Need to not go too far
Aug 21, 2020 20:08:12 #
I have been using the "detail selector" in NIK for some time, and now I have the Topaz Sharpen. I have used one image and done it in all the configurations of these various treatments. What I do NOT want to do is create "overcooked" images. I do want to bring out as much detail in an image as I can. So, I'd like your reactions to these images and your honest opinions as to whether or not they look natural or overcooked and which might actually be the best. I've included the original so that you know where I started.
This is the original image that has been treated with my normal "clarity and contrast" in LR I also took the highlights down a bit as the clouds got really hot.
(Download)
This is the above image, but now processed through NIK's detail extractor.
(Download)
This is the original image processed with Topaz Sharpen, at about 45%
(Download)
This has been processed with both NIK detail extractor and Topaz Sharpen (at about 40%)
(Download)
Aug 21, 2020 20:50:09 #
Aug 21, 2020 20:51:34 #
Aug 21, 2020 21:01:13 #
It looks like you're having great success Kathy. The improvements are subtle, certainly not overcooked. 
Aug 21, 2020 21:08:21 #
Kathy, this is a beautiful picture in each display. You will need someone with better vision than me to even pick out the differences in the various versions, but none of them appear overcooked to me.
Aug 21, 2020 21:24:41 #
vicksart wrote:
It looks like you're having great success Kathy. The improvements are subtle, certainly not overcooked.
Thanks, Vicki. I appreciate the comment.
Aug 21, 2020 21:27:31 #
UTMike wrote:
Kathy, this is a beautiful picture in each display. You will need someone with better vision than me to even pick out the differences in the various versions, but none of them appear overcooked to me.
That's good to know. I recently posted an image that folks seemed to think was. So I got concerned I was becoming addicted to that look. Thank you.
Aug 21, 2020 23:44:12 #
AzPicLady wrote:
That's good to know. I recently posted an image that folks seemed to think was. So I got concerned I was becoming addicted to that look. Thank you.
Remember what Linda from Maine says - it is your picture, you do what you like with it.
Aug 21, 2020 23:56:25 #
Hi Kathy, these look all very good to me - I wish we would have a feature to put pictures side-by-side, I have a very hard time selecting photos when I have to go back and forth, that's when I find the selective side-by-sides in Lr to be a real blessing. From what my old brain can still discern, I would say I like #4 the best, seems to have the most contrast/sharpness - does that make sense? I am probably the worst offender in this category, am trying to hold back but almost always end up being near to if not on the overcooked side..... Joe
Aug 22, 2020 04:40:27 #
Here's another set of opinions for the mix. To my eye the Nik adjustments have added a harshness to the image that's not necessary. I would say that the Nik images are right on the edge of being overcooked. To my eye the Topaz adjustments look better, probably because it's just sharpened the shot and nothing else.
My guess is that the best results would be got from using Topaz and adding just a bit more contrast while keeping the highlights subdued, possibly followed up with some local adjustments, for example to add more sharpening, saturation and a touch of Clarity to the foreground grass.
I think it's a good idea to remember that sharpening is just one aspect of adding vividness to a shot. Contrast/clarity and saturation are two more ways to add vividness. Depending on any one of those will make us more inclined to overdo things and end up with an overcooked look. Two or three subtle adjustments are far more likely to produce good results than pushing just one adjustment.
My guess is that the best results would be got from using Topaz and adding just a bit more contrast while keeping the highlights subdued, possibly followed up with some local adjustments, for example to add more sharpening, saturation and a touch of Clarity to the foreground grass.
I think it's a good idea to remember that sharpening is just one aspect of adding vividness to a shot. Contrast/clarity and saturation are two more ways to add vividness. Depending on any one of those will make us more inclined to overdo things and end up with an overcooked look. Two or three subtle adjustments are far more likely to produce good results than pushing just one adjustment.
Aug 22, 2020 06:59:28 #
I can't really see any difference between #1 and #3; maybe I need another hour to wake up 
#4 is a little harsh for me. It seems similar to what many on UHH post as their preferred reality, though, so if it wasn't your work (you don't usually post photos that look edited), I wouldn't think anything was amiss. The harshness of the climate/location and time of day definitely supports your edit IMO.
I like #2 overall but would prefer less effect in the clouds. It seems like a fluffy, soft cloud kind of day.
Kathy, I hope you continue to explore this area. I know you sell photos and must have a good sense of what the public desires vs. what personal style you want to share. Thanks for posting!
#4 is a little harsh for me. It seems similar to what many on UHH post as their preferred reality, though, so if it wasn't your work (you don't usually post photos that look edited), I wouldn't think anything was amiss. The harshness of the climate/location and time of day definitely supports your edit IMO.
I like #2 overall but would prefer less effect in the clouds. It seems like a fluffy, soft cloud kind of day.
Kathy, I hope you continue to explore this area. I know you sell photos and must have a good sense of what the public desires vs. what personal style you want to share. Thanks for posting!
Aug 22, 2020 07:01:59 #
R.G. wrote:
An excellent observation, R.G. and why it's so worthwhile to learn layers and layer masks or other preferred methods of selective editing. Part of MinnieV's secret sauce is a combination of two Nik Color Efex filters with lots of masking, based on what's in the image and how she wants to present it.... Two or three subtle adjustments are far more likely to produce good results than pushing just one adjustment.
Aug 22, 2020 07:05:50 #
Aug 22, 2020 08:46:29 #
They look good to me Kathy - nothing overcooked in my view. I'm a big fan of Topaz Sharpen, and stabilize can produce almost miraculous results.
Aug 22, 2020 10:00:19 #
UTMike wrote:
Remember what Linda from Maine says - it is your picture, you do what you like with it.
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