What could be done with this ?

[BarbaraEmma]

I've just been looking through this forum and the photographs are fabulous.So I was wondering if I uploaded 2 I've taken of a Fly, the first is the original un altered version ,the second is what I've managed to do with it.I'd love to see just what someone else is capable of doing to it ,if you see what I mean.I hope this is not too cheeky or too much of an imposition.Thanks Barbara

[ron1863]

Hi, I had a quick go in Photoshop Element, just adjusted the levels and used unsharp mask but you attempt is really good.

[BarbaraEmma]

Thanks for the compliment Ron but I think some of my photos can look a little over worked if you see what I mean.I tend to fiddle too much I think,I never know when to stop.Your version is better I think,the colour seems more natural.





Look at this butterfly and you can see what I mean,to me it's too different.I suppose it's something you learn with time and practice. Barbara

[ron1863]

You should look through the Gallery to see examples and try to get yours similar. Do you use photoshop, if so I would recommend "Photoshop for digital photographers" by Scott Kelby, easy to read and follow.

[BarbaraEmma]

Hi Ron. Yes I have used Photoshop,so I will have a look at the one you suggest.At the moment I'm using the programme that came with my camera,I find it's quite good but a bit limited I expect,that sounds like a good excuse for my poor skills.Barbara

[ron1863]

Practice makes perfect. I have CS2 and Photoshop Elements 6 and find myself using elements much more than it's big brother. The book helped an awful lot as it is picture based with text and very easy to follow. Some libraries stock it, so you might be able to try it for free but the book isn't expensive. Good luck

Ron

[madukan]

I don't think your attempts at enhansing the pictures are that bad. Yes maybe you've brightened the colours up a bit too much but every magazine picture I've seen does exactly the same.

Since a macroshot is the subject matter here can I sneek in and ask a question. How difficult is it to get the depth of field right in macro? Only asking because alot of shots I look at have insects with antenna/wings other bits just out of focus.

[ron1863]

With macro shots you need to use an aperture such as f22 to get clear focus, experiment and see the differences

[squishy]

heres the results of my 5 minute tinker in the GiMP.

[BarbaraEmma]

Thanks for taking the trouble to do that Squishy,I can see your versions look more natural than mine. I think I'm going to have to try some of these different programmes to find one I might get along with. I seem to like my photos to be quite bright but then when I look back at the original they don't look realistic,I suppose it's a matter of practice until I get the balance right .Thanks Barbara .