Joe's New Look

[Sepiana]

Hi everyone,

Sometime ago Joe posted some instructions to process a single RAW/JPEG file through ACR and Photomatix to achieve a new look.

I purchased Photomatix full version a couple of days ago and decided to put it to good use on a JPEG image I shot yesterday around dusk time.

I'm aware that my "after" image pales in comparison to Joe's images or images by other forum members, who do this kind of work. But, if I may say so, I'm proud of myself -- I got through ACR, Photomatix Pro3, and PSE7 without a hitch.

Now, I welcome any criticism (even harsh, as long as it is constructive). Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Joe, thanks for the instructions (http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37547&highlight=photomatix)!

[TonyK]

Sepiana, I can't critique because one never knows what you were 'looking' for yourself when applying what you did to the image. To me , in a way it looks like fire and smoke that create weird colors from so many things burning.
Tony

[coaster]

I like both images about equally. Of course, they're completely different in what comes across. So the difference is quite striking. (And the images themselves are quite striking.) I echo Tony's remarks.

[Sepiana]

Sepiana, I can't critique because one never knows what you were 'looking' for yourself when applying what you did to the image. To me , in a way it looks like fire and smoke that create weird colors from so many things burning.
Tony

Thanks, anyway, Tony. At least, you acknowledged my post.

My aim, when posting in this category, is to get some feedback, to learn what I did wrong and what I did right (in this case, the use of Photomatix and the technique -- noise, halos, grain, etc.). Feedback is also welcome when it consists only of "I like ..." . . I look forward to seeing how other people react to my creations, besides my husband and family members. I don't view this category as a "strutting your stuff" experience, but as a humbling and learning one.

To be honest, with this image, I just began moving sliders right and left, using Joe's settings as a guide, until this look appeared. I thought it was weird; my husband liked it. He said it looked like a forest on fire. So he called it "Glow at Dusk" and encouraged me to upload it to my Village Gallery. But, remember, he was just reacting to the image aesthetically, with no technical knowledge of the techniques behind it.

[Sepiana]

I like both images about equally. Of course, they're completely different in what comes across. So the difference is quite striking. (And the images themselves are quite striking.) I echo Tony's remarks.

Tim, thanks for taking the time to post an answer! I'm pleased you like it. I was replying to Tony at the same time you were posting. So, if you don't mind, please read my answer to him -- it explains how I got to such results.

[coaster]

Ummmm......oh boy......I'm the new kid on the block......I'm going to take the coward's way out and run home to mommy for some cookies and ice cream instead. :o

[Sepiana]

Ummmm......oh boy......I'm the new kid on the block......I'm going to take the coward's way out and run home to mommy for some cookies and ice cream instead. :o

Tim, I don't get it.:)

[coaster]

OK, I did think of something to say, and I'll say it because it's the way I do things, too: sometimes an artist can't explain exactly how they got to where they got to. They just do things, play around with things, experiment with this and that, until they get to a point where things are just "right" to them. And as they say, art is in the eye of the beholder. You can explain to me all day long, analyze, discuss colors and lighting, and I won't get it. What I will get is what looks "right" to me. But that may be something totally different for someone else.

I don't know if Sepiana's work is technically correct or not, I just liked it. That's what it's about in the end, isn't it?

[Sepiana]

I don't know if Sepiana's work is technically correct or not, I just liked it. That's what it's about in the end, isn't it?


Tim, thanks for opening my eyes! You're right. I should keep in mind that I'm doing this for fun -- neither to win contests nor to make a living out of it. After brooding and brooding over this image, I'm beginning to like it, as technically incorrect as it may be. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!:)

[coaster]

Well, you said your husband liked it to (actually I missed that on the first read, I just caught it now) and that he was just "reacting to it aesthetically." So it's not just me. ;)

[Derry]

Sepiana, certainly a different presentation,,

I'm 50/50 on it,, interesting how it brought out the bark surface on the tree,,

Derry

[BillandCat]

I personally marvel the way some people can SEE a photo before they take it. I would have looked at that tree and seen a an old dead tree that should be cut down before it fell down and hurt some one. I like both but the colored one is much more dramatic. BillandCat

[Sepiana]

Derry, thanks for the comment! I'm beginning to like this image myself. It may be weird, but at least I'm experimenting.:)

[Sepiana]

Billandcat, thanks for the feedback; ACR/Photomatix is my latest exploration, and I'm feeling pretty inadequate (hope I don't get lost).:)

As far as "Seeing a photo before taking it," it didn't begin until after I joined this forum; I learnt a lot by looking at other members' images. Also, by participating in the Photo Theme challenges, and taking the time to compare each comment by Bill to the corresponding photo. That's quite a learning experience! Now, I'm happy to say, I'm beginning to "SEE" much better.

[coaster]

And another thing about seeing the photo before taking it, you not only have to recognize a great shot, but you have to recognize what might detract from it. I'm not a photo buff....not even an amateur or a hobbyist, but with so many photos I come across the picture-taker didn't look at the background, or consider the shadows (their own is the worst offender) or stuff like that. You know, stuff that will ruin the best photo is stuff that's out of the foreground, out of the subject of the piece, something you see but normally don't pay any attention to, but sticks out like a sore thumb in a photo. I know all you guys here know that, but I'm just ranting about it a little because it's a pet peeve of mine.

Maybe I'm just a little TOO observant, and most people don't notice stuff like that in photos? I don't know.....just the way my brain works, I guess.