Peggy Nugent  


Daydreamer by Peggy Nugent

January 2022 - Daydreamer

January 2022 - Peggy Nugent

Original

January 2022 - Peggy Nugent

Original 2

January 2022 - Peggy Nugent

Original 3

About the Image(s)

I had this capture of the same model as in my last month's image from a portrait workshop I took this summer. I wanted to make a light, colorful image with it. I started with the background of the sand dunes at dawn, partly because I liked their rosy glow with her pink hair. I masked her in, having her walking through the grass. Then I masked in a cloud at low opacity to make it look like fog surrounding her, which softened the background.
Her black outfit stood out too much, so I started over on her, lightening her outfit and adding the green. That also gave me the opportunity to restore the lower part of her picture, which had been masked out for the grass.
It felt unfinished, so I thought of adding something to create a frame. After a number of tries, I came up with the forest background. I had a version of that with a Topaz Impression filter that softened and lightened it. I added it below the model's layer at lowered opacity.
I then applied a Topaz Impression filter (Degas) to give it a softer, artistic look, and adjusted colors. The background was still too busy around the edges so I blurred it.


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




Brad Becker   Brad Becker
Peggy, I enjoyed hearing your process for this image. It feels complete. I have no suggestions for improvement as I feel you've nailed it. Beautiful, evocative image.   Posted: 01/09/2022 11:54:06
Peggy Nugent   Peggy Nugent
Thanks very much, Brad!   Posted: 01/26/2022 13:06:09



Aavo Koort   Aavo Koort
Beautiful image. You worked for it. I wondered how it would look if you made the cloud area smaller leaving just a
halo around her and filling that area with the forest background including the tunnel. Just a thought.   Posted: 01/14/2022 18:17:58
Peggy Nugent   Peggy Nugent
Thanks, Aavo! Interesting suggestion. I gave it a try here. I get the idea of her carrying her own dreamlike atmosphere in a more realistic setting, but for me the contrast is too great.   Posted: 01/26/2022 13:34:01
Peggy Nugent   Peggy Nugent
One of my earlier versions had more of the grass and forest, but I felt it was too busy.
I do appreciate the suggestion, though. It's always helpful to have a look with fresh eyes.   Posted: 01/26/2022 13:37:00
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This is just lovely! Her hair fits in so well with the color of the sky from the dunes and the green from the woodland is perfect. Have you tried more of a green for her dress - perhaps a closer match with the woodland?
Beautifully executed - well done!   Posted: 01/14/2022 18:55:46
Peggy Nugent   Peggy Nugent
Thanks, Peter! Great suggestion! I think this works better. I also tried darkening it to be like the darker greens, but the brightness of the background competed too much.   Posted: 01/26/2022 13:47:57
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Maria Mazo   Maria Mazo
Hi Peggy, I like this image that you have created, I really enjoy the painting effect it has, for me the colours merge well and the contemplative pose of the girl finishes the image. Thanks you for giving all the details of the editing process
It has been very illustrative and this image is a very good example of transformation and creation of a lovely image.   Posted: 01/22/2022 15:39:36
Peggy Nugent   Peggy Nugent
Thanks, Maria!   Posted: 01/26/2022 13:48:24