Bi-colored Frog

[Nicole Hanna]

Using a borrowed Sony Cyber Shot DSC-H1: auto point and shoot, Aperture f/3.5, Focal length 11.7mm, ISO 64, shutter speed 1/60.

I love animal photography... small animals particularly. I had an opportunity to stay at a friends house for a weekend, and she was sporting several frog ponds in her massive backyard. You can imagine my infinite joy! Anyway, this is my first attempt at color-spotting. I don't have Photoshop, and wouldn't know how to use it if I did have it, and color-spotting is a painstaking process in Photoscape (which is what I used). I also used clone-spotting to remove those white little weeds that feel over the frog. This way, they look like they are just peeking up on the side of the frog (hopefully).

I just want to know if the composition is acceptable, and if the clover over the frog is distracting. If the color-spotting is acceptably done. Part of me thinks it looks a tad over-exposed, but I don't even know how that can even be possible, and wonder if it's a trick of the light when I color-spotted and surrounded the frog with black and white. I was in the shade and the ISO is so incredibly low, it's a miracle I got this much brightness! And any other impressions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[sk66]

WHY the selective color?????
I definitely think I would prefer this "natural"....very seldom is selective color "better"...

[Nicole Hanna]

Originally Posted by sk66

WHY the selective color?????
I definitely think I would prefer this "natural"....very seldom is selective color "better"...

Three reasons: 1. The frog was lost in the shrubbery surrounding it. 2. I'd never tried color spotting before. 3. It was requested by a friend who wanted a frog photo for her son's bedroom LOL (But this is one of two color-spotting photos that I've done. I don't normally head in that direction).

[Jim Poor]

As much as I don't like selective color, it's done fairly well. There's a bit in front of the face that has some color still in the BG.

Yes, the clover leaf over the back of the frog is distracting as are the bits growing out of its back.

The composition is pretty cool.

[Nicole Hanna]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

As much as I don't like selective color, it's done fairly well. There's a bit in front of the face that has some color still in the BG.

Yes, the clover leaf over the back of the frog is distracting as are the bits growing out of its back.

The composition is pretty cool.

Ah, I see it now. Didn't notice there was still some color left there until you mentioned it. Good eye.

I knew that clover was a nuisance, but alas, I was stuck with it at the time. Too much movement and those frogs were diving for the water. lol. That might be a bit much to clone stamp out.... or rather, I'm not good enough at clone stamping to remove it. LOL Thanks for your opinion. I appreciate it.

[bigrobo89]

I personally like the use of selective colouring here, particularly if its helped to eliminate an otherwise distracting background. I also agree that the clover is a somewhat distracting element but not overly so. Great detailing on the back of the frog.

Paul

[chicagojohn]

Originally Posted by Nicole Hanna

selective color

I've read all of the other comments, and while I personally don't think this is a great photograph in and of itself, it is a very good one and accentuated by selective color, methinks.

As an aside, here, some think "methinks" is two words. Actually, in proper usage it is one word, and I've used it correctly above. This is not to say that the term "methinks" should not be used more often in English discourse; I am trying to bring it back.

So, back to the frog, ya; I think selective color is warrented here in light of the alternatives; and one always has to evaluate everything, methinks, in terms of the alternatives.

My two cents worth.

[Nicole Hanna]

You have a point, methinks. Entirely color OR black and white would wash out the frog. Too much foliage to get a nice finished photo.

Fun word, by the way. I shall endeavor to use it often and support your cause.