https://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting-data//500/39950F8S6266a.jpg
Help!
I've spent hours and maybe days trying to make this image what I want. Perhaps the issue is that the time of day, and my technique in capturing the the image leave something to be desired.
What I'm looking for is advice on how to make it pop more.
Issues I've noticed include noise in the sky and blocked up shadows in the bush when I try levels adjusting.
I've tried "highlight/shadow" but it was too much too.
Shot with a Canon 1Ds Mark II, tripod, I use CS4 for editing.
I've tried noise reducing to smoothen the sky, but it still remains blochy. Client really wants a 20x30 and I'm about to say that's not possible.
I've recently tried put grain on as a layer to 'unify' the image and hide the blochy-ness of the sky. This is the most challenging sky I have ever had since the color gradient is so very very gradual.
Suggestions?
I have Lightroom too, but I've not been happy with it either. Probably operator error.
This is I think my first time posting to this forum so let me know if I need to add something. I did also post an edited version which I like, but I'm not estatic about it.
Thanks for your note and helpful advice. I had forgotten about the 'multiply' mode. Still the sky appears blochy going from blue to red. Perhaps there is nothing to be done about that. Shoot film someone will say, and scan hi-res
I dont have your orginal file so i cant really see what you can push but have you try increasing the color saturation to bring out the colors ? It looks much more vibrant.
I'm thinking seeing the original or the full-sized jpeg is probably the best way to go. Maybe you can post a link or email copies. I see more noise, then "blotches", perhaps from the added "grain" and heightened by the multiply effect.
Thanks for the comments above and from others.
I think it turns out to be a matter of expectation. Anything I do saturation or otherwise is going to bring out the blochiness during the color shift from pink to blue. Plus the printer I used could not handle the contrast.
I've reworked it to a more subtle shift of colors and dodged the blocking up of the blacks in the brushy foreground.
When the prints get back I'll know if it worked.
Hope you don't mind - played a bit with it in LightZone - moon is crappy -didn't take the time to mask properly but anyway - NR in sky then blur to mask the mottling, readjusted some luminosity, etc...
It may not be what you want to do or what your client wants, but my inclination would be to clone out the small wisps of grass in the left foreground. They seem to distract from what is otherwise a great image.
Wow, thanks to everyone for the great thoughtful replies. The cloning of grass etc will of course be done. I did try the layers and masking, also the gausian blur, but I may not have tried it in the right order or to the right level. SO I'll try it again. I think it was or is a interesting challenge because a, of it's subtleness and b, it's not changing the "reality" of the shot but trying to capture it in a faithful way.
If I go away from it for a day and try again, I'll have a fresh perspective.
Thanks again to all.
Mark S.
PS I'm also considering what to print it on, as that may mask the "problem", like canvas or other textured papers. But I can not print a 20x30 at home (for now) I've found a lot of canvas printers but are there many online, who will print on papers other than the matte or luster, at that size?
Guess that is a new topic.
Mark,
For the printing issue, why not post on the Printing and Post-Processing Forum.
I have had (limited) experience with Canvas On Demand with good results with their gallery wrap. I doubt any noise would be an issue on canvas.
Scott
jemark wrote:
Wow, thanks to everyone for the great thoughtful replies. The cloning of grass etc will of course be done. I did try the layers and masking, also the gausian blur, but I may not have tried it in the right order or to the right level. SO I'll try it again.
Be aware, in addition to order, the pixel size of the blur matters and can be fussy. Too small and the blur doesn't completely smooth the noise. Too large and it can leave an obvious edge between the blurred portion and the not blurred part.
You can also try the luminosity painting technique to bring out the contours in the dunes. Create a new layer filled with 50% gray in overlay mode. Paint with black to darken and white to lighten.
