Hawksbill Turtle - colours seem muted

[rwebb]

So the problem isn't so much with the turtle itself, but the background colours seem very muted and hazy. Does this make the turtle stand out more? Or does it make the picture "ho-hum"?

Is there away in photoshop to clean up the haziness of the water?



Camera: Canon PowerShot D10
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 9.7 mm
ISO Speed: 125
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Did not fire

[FDCPR]

For me I wouldn't worry about the background, normally shooting wildlife we try to get the background unrecognizable. Normally it's just the bokeh of the shot, with a large aperture setting or using a long telephoto lens. You might be able to clear some of the haze in PP, but I personally wouldn't. Turtles are hard subjects to shoot, when they are in the water most of the time you have to shoot directly down on them, as this shot is. I've done it, as has most anyone that ever took a turtle photo. Given choices a different composition of the animal makes for a more pleasing image. The problem is that few have the equipment to put their camera underwater to capture a different perspective. That includes me also, my shots have all been similar to yours as I don't shoot in the water.

You captured a nice photo of this guy, you could have improved the clarity by adding a polarizing filter to you camera or by playing in Photoshop. But, before you spend a lot of time in PP work ask yourself: Is this a picture of a turtle or seaweed? If you answer turtle, then leave it as it is. Just my two cents, take it as you will.

[rwebb]

Thanks for the input. I've played with this a little more in Photoshop, but more to blur the background, and it helps bring out the turtle more; but in the end I always seem to like this version more.

Originally Posted by FDCPR

For me I wouldn't worry about the background, normally shooting wildlife we try to get the background unrecognizable. Normally it's just the bokeh of the shot, with a large aperture setting or using a long telephoto lens. You might be able to clear some of the haze in PP, but I personally wouldn't. Turtles are hard subjects to shoot, when they are in the water most of the time you have to shoot directly down on them, as this shot is. I've done it, as has most anyone that ever took a turtle photo. Given choices a different composition of the animal makes for a more pleasing image. The problem is that few have the equipment to put their camera underwater to capture a different perspective. That includes me also, my shots have all been similar to yours as I don't shoot in the water.

You captured a nice photo of this guy, you could have improved the clarity by adding a polarizing filter to you camera or by playing in Photoshop. But, before you spend a lot of time in PP work ask yourself: Is this a picture of a turtle or seaweed? If you answer turtle, then leave it as it is. Just my two cents, take it as you will.

[PhotoPhix]

Originally Posted by rwebb

So the problem isn't so much with the turtle itself, but the background colours seem very muted and hazy. Does this make the turtle stand out more? Or does it make the picture "ho-hum"?

Is there away in photoshop to clean up the haziness of the water?



Camera: Canon PowerShot D10
Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80)
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 9.7 mm
ISO Speed: 125
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Did not fire

Rather than fighting the background, I think you should accentuate it as it frames the turtle perfectly. Nice shot.

Armando

[Mrs Jones]

it's a lovely image as is, but like you, I'd prefer it without the haziness. A polarizing filter is the best bet when shooting water, but some adjustments can be done PP to mimic the filter. I had a go at it in PS CS3, using adjustment layers 'levels', 'curves' and a little 'brightness'. I like the resulting depth of colour. Look at them side by side and let me know what you think.



Cheers

[rwebb]

Thanks for the input. Problem is that the canon powershot d10 doesn't have a polarizer available. It's a little underwater P&S so everything needs to be done PP.

Originally Posted by Mrs Jones

it's a lovely image as is, but like you, I'd prefer it without the haziness. A polarizing filter is the best bet when shooting water, but some adjustments can be done PP to mimic the filter. I had a go at it in PS CS3, using adjustment layers 'levels', 'curves' and a little 'brightness'. I like the resulting depth of colour. Look at them side by side and let me know what you think.



Cheers