New Photography Project
Robyn at Captivate Me is hosting a new challenge called the One Four Challenge which I have decided to join. The way the challenge works is as follows: I choose an image that I will process in four different ways, one each week. At the end of the four weeks, you (my readers) will have the chance to vote on your favourite image. I will link this post each week to Robyn’s blog where you can find her entries as well as all the other participants’ work.
Why I am taking part
I have decided to take part in this challenge for a couple of reasons. First, because I know I will learn a lot from Robyn, who I follow because her images appeal to me, but also from other talented participants. Secondly, because I am very new to editing, and want to understand my editing software better, and push the boundaries a little, to move beyond just reproduction of what I see and photograph. The processing might be subtle one week, or take me out of my comfort zone the next! And finally, the feedback we get from others is one of the strong appeals of running a blog, and will help me hone in my skills, all with the aim of producing better images. So I think this will be a quite a fun and inspiring challenge even though it’s a bit daunting for me!
First Processing
This is the photograph I have chosen to work on, for the next four weeks, and the first of the processing series. It depicts Pampas grass swaying in the wind. It was taken a number of years ago in Far North Queensland. I love the softness of the grass.
Photoshop Elements 9 is my current editing software and I use it in a minimalist way. I have been considering a move to Lightroom. But for this month, PS9 will do. With this image I removed some distracting green grass blades in the top right hand corner, using the cloning tool, and adjusted the saturation by +5.
You can find all participants to the One Four Challenge here.
Looking forward to your feedback and suggestions!
Sv-Anui 
Welcome to the challenge Chris!!
I think this is going to be a wonderful image to work on. I really like the composition and what you have done so far 🙂
Onto links 😉 the final link in your post, for some reason, isn’t working – so presently there is no link in my comments from you.
Would you mind editing that one to see if we can get it to work?
Robyn x
Ok, all fixed, those tiny little things that make a huge difference!! Thanks Robyn 🙂
Great idea Chris, I might have to have a go too. I think if you decide to get Lightroom you won’t regret it. I love it now.
Thanks Leanne, good to know about Lightroom… and nice if you join in to One Four too!
Well done for participating, I intend to as well….
Thanks Sue, should be fun and quite useful!
Hello, fellow participant. I am happy to see work from other people, and this is a great image. Personally, I would love if it is a bigger image, so I can see all the beautiful details.
Thanks Loré, good thinking- might try a close up of the fronds at some stage?’ Chris
I really appreciate your beautiful layers in this image. The soft tips of the grass are icing on the cake! I am participating in this challenge for very similar reasons, really looking forward to seeing how you decide to process this image and beyond. If you are considering Lightroom, they do offer a 30 day free trial. I did it a couple months ago, looked on youtube for some beginning tutorials and found myself easily enamored within hours of using it. I wasn’t able to purchase it until just this weekend, I can’t wait until it arrives in the mail!
Thanks Carrie. Lots of learning in store! Good to hear about Lightroom. Might take up that 30 day offer! Can you do layers and masks with it? A blogging friends mentioned she couldn’t use it for that… Chris
I am very new to all this, just did a little research online and see that your blogger friend is correct. No masks or layering options, it is a huge buff with the user community. There are easy ways to move between Lightroom and Photoshop (if you have that). Or they are now offering software rental packages for like $9.99 a month, lightroom and Photoshop CC together. Just some thoughts. I am not, at this point, in need of these features. Taking it slow and learning as I go 🙂 The 30 day trial will give you a good sense if you could use this software or not, at least.
Thanks Carrie, I will keep going for now with PS Elements. Heaps to learn with just that as like you I am new to editing. I have given myself enough challenges for a while. Learning to use a new lens, and soon ND filters will keep me out of mischief!
whoa! I would say so. Sounds like you are set for awhile in the learning department 🙂 Enjoy!
Beautiful first shot sv!! I love the angle and how the grass recedes!! Great composition!
Thanks Cybele, the composition was more luck than anything! 😊Chris
Beautiful image. Can’t wait to see what you do with it! Since you said you are looking forward to our feedback and suggestions, I would say to try to open up the shadows a bit. Otherwise, I love it!
Thanks Emilio!
This image has so much potential, really can’t wait till next week and I see what you do next.
Oh Ben the pressure is on now!