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Church in Dingle, Ireland

© Elaine Hessler

Church in Dingle, Ireland

Uploaded: July 29, 2013

Description

ISO 1600, 48mm, -.7EV, f/9, 1/20sec.

Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: -0.67, ExposureTime: 1/20 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 1600, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 48.00 mm, Model: NIKON D5100

Comments

Elaine Hessler July 29, 2013

I'm not sure this is worth working on... I darkened the white flowers so they didn't stand out too much and tried to lighten the book, which is what is in focus, but it didn't look good. What do you think? #1538265

Susan Williams July 29, 2013

I like this POV, Elaine. I just tried the Diffusion in Topaz Lens Effects and it might work great on this image, keeping the book in focus and diffusing (to whatever degree you want) the background. For some images, it seems better than simple blur and you will maintain shapes, colors and light. I do think this is worth the work. #10785701

Stephen Shoff July 29, 2013

As the image stands, Elaine, I don't think the background needs to be blurred more, only the foreground sharpened some.

However, as to your concern about the image overall, I think the composition has some limitations. If you wanted the illuminated scripture as the primary object, I think you needed to be just a little more straight on (probably wasn't possible). As it stands, the out-of-focus flowers appear to be the primary object because of their brightness and position in the frame. I also think the edges would have needed to be a little cleaner. I really like the concept, and the position and sharpness of the lamp above the Bible is excellent; the bright windows support the lighter, more airy ambiance of the church's interior. #10785939

Kalena Randall July 30, 2013

I like the concept on this one, but when I first looked at it the flowers hit me first and my eyes tried to focus them. Didn't work. Then I scrolled down and the book was in focus. I agree with Stephen that the book needs to come up and the flowers the same down down a bit.

It is a beautiful photo! #10786685

Jeff E Jensen July 30, 2013

I agree, the flowers are a more predominant object in the image and steal the show for me. Perhaps if the bible was brighter it would help. #10788714

Elaine Hessler July 30, 2013

I was going to bag it for this reason. I wish I had done this differently at the time. I am going to give it one try tomorrow, but I am not sure how much effort this is worth. Stinks cause the place really had potential...

Thx for the opinions-will post tomorrow... #10788725

Beth Spencer July 30, 2013

Looks like it was a Beautiful church! I think Stephen's suggestion may be just what you need. #10788961

Debbie E. Payne July 31, 2013

I'd try Stephen's before "bagging it". It that doesn't work out and you want to try one more idea, you might try going for a more artistic look with a vignette either a dark or light one to soften the flowers and make the bible stand out more. I think the white one might have more impact. Just a thought. Not everyone goes for this kind of look. Just crazy people like me. #10789610

Dale Hardin July 31, 2013

Very nice concept Elaine but have to agree with the consensus. A different POV would have worked better to eliminate the flowers which command too much attention.

LOL! Please forgive me for the image I posted. Couldn't resist taking five minutes to play around with it just for grins. It's an addiction. #10789668

Dale Hardin July 31, 2013

Very nice concept Elaine but have to agree with the consensus. A different POV would have worked better to eliminate the flowers which command too much attention.

LOL! Please forgive me for the image I posted. Couldn't resist taking five minutes to play around with it just for grins. It's an addiction. #10789669

Rita K. Connell level-classic July 31, 2013

I like this shot but agree about the flower, I think I would play around with it as debbie suggested and I would look at select color keeping the book or book and stand color and the rest BW might for and interesting image #10789794

Elaine Hessler July 31, 2013

Ok, I gave it a try. I darkened the flowers by copying the multiply blend layer 4 times-I think it helped a bit. I also lightened the book and did a high pass filter, which appeared to sharpen only the book (due to the sharp lines Dale?).

I also applied a vignette, so this was something new for me to learn. I think it helped with the edges.

Still not a wower, but a bit better than it was. #10789843

Elaine Hessler July 31, 2013

Sorry about this, I just realized the vignette wasn't dark enough at the edges.

Here's a redo along with a white vignette. #10789851

Elaine Hessler July 31, 2013

Here they are. #10789863

Dale Hardin July 31, 2013

You did a really good job on those flowers, Elaine. I think you could still lighten up the Bible just a tad.

By the way, when you do a high pass filter, or any change for that matter, don't forget you can mask the areas you don't want it to show.

Not a big fan of vignettes, especially those as heavy as this. Unless it is a very soft darkening of the corners, it usually ends up looking like an oval frame that is out of focus. #10789894

Elaine Hessler July 31, 2013

Agreed! Is there an easy way to do this in PSE? I don't like how I did this... I know you are traveling, so if you don't get to it, no worries. #10790024

Dale Hardin July 31, 2013

Make a new blank layer above image, fill with color you want vignette to be. Use oval (circle) tool heavily feathered, to draw an oval and click on delete. This will erase the oval and leave the colored border. Adjust opacity to taste.

Or, fill the new layer with color, create a mask and use a soft black brush to clear away what you don't want.

Or better yet, create blank layer, fill with color, create black mask (hold alt while clicking mask icon) and then use a soft white brush at reduced opacity to brush in the vignette where you want it. #10790036

Elaine Hessler July 31, 2013

Thx Dale! Will give it a try. #10790242

Elaine Hessler August 01, 2013

Ok-that was WAY easier and I think it is better. I hated the oval look of the last one. #10791766

Dale Hardin August 01, 2013

We'll make a Post processing expert out of you in no time, Elaine. Love how you dive right in and give things a go. #10791789

Elaine Hessler August 01, 2013

Ha funny! I don't mind at all when I have the time! Too bad I go back to work in a few weeks...

I just learned how to make a border, it may be a little too think on my new post.

Thanks again Dale!!! #10791872

Debbie E. Payne August 01, 2013

Elaine - I am sorry I mislead you on the vignette thing. In my mind I like a more free-form vignette and that is what Dale described to you. I do like this last edit much better. #10791873

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