Steve Estill, APSA, EPSA  


Beach Balls by Steve Estill, APSA, EPSA

August 2022 - Beach Balls

August 2022 - Steve Estill, APSA, EPSA

Original

August 2022 - Steve Estill, APSA, EPSA

Original 2

August 2022 - Steve Estill, APSA, EPSA

Original 3

About the Image(s)

I've been playing with the sphere again, taking images around our favourite beach. This compilation shows some of the aspects of the beach.
The background (Original 1) is of the groynes at Sandsend looking towards Whitby. I treated it with Redfield Quad Pencil, using 'Early Reflections' preset.
Then it was just a matter of dragging in the spheres as Smart Objects (Original 2) and removing the background from each one, then saving them back to the main image - obviously they were each spun 180 Deg to make them easier on the eye! I used Nik Viveza on each individual sphere, linked the two layers and made them into a group - so there were 4 separate groups (one for each sphere) - just to keep the layer stack tidy.
After positioning and resizing each sphere I grounded them in the background using layer masks and stamped up.
I then used an image of wavelets in Whitby Harbour (Original 3) as a texture - in Multiply mode at 35% opacity.
The individual sphere groups were brought back to the top of the stack (being careful to keep the layer order as they were assembled) and reduced the opacity so that the wavelet texture was less prominent in the spheres.
Then stamped up and added a slight vignette.
If you're ever in Yorkshire, pay Sandsend a visit - you won't be disappointed!


This round’s discussion is now closed!
5 comments posted




Jan Handman   Jan Handman
Such a nice image Steve. You have a way with spheres! I love the painterly look of the background, and the texture you applied really enhances everything. I especially like the sphere with the rocks and houses. You did a great job of blending everything together and getting the "beach balls" to look like they're in the water. This does look like a wonderful place to visit, especially in the summer. Well done!   Posted: 08/09/2022 15:48:43
Steve Estill   Steve Estill
Thanks Jan
The shot with the pebbles and houses involved being prone on the ground - OK until getting back up again!
And it's a fine place to visit any time of year!   Posted: 08/10/2022 15:55:25



Gunter Haibach   Gunter Haibach
A very thought-provoking image - lots to see and enjoy. Technically first class - sharpness, exposure, and colours. I especially like how everything fits together.
As Creative is often such a personal experience and expression, I would not suggest any changes. But when I look at the image, another one slightly different pops into my mind. A version that would place the Beach Balls in a more relative position with the beautiful background. Not overlapping, but each in the location that relates to the overall scene - i.e.the wave ball a bit closer to the edge and bottom, the stone ball closer to the right edge, and the third ball on the right a bit further back and right. Can also play with the sizes a bit, if required. Anyway, not to take anything away from your picture, this might be an interesting version.   Posted: 08/11/2022 10:15:52



Frans Gunterus   Frans Gunterus
Steve, you know that I was not born to speak English. I just can not produce so much words like Jan and Gunter. But, I am in full agreement to what they said. One thing that I noticed your images are inspiring. I also play with the same glass ball. But, I never had an idea to combine those images like you did. You are a game-changer!   Posted: 08/16/2022 02:19:01



Candy Childrey   Candy Childrey
Steve, I love your "beach balls" floating around in the water. The balls are anchored in the water and blend in as if they all floated in together. The background with the texture is so perfect. Good work.   Posted: 08/16/2022 17:00:22