I want to create a calm, soothing, nature look, but I can't seem to make it. Help me with PP.
First one is my attempt at post processing. Second one is the original.
EDIT: Adding third image based on lessons learnt from all your comments. Feedback/criticism welcomed.
EDIT 2: Although I have known stuff like importance of foreground interest theoretically, it was an enlightening experience to hear it in form of feedback on *my* image. Also, I'm taking the 3rd image and making it a square crop (along @joe's suggestion). Increased yellows, too.
Perhaps something a long these lines to make it more "painterly"?
Channel Mixer to remove greens and swap for more golden colors overall, B/W layer for Luminosity, A Dodge layer to bring in some more highlights, a Grain layer (vertical), and a vingette layer.
Personal taste though. But might give some ideas?
Yes, more painterly is the direction I want to go. What does the B/W layer do to Luminosity?
What does a grain layer do?
Thank you for the ideas. Your version looks closer to my target.
This is odd, This discussion is showing no responses at all...But I can see your response to my post in my alerts. So I will just respond. ((After posting the other responses popped back up, interesting))
The B/W Adjustment layer (set to blend mode Luminosity) will give fine control over brights and darks in the image controlling each by color. As a layer you can always tweak it, which is nice.
The Grain layer adds in imperfections simulating old film look. This can be done too much so a small amount is plenty. There are various Grain styles to pick from along with two sliders. I picked Vertical to complement the tall grass, but you may find another more to your liking. Just a very small amount goes a long way. Just adds character.
Photographers often strive for perfection but sometimes it's the imperfections that add character to images. Of course not a rule or anything, but just something I try to keep in mind for my own stuff.
Thanks for the explanation.
Most welcomed.
I had a go on your post-version.
Increased exposure a bit and lowered color temperature (for the record: I use Gimp).
Not quite experienced in post myself but I thought I give it a try anyway ...
Thank you for your feedback. I used to use Gimp years back, but got tired of it. How is Gimp now? Can you compare it to something like lightroom?
My pleasure !
I've never worked with Lightroom nor Photoshop, but I think it compares better to Photoshop. Most of the time I can follow a Photoshop tutorial doing something quite specific and then convert the steps to Gimp ...
The latest - 2.10 - version is quite usable, and it starts up fairly quick
It’s a beautiful image! Maybe it seems less soothing because there’s so much detail that keeps the eye darting around . Could you try selectively changing the clarity in some areas to add more of a softness and atmosphere?
Thank you for this idea. I didn't think playing with clarity.
Hi Ray why dont you try the orton effect , plenty of tutorials on you tube , i like the direction that you are going
I did, but I'll try cranking it a notch up.
Adding third image based on lessons learnt from all your comments.
I am using a different composition of the same grove. Did I achieve that (painterly) look?
Feedback/criticism welcomed.
I shifted the greens slightly into the yellows then punched up the yellows and reds slightly to add separation and more color-contrast.
Have you thought about a vertical crop?
[ I love seeing the evolution of this image and thought processes. ]
Why didn't I think about the vertical crop? Also, I like your edit.
Although I have known stuff like importance of foreground interest theoretically, it was an enlightening experience to hear it in form of feedback on *my* image. Also, I'm taking the 3rd image and making it a square crop (along @joe's suggestion). Increased yellows, too.
There is just so much to this field, it's amazing. Great evolution of this photo. :)
Cheers to Ray, Joe, Ian, Ailson, Victor. For bringing in many facets of this frame and discussing about the same. So many terms and versions to absorb and learn. Both joe's and Ian's edit versions are quite interesting for different mood of the image. thanks.
I prefer image #2. That said it feels compositionally very busy with all the variations of plants/bushes in the image.
Mmm... disagree, Francisco. To me, the variety of plants give the image texture. As do the color vatiations.
Came to the party late... fun to see the edits, and evolution of the shot (as Joe said). Glad to see I'm not alone in puzzling through multiple edits. :)
Great discussion, that square crop at the end is good.