PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Before you delete....take a good look and see what possibilities might be in that image headed for "delete heaven". Sometimes, I "see" something, but it either doesn't come out as "seen" or the subject I wanted was hidden behind clutter.

The purpose of this challenge is to select an image you are considering for the "delete dump", use your creative eye, crop, find out what all those sliders in your processing program do and see what you come up with. Show us the original and then - go for it.

This first series is of a couple in a pizza parlor. I took the shot with camera on the table and it just wasn't quite in focus, exposure was off, but I liked it so - I tried working it.

Looking forward to seeing what you do with your pictures you might think can't be salvaged. I don't always like every image, but some would be suitable for ads, funky posters. Guarantee - you'll learn more about your processing programs in this exercise.

The Couple


The logo in the window


First pass - playing with sliders, color, saturation, definition


Moved it into another program and tried "edges"


Added the window logo, did some swirly brush stuff


Then used a filter called "solarize"

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Looks like you came up with a worthy and interesting photograph for your effort Pat. 8-)

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Thanks Bmac. Good to see you. I really had a ball and have a few more to post but not all at once :) You probably never have "deletes" you're so good!

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

One more example. The dandelion was really perched on the bottom of the frame - I just bent over and shot it knowing to lay on the ground would mean I'd still be there. But I liked it. Hmmm what could I do.

The original


This became part of it


Cut and pasted the dandelion to make a frame, blurred the sharp cut edges, added the dying dandelion as a layer put a shape around it and erased the center so just the head showed. Next, added some "rain" and a "spotlight" on the center.

(Download)

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

Okay, coincidentally I was just working on the photo I am posting here this evening. I took a tour of the Gillinder Glass Factory in Port Jervis, NY. So doing what every tourist does I took a few shots hoping to get something decent enough as a record shot. Lighting was horrible, it was hard to get any sort of uncluttered composition and I had time constraints. So much for the excuses.

Anyway the first image below, except for a minor crop, was as it came out of the camera. The second is my edit. First I ran it through a noise reduction as I knew that would be a problem........applied a pseudo HD effect to get some detail in the shadow areas.....selectively increased saturation in those colorful bits......toned down the bright window at the top and the lightbulb toward the middle.........sharpened a hair and increased structure for more detail.......then said a prayer and hit "save."

While not going on any wall, I was satisfied enough that I might show it to family to illustrate my trip.....lucky them. :mrgreen:

Settings: ISO 1600, 18mm, f/4, 1/60 second w/ugly factory lighting. 8-)

Please select download for full resolution.

(Download)


(Download)

Bmac Loc: Long Island, NY

I delete with a vengeance actually. :evil:

Roadrunner Loc: Quebec, Canada

Wow!

Roadrunner Loc: Quebec, Canada

Did this one, was nice but not typical Maine. So in the second one I added a Northeaster which is typical Maine

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

I downloaded and that is just too cool! I love the effect of a little HDR and almost a little "grunge". Looks very industrial.. Might be historically significant someday. Who knows!

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

I'll take that WOW! Been a long hard day and a WOW and seeing you and Bmac post, made my day, er night or something.

PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area

Now I'm seasick. Maybe the rocking of the waves will put me to sleep. ZZZZZZZZZZZ

Bushido Loc: No Where and Every Where

Looks like you are off and running Pat. I have around 10,000 shots that are not salvageable. Wonder how long it will take me go through them again.

dane004 Loc: WYOMING

PAT thanks for getting the challenge started, with such a great save very creative.

lhammer43 Loc: San Antonio, TX

Well, you've gone and done it now, Pat. I'm terrible at deleting figuring I may very well be able to do something to it and salvage it for some useful purpose. Now you've gone and reinforced my ridiculous reasoning. I've got lots to work with.

Seeing more house finches on the feed bags here recently. Shot this one through the kitchen blinds, but his head moved so was a little out of focus...

...delete right?


Naw! lets try sharpening, boosting brightess, & contrast and crop it.


now lets go all wierd on the color.


Another one of the same bird. Just can't get it focused to my liking. Probably should raise the blinds or get the tripod out...


try this crop and sharpen and pull the histogram sliders in a little from each side. Ah, there is a glint in his eye I hadn't seen.

suejay50 Loc: Devon, UK

pg 1 - the wave works - feeling a tad seasick now....
I delete all the time! Will pop over to the rubbish bin and see if I have anything to play with there still.....
Great start!