compositions.. but I much prefer the original of the orchid.. the slight softness seems more appropriate. The biggest problem with Photoshop (and the like) is nowing where to stop (particularly with sharpening)..

The reeds work better with the degree of work you've done.

[kae]

I'm being very critical because you asked for it! lol!

I'm a member of several photography forums, and used to giving/receiving strong criticism, so this is meant just as it sounds, criticism, but not personal and I actually think you've got a good start going here (much better than many of my first attempts).

Orchid

Original is soft, and under exposed. I actually quite like the photoshopped version, however the center of the flowerhead's white detail is blown out. This could do with some burning in (use the dodge and burn tool) just to give back some of the definition to the white petal edges.
First black and white works ok, but don't like the grey border, just makes it look dirty. If the top of the orchid was in focus, I think this would work better.
The second B&W doesn't work at all for me, as the highlight is on a non-interesting subject, drawing your eye towards nothing.

Reeds
Good subject for this effect in my opinion, but the fact you've cut off the reed at the top of the frame stops this from working for me and the bare stalk to the left breaks the picture up.

Sheep
This just doesn't work for me at all. Too busy, no focal point, nothing definied.

Frost
This one almost works for me, but I'd like to see a bit more of a red tinge to the sky, bit more green to the frosty grass and try not to cut the top off the tree's!

Like I say, these are very personal opinions, and by no means am I giving an opinion based on purely technicalities, just what I think!

But a damn good start I'd say!

Kae.

[Sailfin]

Thanks for the feedback

Yes I'm inclined to agree - I think I was so pleased to figure out how to do something with photoshop that i went a bit over board. looking at it now the ps version does seem a bit in your face and green!

[Sailfin]

Edit: just seen Kae's post

It'll take me a while to work through that lot lol!

I do appreciate the feedback - burning in - I'll check that out - as you can probably tell I've only just learned the black and white bit!

Have to agree with the bare stalk - this is what I meant about the not knowing whether I actually have an eye for a pic

Sorry I likes my sheep! lol Maybe is just because I work with them so theres a personal touch there

Redder sky and greener grass - hmmmm - I'll get back to you next year when I've figured out how to do that one.

Thanks both for the comments

[johnnyboy]

My very personal opinion...
I dont like "Titles" on photo art. It makes it look that you have to "explain" the photo, whereas you should leave it up to the viewer to make their own "Title".
JMHO

[reefkeeper6658]

nice pics
Andy

[Sailfin]

Thanks reefkeeper :)

[bikedoctorr]

Have to agree with the bare stalk - this is what I meant about the not knowing whether I actually have an eye for a pic

Sorry I likes my sheep! lol Maybe is just because I work with them so theres a personal touch there

Redder sky and greener grass - hmmmm - I'll get back to you next year when I've figured out how to do that one.

Thanks both for the comments

the reeds are a good start but like above the bare stalk is a bit funny. i find that sort of thing so anoying when you dont spot it on the moment you fire the shutter. trust me i take hundreds of pics and throw most of them away so dont be put aback bythis little detail overal is a nice shot.

the sheep has a compostion error for me and thats the enclusionof the horns at the bottom as it distracts me from the pic

redder sky green grass???????its black and white on my screen hehehehehehe

[jordlr]

I think the original pic of the orchid is the best one. Its slightly soft so needs sharpening but thats all. The PS version has been oversaturated giving unrealistic greens and the increase in exposure/contrast has blown out all the highlight details.

Personally i dont think any of the B&W ones work, they all lack dynamic range (white through to gray through to black). The reeds have been badly framed (cutting the top off), the sheeps background is too messy and cluttered giving no definition of the main subject. The frost picture isnt bad but again you have cut the top off the main subject.

Not a bad start but practice on your framing and composition then start worrying about altering the photos in PS...

Also remember that your work screen may not be calibrated or set up well for photo editing. What may look good on the screen could be much too bright or saturated for everyone else....

[paul123]

nice pics love the White orchid

[Sailfin]

Thanks Paul123

I was about to pack the camera up and leave quietly!

(joking I know this is a critical forum)