9/21/2012 8:47:26 AM

Good morning Aimee. I agree with all your comments. This image was an exercise in using layers and other PS tools that have always had me shaking my head, especially when Dale treats us to a page of menues to alter images.
The asteroid is a limestone rock from our yard and I had hoped to get a three dimensional effect of the space between it and the planet. Equally I was attempting to give the illusian of the bright yellow star and small blue planet as being out there way behind the main one. I do have a bunch of small pinprick stars on the left side of the image and just two or three to the right These were just 2 to 5 pixels and I am wondering why you aren't seeing them on your monitor or are you just saying you would like a few hundred (thousands) more :0)
I will try your suggestions re more space later. I had wanted to give the impression that the asteroid and planet were close to our lovely planet earth but that probably didn't work too well.
Blessings Aimee.

9/21/2012 9:30:28 AM

Not sure this one is working for me, Peter, but I applaud you for your efforts to branch out.

9/21/2012 1:32:53 PM

the pan looks more like a moon thumbnail...if it was tilted vertically this would have totally worked for me!

9/21/2012 2:43:48 PM

Thanks friends. Do you want to add to that Jeff? Kristin, I don't understand; what do you mean by 'tilt'?

9/21/2012 4:16:48 PM

I'm very impressed with you my friend. After all our banter, you have taken the bull by the horns and are learning a new craft. Very commendable and daring.

There is one major reason why the astroid illusion did not work for this rendition. It's the light. You have two light sources and they are opposite one another.

The planet is lit from above left and behind, while the astroid is lit from the front and left.

9/21/2012 5:03:34 PM

Sigh...., but then of course the asteroid would also be in shade so, I am going to have another glass of cabernet and pretend that none of this is happening......Perhaps I will take up flower photograpghy, it has to be easier.

9/21/2012 6:57:41 PM

Peter I think this is great that you are trying this stuff!! My personal thought is the asteroid is a bit too bright. Maybe you should try some flowers, but just so you know I really don't think it will be a whole lot easier, so just have your cabernet and plan your next move!!

9/21/2012 7:53:04 PM

As to Dale's suggestion, maybe you can just rotate and flip the asteroid to get the shadows in the lower right and pointing the other way.

I think you've got a pretty good concept here, but with the asteroid crossing the face of the planet, I think you also need some movement. My "more space" suggestion would be more on the left and bottom with the asteroid reduced in size a bit and pulled a little more to the left so to see if that gives a a sense of motion towards the planet.

9/21/2012 7:53:18 PM

I guess I didn't explain that very well. Maybe if the 'moon' was cradling the asteroid. wish I could just send a drawing...

9/21/2012 9:16:43 PM

	After the shower Iris © Peter W. Marks Canon EOS 20D Digi...

And just to show I was serious, here's a pretty flower.

9/22/2012 4:26:37 AM

I think I like the flower better :)

I am not sure what the issue is with the asteroid, but I still like the pot planet along with the lens flares.

9/22/2012 9:56:10 AM

O Peter I'm sorry I shouldn't comment before having my coffee...I do see them. I meant to say add a few more...not a billion, but some! :~)

9/22/2012 9:57:03 AM

Peter, that is just a Beautiful flower and my favorite color!! Thankyou!

9/22/2012 6:08:24 PM

Thank you my friends. Please don't spread it around that inspite of what I have said in the past about flower images I snuck this one in. :0)

9/22/2012 6:54:08 PM