‹ Previous Weekly Challenge Gallery Next ›

WC516-Captivating Couple

Gallery: Weekly ChallengePosted January 12, 2012679 views6 comments

These Inca doves caught my eye and I quickly grabbed what was then a newly acquired long lens and a very wobbly tripod to run outside to see if I could capture them.

The day was cold and wet with some snow on the ground. I think back and shiver...

The processing took place yesterday. I used NIK SEP2 and selected a high key preset and then worked on that to eliminate a couple of dark areas. I wanted to keep just a hint of the grasses in the background but the main goal was to have the birds really stand and become the center of attention. Since I also wanted to emphasize the coldness of the scene, I selected a CEP4 filter as a top layer in the processing.

I hope you enjoy these captivating birds.

Regards,

Carol

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on January 12, 2012 at 8:55 PM

Nicely done, Carol. Superb final result.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on January 12, 2012 at 10:18 PM

Carol - this is a beauty - thanks for detailing the PS work. The only possible nit for me is that little sprig crossing the tail. Doesn't add anything, and actually draws my eye a bit.
Lovely!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Eirini Pajak on January 13, 2012 at 7:43 AM

I like what you did here a lot! I do however agree about the little twig at the bottom being a little distracting.

Registered on December 13, 2011, 216 Posts, 1671 Comments

Comment posted by Basil Greber on January 14, 2012 at 5:30 AM

Excellent. Really nice. I like your processing choices. I agree about the twig, but that's a minor nit.

Registered on November 8, 2005, 219 Posts, 1340 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on January 16, 2012 at 8:52 PM

Beautiful job of processing. I really like the overall cream color, the subtle background, and your framing. Count me in on the anti-twig bandwagon

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Varina Patel on January 17, 2012 at 6:54 AM

Beautiful! I love the wonderful tones in this shot. In this case, I think these two birds make a lovely single point of interest - since they seem to be joined at the hip.

Your processing choices are just right - the high-key effect works perfectly, and the play of light in the background is subtle and beautiful. The little twig is definitely distracting - as others pointed out. But it doesn't kill the shot. It's still gorgeous. Great impact!

Registered on August 22, 2008, 45 Posts, 1578 Comments