Still beautiful. Staff Favorite. [Contest Staff Favorites December 2013]
Uploaded: December 31, 2013 20:23:30
Category: DD. Taken inside by a window with the Canon 100 mm f/2.8 Macro lens. PS CS5. Texture. Nik Color Efex Pro. Topaz
Exif: F Number: 7.1, Exposure Bias Value: -1.67, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 1600, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 100.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 7D
Richard Lynch January 01, 2014
Natasha,I like it. Minimalist, and texturally interesting.
As a viewer, I can see this being more dynamic and eye-grabbing, however. The message that even ruins/decay can be beautiful comes across more clearly (one of the reasons I am in Romania is exactly that...some of the most beautiful ruin here that I have ever seen...). I think I might have gone a little less heavy on the effect, enhanced the contrast, or masked the effect over the flower itself to let some of that color and contrast pour out.
I am betting you can do much more with the original than I can do with the example, as I can't just erase the effect, but have a look at the adjustment I made. I'd be interested in what you think.
Richard #1557857
Natasha Pliss January 02, 2014
Hi Richard,Thank you very much for your valuable input. I thought about this image a lot before submitting it and wasn’t completely satisfied with the results. My message was: it’s subdued, quiet, moody, not full of life anymore but still beautiful in its hopelessness. But you are right: more contrast or light might give it much more interest. Your version looks a little too harsh to my taste but certainly very striking. Here is my new version.
Thank you.
Natasha
#10935632
Richard Lynch January 02, 2014
Natasha,You have the distinct advantage of working from the original... I really think you improved this with the change. You didn't need to overwhelm with the contrast adjustment (I tend to go heavy on contrast generally -- my personal preference). I think you cleared up the subject enough, and the rest of the effect is still there.
By the way, that is the perfect way to receive feedback. Take it when you agree (at least to some extent), and apply what you agree with in your vision.
Nice job.
Richard #10935709
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