The next two pics were done with my "secret" background. I discovered it last week when taking pics of some white tulips (You will see those for next week's prompt). I normally go in my kitchen to take pics because the lighting is great there. I started to get my velvet black backdrop that used to be my maternity dress and then, while snapping a pic, my stove, which is black, was in the background. Hmmm, gave me a idea. So, I put the flowers on the counter in front of my black fridge, closed my blinds and I had the perfect backdrop! I can't tell, can you? I'm learning to use what I have until my budget allows for more. Okay, on to the pics...
This particular pic gave me a hard time. I guess I could have left it alone, but I wanted to do a little something with it.
SOOC:
Edit:
What I did:
*Played with the contrast in Picasa
*Made it b&w
SOOC:
Edit
What I did:
* Auto color and auto contrast in Picasa.
* Straightened photo in Picasa
SOOC:
Edit:
What I did:
*Cropped in PSE 7
*Ran Curves action
SOOC:
Edit:
What I did:
*Adjusted in Curves in PSE7
SOOC:
Edit:
What I did:
*Adjusted with curves in PSE7
*Cropped pic
My favorite of the bunch:
SOOC:
Edit:
What I did:
* Ran Curves action in PSE 7
* Used PW Boost action in PSE7
* After what I wrote below, I got rid of the noise in LR3
* I read somewhere online that I could take my 50mm 1.8 lens, attach it to my camera backwards and it would make a great macro lens. I learned what I needed was a macro reverse ring. I ordered one on Ebay for about $4. (Amazon sells them, too, for Nikon and Canon)In the mean time, I took this pic holding the lens with my hand just to see if it would really work- well, there's the evidence in my pic.
I was impressed and excited because I love macro photography, BUT my water drop wasn't as "crisp" as I had seen them in other pics. By the help of the Lord, I came across this site about Focus Stacking. It is EXACTLY what I was looking for! There's a tutorial and free program download on the site to help you do focus stacking pretty easily and the results are great! I believe if you have CS4 and CS5 that this feature is already included in the two programs- there are youtube videos for instructions.
Here's another site about FS:
http://www.wonderfulphotos.com/articles/macro/focus_stacking/
15 comments:
You've nailed your edits this week - I had no idea that you were using your stove! How clever. I especially like your second edit. Something about those desaturated colors makes me happy. :)
So pretty. They are such happy flowers!
wow great edits. I have heard of that ring and putting lens backwards I will try it some time. But love all of these.
Great edits, all are just wonderful. Although I have to agree that last one is amazing!
Your edits are perfect, but your sooc's are just amazing, too. Wonderful job!
Wow! Your edits are fantastic!
That last one is stunning. :)
These are GORGEOUS! And I think your fridge backdrop is PERFECT! And that last one with the reflection captured in the drop? AMAZING!
OMG!!! Those pictures ROCK! The last one... breathtaking... Just amazing!!!
Wow! Your pictures were amazing, but your edits really make them stand out as really, really amazing. I've never seen curves in action so clearly before. A black fridge and reversing your lens. I've learned so much from you today. Thank you! I do love the yellow in the first shot, but the black and white is stunning, also.
I've seen that stacking on my cs5 but have never used it - now it makes sense as I'm a wildlife photographer and I've seen people mention stacking on some of the forums I frequent but was never brave enough to post a question as to what they were talking about :)
I loved your sooc's but your edits are fabulous.
Rosie
leavesnbloom photography
I love the water droplets on the flowers! The one with the reflection is amazing! Now I really want a macro lens... haha.
What a bunch of gorgeous shots!! LOVE the last one...water droplets so crisp! :)
When I saw you had a series of photos I was sure I wanted to go the pick a favorite and comment route. But, with every photo I had a new favorite. Love them all.
And thanks for the reverse lens tip and focus stacking links.
Wow! That's what I think of that last pic. I love them all, but the last one is AMAZING! Thanks for commenting about the lens switch up. I have never heard of that before and can't wait to try it!
WOW! Missy you nailed all of these! Just gorgeous! Thanks for the link...I'm going to go check that out!
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