Before or after?

Tombomb

Tombomb

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Edit My Images
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Hi All,

New to the forum - pretty new to taking photos - thought I'd get involved.
I've tried a bit of retouching for the first time this week on a goose I saw in the park a few weekends back.

I know a bunch of this is subjective and down to interpretation but 'd love your thoughts on whether you think I'm going in the right direction.

What I've done:
- Slightly straightened horizon (should I make it dead straight?)
- Sharpened the feathers (too much?)
- Enhanced the green (I like the new colour)

Before:
View attachment 39704
Aftter:
View attachment 39705
 
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As you say it is all subjective and down to personal taste. Nice shot though and the after is a definite improvement.

I think the sharpness is fine and I would not lose too much sleep about the horizon. However I find the shot a bit dark. I think I would play with bringing out the detail on the bird's neck more and I (it may not be your choice) would lighten the green a fair bit to make the goose stand out more. I also think that the green background is "bleeding" a little into the white under the goose's chin.

I would see if I could make the white on the bird's head more uniform. You could bring the detail out on the neck with the shadows adjustment slider in ACR and use the local adjustment brush to whiten the bird's neck. Changing the green background may be more difficult - possibly masking the bird out and using a hue and saturation layer may be the best solution if you want to try that.

That's my take I have no doubt others will give an entirely different perspective. The only thing that really matters is do you like it? If so then you have it right.
 
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Cheer grumps - I see what you mean - exactly what I was looking for.
After the composition it's in the details where I need to get better - good tips.
I've got some time later in the week, I'll have a go at what you've suggested.

Re vertical crop - I tried it, but it felt a but compacted - I like the space offered in the original.

Thanks both.
 
Yep. Definite improvement from original.
 
I Lowered the exposure on the whole image & added some Green as you like green :-) then select the bird on its only and
increased exposure a fare bit and sharpened slightly


View attachment 39871
 
I like the more vivid green. You managed too keep the colour quite natural. When I was working on it I could get the right hue.

With the feather, is upping the exposure on the neck all you've done? It's made a huge difference.
Can't decide if I think it's just 10% too much.

Really appreciate the time you've taken to review and edit.

Thanks!
 
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