Rusty Nails.

[ribkaje]

I took this sometime ago for the 'Rust' assignment. Thought I'd try and fix it up with Photoshop seeing that it was a horrible shot.

Before

<a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p199/vempireoffilth/before.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>


After

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/numeroquatro/471087407/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/471087407_25f97d39a9.jpg" width="500" height="455" alt="Decay 03" /></a>


While I can't remember exactly what I did, I do remember messing around with the brightness & contrast, then using the 'Selective Color' and 'Hue & Saturation' tools to enhance the colours individually. I also remember using the 'Exposure' tool where I decreased the Offset value and increased the Gamma value (I don't know by how much though). Then I messed around with the 'Surface Blur' filter before cropping it. I did all the edits without making / duplicating any new layers.
The only thing I wish is if the nails were more in focus. Otherwise I think it turned out pretty ok (or am I the only one who thinks that? :D ).
What do you guys think?

[jiminyClickit]

ribkaje,

Back at the "Rust" assignment, I like that shot. This process might work well on that photo; the one above will forever suffer from OOF and cut-off heads. The wall and plant look livelier, richer. The nails are a little too red to fit in. Good experimentation, keep seeing new things.

[wulf]

The background is much improved. What I think you need is some sharper nails! Since you are messing around with the picture anyway, how about seeing if you can take a suitable nails shot and work it into the image replacing the existing ones. You will need a shot with similar lighting but with the focus sharp on the nails.

Wulf

[ribkaje]

Jiminy,

I actually have an updated version of that photo, edited with similiar techniques. But, like you said, the nails are probably too red. Thanks for the tip!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/numeroquatro/471056436/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/221/471056436_e88b1810b7.jpg" width="500" height="434" alt="Decay 02" /></a>


Wulf,

I know what you mean. The out of focus nails are my biggest gripe with that picture. See if you like the one above better.

[jiminyClickit]

ribkaje,

This is better. Supine nail seems to lead out of photo, though, and is touching edge of frame (not just my pet peeve, it is a graphic arts observation that subjects touching frame make viewers uncomfortable). If head of lower nail were on right side, nail curving to left in front of standing nail, attention might flow better, and fill empty area there on lower right, for balance. Still a bit red, but that's a choice.

[ribkaje]

Now that's something I never knew! Will keep it in mind the next time I shoot and crop stuff. Nice one. Thanks jiminy!

[wulf]

The second picture still doesn't quite come together for me but I haven't got anything to add to J's comments. Have you still got those nails or have they rusted away now ;) !

Wulf