First Try - Overcooked? Most of you that have seen my dragons and damsels know they are pretty straightforward and meant to capture field markings for identifications. Many of you have...

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Most of you that have seen my dragons and damsels know they are pretty straightforward and meant to capture field markings for identifications. Many of you have posted photographs with treatments that are just amazing and beautiful. You have given me the courage to give it a go. So, I got this little app and gave it a try. I fear I may have gone a little overboard. It was fun though. Angela said it would be. I'd love some real constructive criticism. I can take it!
-Doc

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Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

They are great as abstract art.
Typically too much for my taste. Maybe I'm more of a realist.

angler Loc: StHelens England

I like the Doc,nice work.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

How terrific that you have found a new toy, Doc! You'll soon be as addicted as the rest of us

Regardless of pp effect, I always look at composition and subject first, and then decide whether the particular effect enhances the original mood or makes "sense." All subjective, obviously, and my opinion is #2 is a winner!

The golden colors of the dragon seem to come from the sun behind it; the composition is very appealing and interesting - with minimal distractions - as is the rest of the background bokeh. Quite striking!

Does this app allow for selective edits and/or changes to the degree of the effect?

Rob909 Loc: Orland, Ca.

I don't think you have anything to fear. They look pretty awesome to me, but all that really matters is whether you like them or not, and you had fun doing it.
What app did you use?

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Longshadow wrote:

They are great as abstract art.
Typically too much for my taste. Maybe I'm more of a realist.

I thought they were a little overdone too but they were fun. Thanks for your nice comment and for taking the time to look.
-Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

angler wrote:

I like the Doc,nice work.

Thanks Jim. Just thought I'd give it a try.
-Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Linda From Maine wrote:

How terrific that you have found a new toy, Doc! Y... (show quote)

Thanks for the encouraging comments Linda. I'm going to try some flower shots next and maybe tone it down a little. Yes, you can change the degree of the different effects.
-Doc

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Rob909 wrote:

I don't think you have anything to fear. They look pretty awesome to me, but all that really matters is whether you like them or not, and you had fun doing it.
What app did you use?

Thank you for the encouraging comments Rob. The app is called Specktrel. I was free!
-Doc

rockdog Loc: Berkeley, Ca.

docshark wrote:

Most of you that have seen my dragons and damsels know they are pretty straightforward and meant to capture field markings for identifications. Many of you have posted photographs with treatments that are just amazing and beautiful. You have given me the courage to give it a go. So, I got this little app and gave it a try. I fear I may have gone a little overboard. It was fun though. Angela said it would be. I'd love some real constructive criticism. I can take it!
-Doc

I like them very much. These go well beyond overcooked and quite successfully into artistic rendering. I think these efforts work best when they start with the kind of quality image you typically produce. I think you have succeeded here and I look forward to more.
Regards, Phil

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

rockdog wrote:

I like them very much. These go well beyond overcooked and quite successfully into artistic rendering. I think these efforts work best when they start with the kind of quality image you typically produce. I think you have succeeded here and I look forward to more.
Regards, Phil

Wow Phil that is really encouraging. I appreciate you taking the time to check them out. I'm going to try some flowers and see how they get. Thanks again and have a great day!
-Doc

tramsey Loc: Texas

HDR should be applied like a woman's make up; you don't even know it is there.

IMHO these are a tad overdone but still they are great photos. You have some great shots here

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

tramsey wrote:

HDR should be applied like a woman's make up; you don't even know it is there.

IMHO these are a tad overdone but still they are great photos. You have some great shots here

Thank you very much for you fine critique. I really appreciate you taking the time. I'm going to try it on some flowers. Where do you live in Texas? I shoot dragons near the Austin/Bergstrom airport when I visit my G-kids in Round Rock.
-Doc

angela k Loc: Long Island

Doc, these are fantastic and I'm so glad you took the leap of faith and gave it a try! Now you're going to be hooked!!!! Whatever program you used, you did a great job!! I love them all, but 2&3 are my favorites only because the composition is spot on!!! And now you know how it feels to play outside the box!!

tbell7D Loc: Houston

I would like to see your original images. I can tell you had some terrific photos there. As for myself, I tend to prefer realism, or what I call "enhanced realism", with just enough PP to bring out detail, remove unwanted objects, and make the colors pop. I know you had fun doing these, but especially for natural subjects like dragonflies, this type of processing just does not appeal to me. But this is simply my opinion, so if this is something you enjoy please continue to pursue your interest.