Inspired by Alan and his beautiful images, I took a shot at the Pep Ventosa technique, which because of the lake I was at, wasn't actually in the round. I had a lot of trouble with this, and still am not at a satisfactory place.
I am putting it in this post for two reasons.
1. I have worked on this a lot and don't want it to go to waste.
2. Maybe someone will be able to help me figure out where I went wrong.
Either way, any kind of comment is welcome.
I wouldn't be too down on yourself, this is far better then anything I've been able to produce trying the technique; it's not an easy technique, that's for sure.
Maybe this helps, or not? I'm not sure, but what about contrast or color contrast, just a little? I just loaded it up in Aurora then saved without touching anything and this is what AI thought it needed. Not sure if I 100% agree with the software's "AI", but might give some thoughts.
I think for sure it could use a brighter green.
Hi Matthew, thanks for your kind words and for sharing. A few pointers that may help;
1) How many images did you take? The technique relies on a large number of shots, for this I would take at least 20.
2) it is important to align the images so the key element (in this case the trunk) is in a consistent location in the frame. I tend to be very conscious of this when shooting the image. I use the viewfinder guide to get as accurate as I can then move the layers to align in Photoshop.
I think if you attend to these points you will find success. You may well be able to salvage this image by aligning the layers in PS and using content-aware fill to patch in the subsequent blank areas.at the edge of the frame.
1) I had about 15 images of the tree, so I'm not too far off. I think part of the reason it looks like less is the blending. I had no idea how to blend it, so I just put the top 14 at 20% opacity and the bottom one at 90%. I think that lowered the amount you can actually see. On that note, is there an actual blending method I should be using?
2) I originally tried a version with the trunk aligned, but that messed with the water line, so I chose not to use that version. Below is a saved proof of concept for that version. I also specifically moved the trunk out of alignment to make the tree appear more abstract. I still have all of the original files, so I can (and will) definitely try again.
Thank you very much for your help already and for inspiring me for this project.
I find that the blending typically isn’t a major factor, just about all of mine are ‘normal’ but try lighten/darken.
Key elements (like horizons should be considered during shooting but distractions can be masked out.
I like to pick my ‘best’ shot from the series and place a copy at top & bottom layers.That way opacity can be adjusted to allow the Influence if the main elements to show through.
I hadn't thought about making a copy at the top and bottom. I am excited to try again, and can't wait to show what I come up with.
Great progress compared to the 1st. Looking good!
I'm still working on the final version, but I am excited. Thank you for looking at this!
I admire greatly the work that Alan does but you have broadened my knowledge Matthew as I didn't know the term Pep Ventosa. Good on you for persevering and a decent result has been achieved !!!
Thank you very much! I have always admired your work, and am glad to have provided information.
Thanks Matthew. That means a lot to me.
If you do add layers in PS try starting with a low opacity for each (5%?) and experiment from there.
Hey Sandra, thanks for your kind endorsement. If interested in the technique I have many references in my website blog that may help your understanding, and a link to Pep's website (or you can easily find in a search);
https://www.alanbrownphotography.com/blog
Hi Alan, many thanks for your kindness. I shall have a go at this one day. Cheers !!