Have I improved them?

[kshotton45]

Here’s a couple of photos I took earlier this year. I was about to delete them , then decided to play with them in PSP.
In the first, most of the guys in the photo ignored me when I asked them to look at me and smile! So I greyed them out.






This one is all wrong. The background should be blurred. So I blurred it in PSP.





Keith.

[lobro punter]

nice pics i want to learn that.
is psp photoshop software
andhow much is it

LP

[Ambriel]

Originally Posted by lobro punter

nice pics i want to learn that.
is psp photoshop software
andhow much is it

I'm assuming that's PaintShop Pro, which you can download and try before buying.

I use Photoshop Elements which is free.

[kshotton45]

Originally Posted by Ambriel

I'm assuming that's PaintShop Pro, which you can download and try before buying.

I use Photoshop Elements which is free.

That's correct , PSP is Paint Shop Pro ( now Corel Paint Shop Pro XI ). Photoshop is a lot more expensive.
As Ambriel says, you can down a free 30 day trial of PSP.
There's copies to be had for a few pounds on E-B*y.
I know nothing of Photoshop Elements, but Ambriel says it's free! so that's what I'd try first.

Keith.

[pressld2]

The first one definitely! I really like the mono version with just a few pink flamingoes and picking out the pink blossom in the background was inspired. To be really picky I think I would have left the tree above the blossom in black and white.

The second one, I'm not so sure about. I agree with your assessment of the original that the background needed to be blurred but I would have preferred an out-of-focus blur to the radial that you've used. I'd also keep the tree stump that he's standing on sharp.

Good efforts though Keith and an interesting topic for discussion.

Dave P.

[kshotton45]

Originally Posted by pressld2

The first one definitely! I really like the mono version with just a few pink flamingoes and picking out the pink blossom in the background was inspired. To be really picky I think I would have left the tree above the blossom in black and white.

The second one, I'm not so sure about. I agree with your assessment of the original that the background needed to be blurred but I would have preferred an out-of-focus blur to the radial that you've used. I'd also keep the tree stump that he's standing on sharp.

Good efforts though Keith and an interesting topic for discussion.

Dave P.

Yes, I agree with you. The dilema was that although I initially only picked out the pink areas, the top part of the tree is all one tree, just with much less blossom on. So it was either leave it out, or introduce some green into the shot.
The second shot was just a the challenge of blurring the background whilst leaving the subject intact. The only effect that worked was the 'Ripple'. All the other effects distorted the subject.
It was an interesting project and I think that will the right shot , it may have potential.

Keith.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by kshotton45

Yes, I agree with you. The dilema was that although I initially only picked out the pink areas, the top part of the tree is all one tree, just with much less blossom on. So it was either leave it out, or introduce some green into the shot.
The second shot was just a the challenge of blurring the background whilst leaving the subject intact. The only effect that worked was the 'Ripple'. All the other effects distorted the subject.
It was an interesting project and I think that will the right shot , it may have potential.

Keith.

The method I use to blur the background is to mask the main subject then apply gaussian blur to the background to whatever level I feel helps. You've got to mask carefully though, any edges left will stand out.

[kshotton45]

Yes, I think you're both right. It's a decent picture now. I think the secret is to take it right in the first place !


Keith.

[Dan Salter]

I actually thought you were on a wind up with this thread...especially the eagle pic...although i do admit to liking the monochrome pink flamingo pic.

I also was about to say get rid of the green above the pink tree but someone already has.

Id be interested to also see the pic all in grey with all the flamingos and the tree in pink not just 3 birds ( although your works well too)

the eagle blurring i shall not comment.....

but your getting closer with the new attempt.

[kshotton45]

Hi ! I was just dabbling with a bit of artistic flair. But you've convinced me to keep the day job !

Keith.