Need help with this photo

Discussion

14 replies

Posted by Bob Falcone on July 29, 2012 at 10:26 PM

We stopped in Page on the way to the Grand Canyon earlier this week, and I ventured into Lower Antelope Canyon. I came back with some very nice stuff, but I really like this one which I call "Folded Desert". But, I just can't seem to post process it right, in that I can't seem to bring out the true color of the sandstone. The original (posted here) is pretty flat. I'm also going to post a version after some computer work, but I'm still not sure it's right. I'd sure appreciate some suggestions! Thanks...

Posted by Bob Falcone on July 29, 2012 at 10:29 PM

Here is the slightly worked version. I boosted the red and green channels a little, along with some contrast boost. Not sure if it hits the mark yet...

Posted by Kane Engelbert on July 29, 2012 at 10:48 PM

First off, would a touch of Curves help in Contrast? Looks a bit magenta to me.

Posted by Bob Falcone on July 29, 2012 at 10:57 PM

Kane, thats what I thought of the original and tried to get rid of in the post. I'll try to reduce it a bit more.
Thanks!

Posted by John Mumaw on July 30, 2012 at 12:18 AM

I have an idea that will have to wait 'til tomorrow, but I love this composition, Bob!
Well worth some TLC in your 'darkroom'.

Posted by Bob Falcone on July 30, 2012 at 12:22 AM

As always John, I look forward to your suggestions! And thanks!

Posted by Dean Sauskojus on July 30, 2012 at 6:12 PM

Bob, I would also consider cropping off the dark shadow area off the right side. Just enough to get rid of the dark round notch.

Posted by Bob Falcone on July 30, 2012 at 8:32 PM

Thanks Dean...I completely missed that.

Posted by David Kingham on July 30, 2012 at 11:38 PM

Is this more like you were thinking Bob? I did it all in Lightroom. Very nice shot by the way

Posted by Bob Falcone on July 31, 2012 at 1:06 AM

Yup, Dave...that is a lot like what I was looking for! I'm going to keep working on it.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

Posted by David Kingham on July 31, 2012 at 12:05 PM

If you use lightroom here's a preset that has all the settings I used so you can see all the little tweaks I made https://dl.dropbox.com/u/217543/Bob.lrtemplate otherwise I can take some screen shots if this doesn't work

Posted by Bob Falcone on July 31, 2012 at 6:02 PM

Hey Dave...
Unfortunately, I don't use lightroom...

Posted by Monika Chace on July 31, 2012 at 7:02 PM

Bob,
Have you tried Nik Software's Viveza? I think the Structure slider will help bring out the texture, then playing with the Contrast &, Saturation sliders might give you what you're looking for. You can download a free trial & check it out. They don't watermark it or anything.

Posted by Joshua Hardin on August 1, 2012 at 11:14 PM

David's rework looks like a step in the right direction to me. It's great to see members helping one another with questions and advice like this!

Posted by David Kingham on August 2, 2012 at 11:43 AM

I finally got around to taking screenshots of the settings I used, hope this helps!