I'd say you've got the hang of it, Joe. Levels, color correction, and sharpness are the extent of my abilities to perform. This series and your work is BIG!
Suffice it to say that I've spent a lot of time at my computer with a stylus in my hand and a tablet on which to create to my hearts content. I was with a friend of mine today and we discussed this methodology of presenting birds. There are many layers involved from BG to decorative elements to subjects, all of which has to be photographed as individual images, then manipulated according to what's in my mind then the subjects added and blended together. If you don't like Photoshop, then don't even give this a moments thought. The interpretation (if you wish to do that) is up to the viewer but it probably won't coincide with the creator's so take these at face value. You either like them or you don't. Perfectly OK either way.
The first one is pure fantasy. The second one in this set can be interpreted in so many ways and it could be fun. The last one I gave a lot of thought to. The flower is Queen Anne's Lace. Because of it's position within the frame, it appears to be the light source so I had to find a bird or birds that were lit from that direction. When I came across the Waxwings it became so apparent that I had found the right ones. I hope you like all three even if only a little. Thanks for viewing.
Suffice it to say that I've spent a lot of time at... (show quote)