Different view of Ruddy Duck

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

bajadreamer

bajadreamer

Well-known member
Member's gallery
Normally I am not a big silhouette guy. The exception is if I can ID the bird just based on the silhouette. This is one of those birds; the tail gives the Ruddy Duck away. I expanded the canvas to the R to show more of the water trail and I brought up the blues in the water. Does this appeal to any one else? Did crop/addition of canvas help or hurt?
Ruddy-Duck-Whelan-Lake.jpg
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
 
Member's gallery
I like it, but can't help thinking the reflection could be more diluted. I'd offer more of a suggestion, but my photoshop skills are still on the bottom rung of the ladder. :cry:
 
Member's gallery
I really like this photo. The colour of the water seems perfect to me. Oztours suggestion of making the reflection more diluted appeals to me. But, my editing skills lack in this regard
 
Member's gallery
Thank you for the comments. Also not sure how to try that. It is almost pure black, so even bringing up the exposure does not make much difference. I tried to select only the reflection but there is no discernible line between duck and reflection. Maybe someone else has a suggestion for trying that.
 
Member's gallery
I tried to select only the reflection but there is no discernible line between duck and reflection. Maybe someone else has a suggestion for trying that.
Click to expand...

You could use the Pen Tool to make selection separating the top from the bottom. I think the use of motion blurs, possibly playing with a couple of layers worth could really help out with the reflections realism. I believe it was PIXImperfet that had a really great tutorial on this exact thing. Searches are my friend for fixing things like this. I am enamored with what all can be done in PS, I just can't recall how to do it when I need to apply it :(. I do however, think the pic is great as is.
 
Member's gallery
FWIW I love the colour of the water, that's perfect. I just think that the silhouette is too black (is that even a thing?) Is it possible to lighten the duck slightly perhaps by using the shadows slider? I don't know, I'm certainly no expert but that was my opinion straightaway.
 
Member's gallery
MorganP said:
Nice photo but I might try to bring down the darkness in the shadow to create more of a contrast between it and the duck.
Click to expand...
I have tried that, but with my PS skills, I just end up with the reflection muddy. Also, very difficult to select the reflection; not much of a distinction between duck and reflection even when zoomed way in.
 
Member's gallery
MorganP said:
The only thing that maters is do you like it.
Click to expand...
Oh I like it, but I have found many times that having fresh eyes look at one of my pictures will reveal something I had either overlooked or did not know how to do. When I took their suggestions, I either liked it better, or not. If not, I will go back to my original work up of the photo.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top