Bird of Prey

[Lesley Jones]

Having worked my way back through everything taken with the Sony, I'm now at the very first. Autofocus was something I wanted to avoid because it felt like cheating. Of course, it isn't and you still have to use it properly. I was quite impressed with this image, although I didn't appreciate the importance of RAW files and that has long since gone. I tinkered with the PSD file tonight..

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Absolutely stunning, Lesley! I'm stunned. What a great picture. Perfection.

 

[Paul Lange]

A really nice PP effect on the feathers. I guess this is a similar PP used on the photo of the battery hen. I was trying to remember what the software was called?

 

[Lesley Jones]

Yes - there's a touch of Fractalius, but with a lot of the original painted back. Nik tonal contrast on some areas and seeing Pete's new posts today, I threw caution to the wind and added a hint of glamour glow, also used selectively. I don't often get arty with my photography, but I'm at a bit of a junction at the moment and wasting time while I decide where to go...

 

[Brian Moore]

Lovely image, Lesley!

 

[Paul Lange]

Thats the one Lesley. I'm not sure about the effect it was designed for persee but think it could be interesting blended with the original image, a bit like you have done. Also think it could make an effected blurr layer in an Orton blurr.

 

[Lesley Jones]

Orton blur... that was the first time I've ever heard of it. I've just looked it up and it made interesting reading

 

[Paul Lange]

There are a few methods but I like the one Larry Bolsch has on his website.

Here's a photo I posted ages ago http://www.realphotographersforum.com/people-portraits/299-maisy.html

 

[Lesley Jones]

Oh... that's lovely and it does suit the subject so well. I must dig deeper when I have a bit of spare time