Paul Smith
About the Image(s)
With the "Lockdown", I have attacked boredom by walking my neighborhood in search of attractive flowers. Actually, I found quite a few. This Rose Garden was shot with my Canon 90D, ISO 100, Canon EFS 17-85 mm lens at 85 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 second. When I loaded this into PS, I added a Topaz filter to add a paintbrush effect.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Very nice use of Topaz to add a painted appearance Paul, I like it! I am curious as to which filter or preset that you used. Personally I have a few images where I have used Topaz Impression II followed by printing on Hot Press Bright paper. This mat finish paper, in my opinion, displays the "painted" colors better than a glossy photo paper. Just remember to switch to a matte black ink (instead of photo black) so that the primary colors of the blossoms project more.   Posted: 09/08/2020 16:04:41
Paul Smith
Michael, thanks for noticing the "painted" effect. Within Topaz II, I selected "MI Impressionist" look.   Posted: 09/09/2020 10:48:34
Ed O’Rourke
Two things stand out for me in this photo. First is the soft "painted" effect that you mention with the Topaz filter however I'm not familiar with that but I like it (now you've given me another task - to learn about a Topaz filter, and how I get it on my Linux system). Second is that I really like your selection of colors for this photo. I think what I see as muted yellows and soft greens really work well together and along with the "Topaz" effect create for me what is a very relaxing image. I think your focus is good with the softness in the foreground being enhanced by the bokeh of the background. I also appreciate that your lighting is not intense thus keeping the image on the "soft" side.
I wonder if the upper right corner is lacking of something of interest and might turning your camera a bit to the left bring in another flower or two.   Posted: 09/10/2020 12:39:40
I wonder if the upper right corner is lacking of something of interest and might turning your camera a bit to the left bring in another flower or two.   Posted: 09/10/2020 12:39:40
Paul Smith
Thanks, Ed! Both Topaz and NIK Collection s/w have trial offers, with plenty of YouTube tutorials! Take a look   Posted: 09/10/2020 16:42:22
It is nice to add a painted effect in this image. The color is good too. The only suggestion I have is to pick one of the roses in this image as your main focal point and add light/saturation (use PS adjustment layers will do) to it that will make a different look.   Posted: 09/16/2020 10:54:52
I agree with Jean's comments. Maybe zoom in one of the best roses and leave the others out of focus. Then use PS/LR to darken the surrounding out of focus areas to highlight your subject even more.   Posted: 09/19/2020 07:29:33