My husband and I had a trip to the sea cliffs of North Yorkshire in April where there is a large colony of gannets. We had a couple of days capturing images of these beautiful sea birds. I thought I would combine a couple and give them a fine art feel. The images were taken with my Olympus OM-1 with a 40 -150mm lens with a 2X converter. The camera settings were auto focus, f5.6, 1/3200s, ISO 1250. The following changes were made in Photoshop after initial processing in Camera Raw:
I extended the canvas of one of the original images and then I placed the second bird in the position I wanted and blended the two images together, adjusting the colour balance and curves to match the images.
I then made a stamp layer and masked off the birds.
I then added 3 of my own textures over the background in different blend modes and opacities.
I added a further 2 textures on top of the birds, both in soft blend mode but at different opacities. I masked off some of the textures over the birds.
I made a colour adjustment and added a vignette and finally I did a bit of noise reduction in Topaz.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 12 comments posted
Georgianne Giese
Carol, this is stunning. You turned ordinary images of birds into a real work of art. It looks like the two birds are in a bird ballet.
I have not noticed anything to add or take away. Posted: 07/06/2024 15:18:07
Carol Watson
Thanks Georgianne Posted: 07/28/2024 08:46:54
Denise McKay
I really like this image Carol. The color tones are very soothing and the positioning of the birds makes this interesting to look at. Are they dancing, are they spying some dinner down below, are they seeking out a quiet place to land? Beautiful job. Posted: 07/06/2024 20:35:40
Carol Watson
Thanks Denise Posted: 07/28/2024 08:47:24
Connie Reinhart
What a beautiful job! The birds look like they are dancing a romantic ballet. Your masking is flawless. The birds in the final version have much softer shadows, a small detail but important to the final interpretation. Perfect. Posted: 07/12/2024 18:50:12
Carol Watson
Thanks Connie Posted: 07/28/2024 08:47:51
Rita Johnston
Carol, you made it into a work of art. Like the others, I cannot recommend any changes. A beautiful job! Posted: 07/19/2024 20:57:50
Carol Watson
Thanks Rita Posted: 07/28/2024 08:48:09
Mary Hinsen
Hi Carol - I agree with everyone else's comments - this is stunning! Each original capture was good, but your vision and processing have really made this into a fine art piece. Posted: 07/25/2024 00:07:31
Carol Watson
Thanks Mary Posted: 07/28/2024 08:48:30
Jan Handman
The original photos are well shot. You did a great job of masking and combining the birds. Creating the darker blue edges was a brilliant idea, taking the piece into the realm of fine art for sure. Posted: 07/28/2024 03:10:33
