|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Reply |
Don't get worried about judges - we all know what they're like - an image can fail miserably in one competition and then get gold stars in the next - all down to the whims and likes of the judges!
If I were using one of the selection tools, I'd use the magnetic lasso tool and finish it off with the polygonal lasso tool - they both have feathering available (which you should select before you start making the selection). My preference is to use a layer mask with a soft brush for the masking - this gives the effect of feathering but with a lot more control - and you can adjust it later if you wish. |
Feb 24th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Reply |
Thanks for that Alan. I agree with the use of B&W - I've entered him in an exhibition, with a slightly different treatment to yours - see below. I'll let you know how it goes.
We have a huge variety in the Goths that arrive in town twice a year. With them and the Steampunks I'm spoilt for choice with portraits - I'm sure you'll get used to seeing them! |
Feb 9th |
 |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Reply |
I find that most steampunks and goths want to be photographed, so if I say 'please could I take your picture' they're happy to oblige. Take them to an area out of direct light and ask them to direct their heads to a point just over you shoulder for the first shot and then turn their eyes only to the camera for the second (main) shot. If it's a couple make sure you ask them both for individual shots - we don't want anyone to feel that they've been overlooked! Remember that they WANT to be photographed and if you take their e-mail, or direct them to your site, they'll be happy to pose for you next time too! |
Feb 8th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Reply |
It certainly works well.
We've got the first Steampunk weekend of the year starting tomorrow - shame about Storm Erik which is hitting tonight, but hopefully I'll catch some on Sunday. I'm sure you'd love it! |
Feb 8th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Reply |
I take your point about the variation of shadows, but I still think there's a point in tying the various elements together, otherwise there's a danger that the parts can seem just 'pasted on', rather than being a cohesive piece of work - probably just my 'old fartedness', but we can't all be the same! |
Feb 6th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Reply |
As I said - the easy way is to create a new layer at the top of the stack, then paint the shadows with a soft brush which can then be easily modified. I like to keep thins simple! |
Feb 5th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Comment |
What a fine steampunk clock - I can't decide whether it's steam or hydraulically driven - maybe even clockwork!
You've had a lot of patience creating the background - I don't know if I'd have the staying power!
The composition is spot on. The shadows and textures are just right. My favourite image this month.
Thanks again for making me smile! |
Feb 5th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Comment |
Well done Helen - your composites are coming on in leaps and bounds! And it looks as though you're having fun too!
I'm sure your grandkids will be very pleased with it. There are some things which could improve it - I'd get rid of the line of bricks, which are a bit distracting and maybe blur the hedge a little (to maintain the focus on the main subjects).
I don't know how you selected your grandchildren (obviously their images - we don't get any choice in choosing the real things!), but if you're using the selection tools, try increasing the amount of feather you're using - it'll help blend them into the background better, so they don't look as pasted on.
I find that using a separate layer to paint the shadows is the easiest way. It means that you can make them stand out more (or less) using opacity and/or different blending modes. You can make individual ones lighter with the eraser tool or darken them by repainting them, without affecting the background layers.
Well done. A good fun image which put a smile on my face! |
Feb 5th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Comment |
It seems that we're spoiled with ballerinas this month! I wish there were opportunities for this kind of shoot around here - the local clubs need a good shake (the nearest one concentrates on who's turn it is for the biscuits next week!)
I really like what you've done with her. The black background and use of powder work really well. Obviously you didn't need the other lenses!
It may be worth considering a very thin stroke if it's going to be displayed on a black background (like ours and many exhibitions). I've used a 1 pixel stroke. |
Feb 5th |
 |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Comment |
Well seen and well worked. You've created a potential poster (similar to our old railway posters) which stands on its own or could easily take text or other highlights (e.g. seagulls or sun) in the blue area.
Well done. |
Feb 5th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Comment |
Welcome to the group Alan - I hope your wait to join us will be worth it. We do a little surreal bits too!
The composition and treatment are excellent. My only slight grouse is that the shadows aren't consistent - the moon's shadow suggests lighting from directly above, whereas the piano's suggests light from above left (and also a little dark for the distance the piano is from the viewpoint). I feel that the dancer(s) and the doorframe should also have shadows, to tie them into the image.
I like to use a separate layer to paint the shadows - that way they can be easily modified to add or reduce their opacity.
Thanks for your first image - I'm looking forward to seeing more! |
Feb 5th |
| 34 |
Feb 19 |
Comment |
You've made this image quite special with your treatment. It was clear, when you showed it last month, that it had potential.
I really like the blue toning, which reflects the coldness I'd expect in a penetentiary.
I felt it needed a little more of a story, so I've added a Goth bride. Of course that's just my playing and shouldn't detract from your wonderful image. |
Feb 5th |
 |
6 comments - 6 replies for Group 34
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6 comments - 6 replies Total
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