Rita Johnston  

Only at Christmas by Rita Johnston

January 2025 - Only at Christmas

January 2025 - Rita Johnston

Original

About the Image(s)

This photo I took at Christmas time at the end of the day celebration. I loved the attitudes expressed and the personalities expressed. I took it with a iPhone 13 pro max, exp 1/40, F 5.7, and handheld to capture the moment. In processing it I had to increase the image size (due to the iPhone capture), used adobe camera raw to adjust light and colors, and then in topaz denoised it. Much time was spent in Topaz AI to try to increase the size and improve it, and I ended up with a real distorted photo. So I started over. I wanted to give it a vintage look, and finally concluded with this Soft Sepia filter in Nik Silver Effects. I looked for a color vintage or yellow filter, and could not find it in the Nik Color program in my version. If anyone knows of a better antique or vintage filter that would be appropriate, please let me know. Considering it for a holiday or people category in local contests. All comments appreciated!

7 comments posted

Connie Reinhart   Connie Reinhart
Just love the expressions and body language! You must have had a very merry Christmas! AI Gigpixel does a great job enlarging photographs. It even does some denoising. Your crop is excellent, removing some very distracting elements and focusing on that great group of people. I looked for sepia filters in PS and NIK, but found nothing nearly as good as what you have done.   Posted: 01/08/2025 19:44:47
Rita Johnston   Rita Johnston
Thank you for your comments and looking for other filters.   Posted: 01/08/2025 23:17:01
Denise McKay   Denise McKay
Rita - to me this image is reminiscent of a film photograph taken in the 70's. The wood paneled walls, blinds on the windows, etc. Since you were wanting a vintage look, I would embrace that and not just go for a color cast, but take it into Nik Analog Efex and look for a film simulation you might like. I've attached one called Burnt Edges which adds grain and also puts somewhat of a frame around the edges with a little bit of light leaks, like from an old camera. Each filter is totally customizable so you can play to your heart's content to create what you want.

I also suggest a tighter crop to draw people closer to those expressions that prompted you to take this shot in the first place. Just some thoughts to enhance this fun photo.   Posted: 01/14/2025 15:36:49
Comment Image
Rita Johnston   Rita Johnston
Thank you! I had never looked at that package before! Let me explore some and appreciate your suggestion.   Posted: 01/14/2025 20:33:07
Jan Handman   Jan Handman
This image is full of attitude Rita. You did a good job as photographer to get everyone to put on their most fun expression. Using a vintage filter seems like a must for this photo. Family dynamics par excellence!   Posted: 01/17/2025 21:38:42
Rita Johnston   Rita Johnston
Oh, it was all their real attitude! I just took the photo. Thanks so much.   Posted: 01/20/2025 21:55:41
Carol Watson   Carol Watson
Hi Rita, you have captured a fun image here. I like Denise's suggested crop to concentrate more on peoples expressions. I wouldn't try adding too many treatments as it may detract from the expressions and interactions.   Posted: 01/22/2025 09:56:41

 

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