Janet Pieper
February 2025 - Ice Creature
Original
About the Image(s)
The title is Ice Creature. It was taken after an ice storm where everything was coated in a layer of ice. This looked like a whimsical flying creature to me.
It was taken with a Nikon DSLR. F4, 1/320-second, ISO 100.
I used Topaz to denoise and upscale the image. I then used On1 software to sharpen just the ice. I also increased the contrast of the ice, and brought it to a lighter color.
I darkened and blurred the background, and added a slight blue tint. Finally, I added a vignette. It was challenging to select just the ice, but I wanted it to really pop from the background.
I’m interested in any and all comments and suggestions.
6 comments posted
I see why you call this 'Ice Creature'! It is a great example of how to change the center of focus and get the viewer to see what you see. Having the original and the final product makes the changes clear. Posted: 02/05/2025 11:28:06
The Ice Creature looks really cool! On thought is use a small brush to mask in a few areas of sparkle by increasing exposure or using white/highlight sliders. I am not familiar with On1 but a subtle glow or sun flare might work too. I like the idea of the blue color correction. My only thought is perhaps the vignette darkens the background too much, although it does give the image a more sinister feel for the Ice Creature. Perhaps try moving dehaze and clarity sliders to the left to soften even more of the background detail in the background mask. Posted: 02/06/2025 16:12:35
Janet Pieper
I tried some of your suggestions. I added some highlights in the ice, and a very subtle sun flare. I also brought down the contrast in the background and blurred it a very little bit more. Thoughts? I'm not sure which one I like better. Posted: 02/06/2025 18:26:40
In my opinion this is much better. the sharp lines of the background branches are less distracting and the ice has a bit more sparkle. Posted: 02/07/2025 00:58:09
Janet Pieper
Thanks for all your suggestions. I decided to try adding a little more sparkle and sun flare. Too much?
I was hoping for this kind of discussion in this group. All opinions are welcome! Posted: 02/07/2025 17:36:04
I was hoping for this kind of discussion in this group. All opinions are welcome! Posted: 02/07/2025 17:36:04
Hi Janet. I love to have you in this group. Like you. I love editing my images. Your editing workflow is so much like my approach. I love your first edit and I would not make any changes. Posted: 02/15/2025 09:10:03