magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I've been following Linda's "Do We Need A Separate PP Section' post with interest. Regulars will know I use the section for getting my composites critiqued, and there was a fairly even split on whether such things should be considered 'pp'. Whilst it's convenient for me to say 'of course it's pp, it didn't happen in camera', I do see both sides of the argument. With that in mind, the attached is a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop pp, with a small amount of compositing and a large amount of 'pp'. Does this interest you? If so, would you like to know more about how this sort of thing is achieved, or would you prefer to leave a comment and move on - after all, not everyone has the time to get into this stuff too deeply. The original is posted so you can see where it started and measure the work involved. More than the regular Lightroom adjustments we all make to our raw files, but a lot of it could have been achieved in Lightroom had Ps not been available (with the exception of the composited changes of course). I would really appreciate you taking the time to respond.

(Download)


(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks very much for your support, Dave, and for all you do for UHH. We've had a flurry of new topics today; in fact there are now so many, not all will make it into the Digest (victims of our success - ha).

A couple of observations: since her hat feathers disappear into the sign, perhaps change to red or something else to bring them back to our attention? Afraid I'm not a fan of the sunglasses/goggles. I would like to see less color in the area she's standing and, finally, no fog. For me that is just a distraction. Or maybe it needs even more to make a dramatic statement? Right now, I don't understand its purpose. Everything above that is very engaging.

As always, I am in awe of your imagination as well as your skills. Who would think to lower the sign and include that light?! Those kinds of details make your work so very interesting.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Crikey, remove a Steampunk’s goggles Linda, that would never do, it’s part of their trademark! Agree on the less colour at ground level, and more fog. Both would help.

As you are inundated with topics, please fell free to remove this one and I’ll stick it up when things quieten again

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I wouldn't call six topics "inundated" exactly Let's see which make it to the digest (I have no control over that). Thanks!

Sorry about not understanding the importance of the goggles

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

You're probably old enough to have caught steam trains in the past, I have, and one of those things you don't forget is cinders in your eyes.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

You probably missed the moon too?

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I well remember, as a child, running to the bridge in Richmond to watch the steam train go through - and getting the most searing pain in my eye. I couldn’t believe it had happened to me! Put me off steam engines until much later in life when I went to the same bridge to watch the engine hauling Churchill’s coffin go by - having just returned from paying my respects at Westminster, where he lay in state. Queued all night.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

My two cents, I like the image. We have a steam train here in Delaware and taking my children (and now, grandchildren) on it are magical, nostalgic experiences. I have a great admiration for someone who can create the image that you have here. It would fit well in some of the old DuPont mansions hereabouts.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Of course our composites are PP! How else might we have created them? I think this is a great place to discuss them, and get technical feedback from others. Composites are so complex, and there are so many little nooks and crannies for problems to hide. Extra eyes are a huge benefit. So please keep on posting your creations.

To my view, anything that has been or one wishes to be edited in any way with any editing tool is fair game for display, and any concept, tool or technique is fair game for discussion.

I like your steampunk lady (though I find her a little creepy even in the original), with all her accessories (goggles, fog, light fixture, etc).

I've seen inquiries on the Main section about how to enhance fog, so a few words about how you created the fog might be of interest to more than just me.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I think you should keep posting such work. Each viewer can do with it as he wants, look and leave, comment, ask how it was done, suggest changes.

Specific to the pp image, overall it is great a solid and subtle moving around of objects and light. I do not like the "fog" at all, which I understand is a Topaz effect. I suggest you make your own, as it is an important element deserving of the attention you spend with everything else.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I can imagine the setting you suggest - that’s what really makes a subject like this.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Alutepena (the model) would be a bit prickly if I told her she was creepy Min. Might avoid that!
Regards the ‘fog’. I think it is a bit underdone, as Linda intimates. I’ll probably add more.
I used the Phlearn fog brush. Secret to getting a good effect seems to be varying both opacity and size as you lay it in. Changing the brush from white to black allows shadow areas to be created and can also correct any overdone light areas. Always on a separate layer so if you don’t like it, dump it and start again.
Meanwhile the lady has seen it and is quite thrilled with it - but that may be due to nobody else sending any yet. These cosplay people put so much effort into helping you get a decent shot, it always humbles me.

Many thanks for your thoughts on compositing, it does seem we have quite a few enthusiasts in the section, I’m pleased to note.