Background? No background? Your thoughts.. (Page 3): I agree. Stan...

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Background? No background? Your thoughts...

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Oct 9, 2021 10:18:43 #

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Longshadow wrote:

I like the darker background more. It helps accent the steam engine. The brighter background seems to detract from the engine, especially on the right.

Maybe try half as dark to see how that looks?

I agree.

Stan

Oct 9, 2021 10:48:03 #

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

BrentHarder wrote:

I'm thinking like most of the other UHH photographers, to punch out some of the photo and use some dodge and burn to select what you want to enhance and not to enhance. Would you mind if I played with your photo and show you what I'm thinking?

Would love to see what you come up with - go right ahead!

Oct 9, 2021 11:07:05 #

griffzky

I actually like the background in the upper left hand corner, it adds interest and nostalgia. However, the background in the upper righthand corner makes it hard to discern where the engine ends and the background starts, so I would eliminate the upper right and keep the upper left.

Oct 9, 2021 11:20:05 #

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

#1 looks richer IMHO. As for Timmers comment... If you add a nekkid lady she should be straddling that steamer like Dr. Strangelove. I know some will ask... who is that?

Oct 9, 2021 11:22:44 #

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Real Nikon Lover wrote:

#1 looks richer IMHO. As for Timmers comment... If you add a nekkid lady she should be straddling that steamer like Dr. Strangelove. I know some will ask... who is that?

PS-A bit of California history... the number one cause of "disasters" in California from 1800-1900 was steamer boiler explosions on ships and other conveyances. I always flash back on that factoid when I see steamer driven equipment.

Oct 9, 2021 11:23:19 #

tommystrat Loc: Bigfork, Montana

rwm283main wrote:

You might want to try a Gaussian blur to the background. Duplicate the original, apply the Gaussian blur filter to the copy layer (you can preview the amount of blur as you go) then using a layer mask bring back the engine using the brush tool. Have fun! Rich

I like the idea of blurring the background in #2 to accent the engine and reduce the "clutter" of the original background. I used a slightly different blur process than the one Rich suggested, but here's what I came up with...

(Download)

Oct 9, 2021 11:30:07 #

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I think you nailed it with the first one. Normally I have a bit of trouble deciding what I like but this one was easy. Dark background all the way, I wouldn't even try half way, dark just works.

Oct 9, 2021 11:35:36 #

Stash Loc: South Central Massachusetts

I like the first. The second with the background I find distracting. It takes away from the subject, the locomotive.

Oct 9, 2021 12:24:57 #

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

I prefer the first photo. The dark background makes the engine stand out and gives it a dramatic effect. True, the second photo shows a bit more detail, but the background is distracting.

Oct 9, 2021 13:03:44 #

Horseart Loc: Alabama

I LOVE the dark background, but I am an artist of the paint and brush kind, so don't feed too much into what I say about photography. I am a little more about art than photography.

Oct 9, 2021 13:04:48 #