Heron Reflection
Jan 13, 2019 17:59:01 #
kenievans
Loc: Dallas
I added the heron to this photo and I am trying to create the reflection. I added a duplicate layer of the heron, flipped it horizontally, decreased the opacity and used the warp to stretch it out. I still don't think it looks quite right but I can't figure out what I need to do to correct it. Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
Jan 13, 2019 18:15:22 #
Given the low angle of light, I wonder if the back half should be shadow - darker, with less contrast in the ripples. Interesting how situations like this make me realize how little I pay attention to the details in a live scene 
The overall light is gorgeous, the designs in the water mesmerizing.
The overall light is gorgeous, the designs in the water mesmerizing.
Jan 13, 2019 18:25:10 #
Jan 13, 2019 18:39:59 #
Visually the subject of your image is the bright area of water which completely overwhelms the underexposed heron and barely visible reflection. To achieve your goal you are going to have to make your subject more visible as a central focus of the photograph. Hope this makes sense. The picture has potential, but is considerably underexposed in my opinion. 
Jan 13, 2019 18:51:34 #
kenievans
Loc: Dallas
Bmac wrote:
Visually the subject of your image is the bright area of water which completely overwhelms the underexposed heron and barely visible reflection. To achieve your goal you are going to have to make your subject more visible as a central focus of the photograph. Hope this makes sense. The picture has potential, but is considerably underexposed in my opinion.
I had originally lightened the heron but he looked pasted on. Maybe I went too light or I need to change the white balance. I will play with him some more since I have the reflection down. Thank you.
Jan 14, 2019 12:24:32 #
The reflection would appear more natural if it was moved to the right. An object and it's reflection should line up with the view point. Notice in the included picture, all the reflections are in line with the point of view. I like what you have done to get the reflection to look natural, hopefully this will help. By the way, I think you are one of the more creative members on UHH.
Jan 14, 2019 12:30:59 #
kenievans
Loc: Dallas
Jerry G wrote:
The reflection would appear more natural if it was moved to the right. An object and it's reflection should line up with the view point. Notice in the included picture, all the reflections are in line with the point of view. I like what you have done to get the reflection to look natural, hopefully this will help. By the way, I think you are one of the more creative members on UHH.
Jerry thank you so much!
I never noticed that the reflection of the reeds went in another direction. I was trying to match him up with the light direction. I will have to stretch him the other way. I appreciate so much how helpful the folks on UHH are.
Jan 14, 2019 13:40:58 #
Jerry G wrote:
What a great observation and tip The reflection would appear more natural if it was moved to the right. An object and it's reflection should line up with the view point. Notice in the included picture, all the reflections are in line with the point of view. I like what you have done to get the reflection to look natural, hopefully this will help. By the way, I think you are one of the more creative members on UHH.
Jan 14, 2019 17:08:42 #
kenievans wrote:
I added the heron to this photo and I am trying to create the reflection. I added a duplicate layer of the heron, flipped it horizontally, decreased the opacity and used the warp to stretch it out. I still don't think it looks quite right but I can't figure out what I need to do to correct it. Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
I'm not an expert at creating shadow or reflections. The technique you used seems sound. The only comment that I have is that it might be more impactful if the bird were placed in the brighter area. As it is presented, the bird seems to meld with the background.
Erich
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