Help with Blah image
Jan 9, 2014 10:45:41 #
Psergel wrote:
Original included.
If I remember correctly the tree was about 20-30 feet from the base of the little hill behind it. The lens was set to 85mm and f8.
This was in NM where the sun is kind of unkind.
If I remember correctly the tree was about 20-30 feet from the base of the little hill behind it. The lens was set to 85mm and f8.
This was in NM where the sun is kind of unkind.
The exif wasn't in the image you downloaded (maybe stripped by your pp program). Can you get closer and try f/5.6 or less?
Jan 9, 2014 10:46:18 #
If you could have shot from a lower angle to use the sky as a background, it would be an easier fix.
Jan 9, 2014 11:21:10 #
Dianakkb wrote:
I hope I assumed correctly, that you didn't mind some help with the image. I just gave it a little WOW effect with Smart Photo Editor. Does this help? Seems to stand out more.
I don't mind at all and thank you for the help.
Jan 9, 2014 11:24:04 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
The exif wasn't in the image you downloaded (maybe stripped by your pp program). Can you get closer and try f/5.6 or less?
Hmmmm....I'll have to see if I can figure out why the EXIF data isn't there. If I export from Lightroom to a JPEG and upload it to Flickr, the exif data is always there. With the exception of resizing....I did the same thing with the file I posted to UHH.
My computer challenge for the day I guess.
Jan 9, 2014 11:25:42 #
SonyA580 wrote:
If you could have shot from a lower angle to use the sky as a background, it would be an easier fix.
That might be the best idea and I'll keep it in mind the next time I'm wandering through the desert taking pictures.
Thanks
Jan 9, 2014 11:30:05 #
Dianakkb wrote:
I hope I assumed correctly, that you didn't mind some help with the image. I just gave it a little WOW effect with Smart Photo Editor. Does this help? Seems to stand out more.
This is a quick and dirty attempt: I darkened the background and brought up the vibrance and clarity of the main subject. I could have masked this for much better results, but didn't have time.
Jan 9, 2014 11:30:23 #
Nikocarol wrote:
Hahaha...I can total relate. ;o) I am wondering if processing in b&w would be a good choice.I have to run now but will try when I get home this evening.
Depending on F stop I wonder if you shot this at f2 or the largest F number you have to blur out backround a bit...what did you shot this at?
Depending on F stop I wonder if you shot this at f2 or the largest F number you have to blur out backround a bit...what did you shot this at?
I shot this particular one at f8.
Blurring the background would take some of the complexity out of it and would probably help but it's the similarity in the tone of the subject and the background that really has me stumped and I run into this all of the time in NM (and I see you are a NM resident also).
Jan 9, 2014 11:31:16 #
Jan 9, 2014 11:41:45 #
Psergel wrote:
absolutely and thank you
in the field i would use a polarizer.
...or...
post shoot stacking of your single image would allow you to keep the low contrast, low saturation characteristics of the original scene.
Jan 9, 2014 11:48:09 #
rhin0ski wrote:
This is a quick and dirty attempt: I darkened the background and brought up the vibrance and clarity of the main subject. I could have masked this for much better results, but didn't have time.
Thank you I'm going to work on this image a little in lightroom and maybe GIMP to see what I can do.
Jan 9, 2014 12:00:29 #
What I think you really should have done differently at time of shooting was use the sky for most of the background, not the hillside. How much a subject (in this case, the gnarled tree) contrasts from the background determines how pronounced the subject appears within the composition. When I'm photographing a subject, I try to move around to find the most complimentary background possible... a background that doesn't distract from or camouflage the subject.
Jan 9, 2014 12:16:02 #
rook2c4 wrote:
What I think you really should have done differently at time of shooting was use the sky for most of the background, not the hillside. How much a subject (in this case, the gnarled tree) contrasts from the background determines how pronounced the subject appears within the composition. When I'm photographing a subject, I try to move around to find the most complimentary background possible... a background that doesn't distract from or camouflage the subject.
You are absolutely right and I'm not really concerned with this particular image so much as a general question about how to deal with this sort of situation.
The situation being a desert setting, harsh lighting and low contract between subject and background. Happens a lot in NM. Some people seem to be better able to deal with it than I am.
I don't think I'm doing a very good job of asking the question. My bad (as they say).
I took some pictures on a hot sunny day in a slot canyon at a place called tent rock state park here in NM. They came out looking like the walls of the canyon were made of concrete.
Then I saw pictures taken of the same geology under what appeared to be similar light by another photographer, they were beautiful, and I realized that she knew what she was doing and I did not.
Jan 9, 2014 12:19:00 #
Psergel wrote:
Hi, br I'm not really trying to make this particul... (show quote)
I wanted to thank everyone for their help. I got a lot of good advice on how to improve my technique both with the camera and with post processing.
Jan 10, 2014 02:46:45 #
Psergel wrote:
Hi, br I'm not really trying to make this particul... (show quote)
There are a number of things you can do to separate the subject from the background. The first, and most obvious, is to move around and find a background that contrasts with the subject by being featureless, like the sky, or brighter or darker. That is not always possible but if you can simulate those conditions you will reduce the problem. Select an aperture that will blur the background while the subject is sharp. That will help, but when the colour or tone is the same as the subject you need another answer. Light up you subject so it contrasts with the background. You can do this by bouncing sunlight onto your subject or even using flash. The trick is to get contrast between your subject and the background in terms of colour, texture and/or brightness.
Jan 10, 2014 06:39:04 #
Hello;
I really like the image and it has potential, as the file is fairly small it does not leave much for experimentation. However I tried to use the sun as a highlighting feature, it is there in the background of the image.
I am just a novice but here is what I came up for you to evaluate.
I hope you think it might be an improvement?
I really like the image and it has potential, as the file is fairly small it does not leave much for experimentation. However I tried to use the sun as a highlighting feature, it is there in the background of the image.
I am just a novice but here is what I came up for you to evaluate.
I hope you think it might be an improvement?
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