Posts: jaysnave | Ugly Hedgehog

raymondh wrote:

Looks like you have little to learn and a lot to share!

Thank you. I am getting my technique and camera settings dialed in but still working on different methods. The hardest part and most fun is trying to anticipate what the bird will do next and whatever that is, it happens in a nanosecond.

Feb 16, 2020 22:25:08 #

Curmudgeon wrote:

Oh, you are so wrong. My friends, very few, refer to me as that "curmudgeonly old iconoclast" but I will remember you and always be nice.

Thats OK. I can appreciate the curmudgeon perspective.

Feb 16, 2020 22:16:36 #

Curmudgeon wrote:

That's a real good start to a new discipline. Thanks for posting.

Thank you! It is an honor to get a compliment from someone named Curmudgeon. Something tells me you don't really fit that profile

Feb 16, 2020 21:33:26 #

Hi folks,

I have recently converted from people photography to backyard birds and looking forward to learning and sharing in this group. Not a complete conversion, but the people sessions are slow this winter :)

(Download)

(Professional and Advanced Portraiture)

Feb 14, 2020 14:24:42 #

Infant Photography/Portraiture

I think sometimes there are few responses here because Ed is so thorough and spot on there is nothing left to say. Indeed, this is the case, however, I thought I would add that I bet the family loves that number one sign the baby is making. Am I right?

Jan 24, 2020 17:35:07 #

JimH123 wrote:

Quite a difference!

Just downloaded and installed Denoise AI 2. Launched it and saw that it came up OK. But haven't tried it yet.

For those that have Denoise AI version 1, the new version 2 is free.

For those that want to upgrade you need to uninstall Denoise AI for this one. Then restart and install version two

Jan 24, 2020 15:47:30 #

Denoise AI vs. 2 just out.

First is a squirrel pic at 25,600 ISO
Second is with Denoise AI vs 2 (also some quick Lightroom edits, but not noise reduction)

(Download)

Jan 14, 2020 17:35:32 #

(Photo Gallery)

Critique request

Yes, our human brains like simplicity and we like to effortlessly process through an image and be glad we did. That is kind of my crude way of describing composition, however others have made the point of too much going on in your images. Horizontal lines, vertical lines, dappled light, shadows, etc... I read once where composition is more about what is eliminated rather than what is included. In that vein, what I would try in your first image is climbing down to the walkway, getting down low (sitting or laying), and shoot up the walkway. You just might have leading lines of the stone wall and rail fence leading into the base of those trees which are highlighted by the sun. Might not work, but just a suggestion to give you some ideas.

Jan 11, 2020 09:52:14 #

JimH123 wrote:

I haven't come to a conclusion yet as to which is the best order.

I think I will reach out to Topaz for the recommended work flow/technique. So far I haven't found anything that was definitely the wrong move.

Jan 10, 2020 13:01:50 #

DaveJ wrote:

I'm a new user to DeNoise AI and AI Sharpen. In tr... (show quote)

Thanks Dave for digging into this! The research does help to understand how they work together.

Jan 10, 2020 09:27:17 #

Count me in with the impressed. I was first very impressed with DeNoise AI, then Sharpen AI. My question for the group, is there a sequence that works well between the two? What I mean is DeNoise has sharpening and Sharpening has noise reduction. DeNoise also has an option for AI Clear. Are any of these the same algorithm or are they different enough that both applications should be used and in what sequence for best results? I have been doing some experimenting, but wondered if anyone has found the best technique.

(Professional and Advanced Portraiture)

Dec 26, 2019 20:07:33 #

Candid group photos at Christmas Party

You have some good advise and I agree with Ed that you are on the right track. I would only add that your photos would tell the holiday party story and have much more impact if you found something other than that brown wall. Brown/yellow is just not a complimentary background for a portrait or group photo in my opinion of course. Bringing a backdrop would not be necessary if there was a white wall or large window available. You could also just replace the background in Photoshop. Try it and you will see what I mean. Good photos, particularly the second. Everyone has great expressions.

Dec 11, 2019 17:48:27 #

Portraits and Depth of Field

raymondh wrote:

My compliments to Mr Shapiro for investing the time for this insightful & comprehensive response. Good people on UHH!!

Ed, has been a great advisor in the Wedding section as well as the Professional and Advanced Portraiture section. I have encouraged him to publish a book or video tutorial. He could probably have enough material just from all the insightful & comprehensive posts on UH.

(Post-Processing Digital Images)

Dec 3, 2019 18:50:00 #

Another before and after.

Nice technique. The first image makes me want to blink and look away. The second makes the background less distracting and the texture and color tone of the stump draw interest.

Opinion please on post cloning in lightroom

Dec 1, 2019 15:25:49 #

(Photo Gallery)

As you can tell by the responses it is entirely subjective. In my humble opinion I think the blurred grass blade you cloned out actually adds to the image and I would leave it in. I do agree, however that the jabbing stem is distracting and would remove it. More easily done in Photoshop if you have it available.