LuAnn Thatcher
About the Image(s)
I took this image for fall, hoping to find a creative way to portray ordinary fallen leaves. I am just getting into Topaz Studio 2 applications, and I am finding the software options they offer to be fun and easy to use. I watch lots of videos and find this to be a great way to spend my time indoors now that our temperatures have dropped below 25F.
I prefer a square crop but I was not able to upload a square crop due to sizing restrictions for the digital group.
Camera settings: Fuji X-T4, lens 80mm macro, ISO 1000, shutter 1/160s, aperture f/5.6, center-weighted average metering mode, no tripod. I captured image at 8:20 am.
In Topaz, I usually start with DeNoise in auto settings. Then it is experiment with presets till I find a combo that I like. I lean towards Impressionistic styles, textures, and overlays. I try not to get too far from realistic, but I like the character lines these presets gave the leaves themselves.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
11 comments posted
I, too, have really enjoyed playing around within Topaz Studio 2 and I will often create 3 or 4 versions of the original image, each with different moods. ...but one thing I struggle with is how much manipulation is too much having come from 30 years of doing mostly dental photography where any manipulation is strictly verboten. But...then I remind myself that now we are in the realm of art...so the sky's the limit! Overall, it's a lovely image and I wouldn't change a thing.   Posted: 11/03/2020 18:40:25
I started working more with Topaz within the last year or so. I really enjoy the creative side to photography mixed in with documentary genre. I don't have the ability to travel as many can and I live in a rural neighborhood so my options can be limited.
This fall photo was taken as I found it. I have been shooting with my macro lens for the last year consistently in an effort to get to understand how to use it more efficiently. I have learned some tips and tricks and now I feel more comfortable using a macro lens. I also like to shoot handheld and blur doesn't bother me. This winter I have some Lensbaby lenses that I want to experiment with so there is always something to do.
The original scene for this photo was pretty blase' so I experimented with Topaz. The software doesn't come easily I am finding; lots of experimenting and not every texture and style works with every photo. Yes, you are right you can over do the effects and color with Topaz or any software editing tool. But that is why we are in a study group is to get the opinion from fellow photographers.
Best regards,
LuAnn   Posted: 11/10/2020 05:00:34
Best regards,
LuAnn   Posted: 11/10/2020 05:03:29
I'd prefer to dodge the right hand side of the yellow leaf a tad because of the dark shadow on it.   Posted: 11/09/2020 16:16:30
LuAnn   Posted: 11/10/2020 05:04:43
(Group 85)
LuAnn   Posted: 11/11/2020 13:57:42
How about you, what's your favorite season? I believe you live in California?
LuAnn   Posted: 11/12/2020 16:30:16