All Canon Camera Gear
18-55mm lens (just my kit lens)
f/4.5
1/80
ISO100
24mm
Aperture Priority
Here is my first try with the Ventosa "In The Round" technique. Since it was just a timid first try, I only traveled halfway around the tree, only shot 12 images, and only used a kit lens. For processing, I used Photoshop and Alan's guide (https://www.alanbrownphotography.com/a-personal-guide-to-the-ventosa-tec..., which, by the way, is extremely helpful). I performed initial edits of the colors, light, texture, etc using Camera Raw; then I opened all images as layers in Photoshop. The rest of the process was just reducing each layer's opacity by 8% and aligning the trunks. After merging the layers, I did a little dodging and burning as well as a crop of the edges.
I don't like the ghost blob of leaves bulging out on the right so that would need to be corrected on the layers phase. I noticed there are little spots here and there that I would repair if this was a serious project. Also, I think I'd like to have more of the background trees with a minimal amount of sky meaning I'd have to take the original photos with the background more in mind.
Other than those things, I really, really love this technique and the effect it produces. I enjoy editing photos, and this is something that's enjoyable especially since it's such a forgiving technique.
This looks good, Jennifer!
Thank you, Matthew! I appreciate it!
I can see that I need to improve my Photoshop skills. Great Job.
Thank you, Dean. Hope you are well!
Hi Jennifer, this looks great, especially so as a first attempt. Thanks for providing such a detailed explanation of your process, I'm sure others will find this helpful.
I'm glad you found the process enjoyable; I always find the blending exciting as you never know what you are going to get.
Thanks for the shout-out BTW, can't wait to see more of these from you.
Very nice, well done!
Thank you, Joe! I appreciate it!
Hi Jenny, I like this one. The image is sharp yet shows a blurring effect
Thanks, Rich. I would like to have the subject separated more from the background next time. I'm looking for white or pink blossoming trees, and they gotta be separated from the background, and they gotta have a splattering of light on them, and they gotta have a decent background, etc, etc, etc ... I'm driving everyone nuts around me. LOL! Hope you are doing well!
Jennifer, I'd recommend you don't concern yourself too much on the background at this point. Find a good subject, take lots of angles and see what comes out in processing.
Like you, I used to try and really isolate the background, now I look to include to help paint the story if there is any interest.
Here are examples where I feel the background is either not a distraction or adds to the story.
Better to capture and see what happens in post rather than overlook a great subject as it is not isolated.
Hello Alan! I get what you're saying. These examples are perfect with the "essence" of background. I'm posting another try where I did isolate the subject, but next I will look fro something that "adds to the story." You are totally right about waiting to see what happens in post especially with being able to remove elements. Thanks again for all your help!
Hi Jennifer. Just to clarify, my intent was to have you not miss out on a good subject simply due to the background.
It’s great you are thinking about the options that may be available to you in processing.
I like all of these as well Alan. I cannot decide if I like number 2 or 3 the best.