Paul Smith
November 2020 - Bayfield Marina
Original
About the Image(s)
Marina, Bayfield Wisconsin, August 2018, 30 minutes after sunrise, with Topaz filter (artist Edward Hopper) Original also submitted
Canon 90D, Canon EFS 17-85 lens, f/9, 1/400 sec, ISO 400, hand held.
For November, I submit a “Before & After”. The original was taken over a year ago in Bayfield, Wisconsin. I reviewed it and decided there was not much there there…
Since the lockdown (we can’t travel…there are 4 major forest firs burning in my state) I have had time to review old files to see if anything might be made better with a little imagination…and a lot of s/w.
So, after a few experiments with the latest Topaz filters, I submit an image that might have made the late American painter Edward Hopper proud.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted
I really like the cropping and I like the effect of the filter on the water and boats. Not sure I like the sky as much. It seems to overpower the image and play havoc on the masts on the boats on the right side. Posted: 11/03/2020 14:25:05
It is a very nice 'oil painting' composition. I can tell it is post processed images with oil paint effect as the brush strokes are too even and missing texture and layers. I don't use Topaz so not sure how that work. If you use PS, there are some free oil painting brushes you can use but it really requires some efforts to apply several layers to make the photo really looks like oil painting. Posted: 11/04/2020 12:08:57
Hi Paul, it's good to see that you're getting the hang of using filters and textures. I love the oil painting look you produced here. The sky might be a bit overdone, but it's a nice start and I am looking forward to seeing more. Posted: 11/05/2020 09:42:13
Good to hear from you. Yes, I'm taking baby-steps with the filters. Thanks for dropping by Posted: 11/05/2020 09:47:29
I like the results of your efforts Paul. Topaz does take a lot of practice and experimentation to get the effect that you want. Looking at what you accomplished, I would suggest three things: 1 - adjust to a smaller brush size and 2 - increase the number of strokes. If YOU like the results, try adjusting the "smudge" control in small increments to lessen the hard edge the brush strokes initially have. For whatever reason, blending the edges of the strokes makes the final image for compelling to me. Unfortunately, you will need to start over at the beginning to try these changes unless you used Topaz within a "smart layer". This is a major deficiency in Topaz Posted: 11/11/2020 13:22:57
"Topaz as a Smart Layer"? Please explain! Posted: 11/20/2020 17:39:35
Paul
I am not sure I can weigh in on this month's picture, I'm sorry. I do not have enough confidence in my ability to give feedback. Posted: 11/11/2020 16:15:25
I am not sure I can weigh in on this month's picture, I'm sorry. I do not have enough confidence in my ability to give feedback. Posted: 11/11/2020 16:15:25
Well, I have confidence in you!! Go ahead and say what moves you! Posted: 11/20/2020 17:38:07
I have never worked with filters and the filtered image moves me out of my comfort zone, and that is good. But because of that it challenges me to submit a critical analysis, so I'll just make some general comments. I think your photo is good and I like what you have done with it in the filtered image. I like the cropping and I like the way the colors work together. The filtering for me has the effect of softening the overall image. Overall I think you did a good job in applying the filter (and makes me think that I should investigate using them).
One thing that distracts me is that the horizon line does not appear to be level. Posted: 11/20/2020 11:39:15
One thing that distracts me is that the horizon line does not appear to be level. Posted: 11/20/2020 11:39:15
you're right...it is is crooked! Until you mentioned it I had not noticed. And that is one thing I know how to correct. Thanks, Ed Posted: 11/20/2020 17:36:18