It is now Week 2 of our photo processing project. The days have gone by so quickly and in that time, many participants have joined the fun. To check out all entries, click on this One Four Challenge November Week 2 link.
Remember the original image of the pampas grasses in Far North Queensland submitted last week ?
What had brought me to take this shot several years ago was the softness of the pampas heads swaying in the light breeze on the side of the hill.
For Week 2, I still wanted to keep the changes subtle. My aim was to keep the feel and mood of the image, improve on it, but without being too daring.
Here is my Week 2 processed image:
This is what the two processed images look like side by side. Click on them to display in full screen:
Process 1 Process 2
Summary of Week 2 Processing:
- Starting from Week1 processed image, further cropping on the right hand side to remove more of the green blades
- Minimal use of the cloning tool to remove a distracting green blade below the last pampas head
- +10 on highlights to bring out the pampas heads and lighten the image
- +5 saturation to let the grass and sky pop out a fraction more
- Tried some sharpening, but was unhappy with the effect on the pampas heads, so did not proceed with this alteration.
I am happier with this image than the first, and think this gives a clearer, better lit, yet still gentle and lifelike result, that keeps the pampas heads soft.
I must say that I have enjoyed exploring the possibilities of my software and learning what different artistic filters, levels and curves do. Plenty of plotting in store for the next two weeks and I have learnt a lot already. One thing I have found is that there are some useful tutorials on the internet – it’s just a matter of searching and taking the time to experiment.The next two weeks will introduce more significant alterations to the original, for a play.
Looking forward to your feedback!
Sv-Anui 
I love them both but now that I see the lightened version I am drawn to that. It’s softer and yet brings out the little details. As you know I love the perspective in this.
Oh good, Cybele, that’s what I set out to achieve. Thanks for the feedback:)
NIce, I like this lighter version, opens up so many details.
Thanks Loré, I’m pleased.
Oh yes I do agree. The detail that has been highlighted is lovely.
Lightening up the bottom of the image in the shadows works so well and removing the big leaves on the right has focused our attention right on the lovely soft pampas heads. A lovely result!
Im so glad youve had a fun week learning Chris – I have too 😊
Thanks for the lovely feedback Robyn 🙂
The cropping and lightening does a lot! It is fresher and the focus is where you want it, with our eyes moving up. Great work!
Thank you for the positive feedback Carrie😊
love this image…the cropping and cloning added nice subtle improvements!!
Subtle processing is really all I have practised till now, Marsha, but I guess I’ll be a bit braver on the next two edits.
I really like the second version. Much brighter and fresher, and the crop creates a diagonal that draws the eye to the bottom left.
Thanks Elizabeth for the knd observations. It’s interesting how I just did the edits by feel really, but when I read your comments and those of others, it all brings it to “consciousness” if you see what I mean! 😊
I think I do know what you mean. Other people’s comments on my photos often crystallise for me things I wasn’t aware of.
Love the angle you took! Beautiful capture!
Thanks Amy!
The steps you have taken have really improved the image, opening up the shadows revealing more details and giving more for the viewer.
Thanks for the nice feedback Ben!
I thought the changes you made were great. It looks so much brighter and the grass more whispy. Sue
Thanks for the nice comments, Sue… Yes I am much happier with this lighter version!