Connie Reinhart
July 2024 - Red Leaves
Original
About the Image(s)
This was taken in our backyard, and I always liked the lighting. First, I retouched a bright spot in the bottom left. Then I used NIK Color Effects contrast color range to emphasize the color. That seemed to reduce the detail on the leaves, so I added Color Effects detail extractor to bring that detail back. I added a color border to make the image stand out against our background. If this photo were to be framed, there would be no added border.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
Connie, it takes marked awareness to find the beauty in all stages of exidtence. You have documented that beauty.
I do love the colars in your image, well as the curves that the leaves make as they slowly wave goodbuy to the new life that will soon make its debue.
To my eye, the mostly even appearence of most foreground and background, detracts from the subject of the leaves. To me, your image could gain in value with a painterly preset. So I repeated your steps on the original, and applied Topez Impession 2 with a Georga O'Keefe 2 preset. Posted: 07/06/2024 15:55:15
I do love the colars in your image, well as the curves that the leaves make as they slowly wave goodbuy to the new life that will soon make its debue.
To my eye, the mostly even appearence of most foreground and background, detracts from the subject of the leaves. To me, your image could gain in value with a painterly preset. So I repeated your steps on the original, and applied Topez Impession 2 with a Georga O'Keefe 2 preset. Posted: 07/06/2024 15:55:15
Oooh. Very nice. I lost Topaz Studio when I got a new computer. I really miss is. Posted: 07/12/2024 19:16:39
I like this composition and how the branch and leaves drape down from the left top and into the frame making a nice composition. That movement felt to me like it could be more delicate and soft, even though I'm sure these leaves were actually crisp in texture. Like Georgianne, I thought a darker background would help make the leaves stand out but I also liked the green from the tree needles and didn't want to lose them. So I played with this using the following edits:
In Lightroom I masked the background and reduced the exposure.
In Topaz Studio 2 I used two filters, Abstraction and Smudge. I made adjustments to each filter to soften the textures but not lose them completely and add a kind of smoothness to the overall image.
Nice job capturing this composition and light on this scene.
Posted: 07/09/2024 16:25:27
In Lightroom I masked the background and reduced the exposure.
In Topaz Studio 2 I used two filters, Abstraction and Smudge. I made adjustments to each filter to soften the textures but not lose them completely and add a kind of smoothness to the overall image.
Nice job capturing this composition and light on this scene.
Posted: 07/09/2024 16:25:27
Oh, I like this too. Why couldn't I see what darkening the background would do? Posted: 07/12/2024 19:18:42
Very nice image. I like how you brought out the colors on the finished image against the dark background. Posted: 07/19/2024 21:04:39
Hi Connie, this has lovely composition and I really like your processing. I like Denise's version with a darkened background, it really enhances the beautiful form and colour of the leaves. Posted: 07/25/2024 00:15:35
I agree with all of the previous statements. The cascading composition is what makes the shot so nice. My only suggestion would be to repair the holes in the leaf on the top left, in addition to darkening the background a bit. My eye keeps getting pulled there. The lighting in your backyard is lovely. Posted: 07/28/2024 03:00:17
Hi Connie, I really like the composition you have captured of the cascading leaves and the vibrant colours. I agree with Denise that slightly softening and darkening the background makes the leaves stand out more. Posted: 07/28/2024 08:20:08