Sunset Hollyhocks

[prairierose]

Sunset hollyhocks-I see so much post editing done but I want to learn the classic basics-what ideas for basic editing? I am really new to computers and digital photography. I also think I am in the "wrong spot".Am I?

[wulf]

Yes, you were in the wrong spot, since nothing in your picture starts with "K"! Since you are asking for comments on your picture, I have put your post into the "Critique My Shot" section.

Wulf

[jiminyClickit]

prairierose, Welcome

We're guides in most ways, helping you to find where you want to go. If you are hoping to find ways to change your photo (which has wonderful color) into something you imagine will be more to your liking, there are many areas here discussing all manner of basic and more complex techniques.

The first step is getting a clear idea of what you imagine. Do you see a need to cut away some of the photo (crop)? To increase the brightness and darkness (contrast)? Maybe make clearer (sharpen)? If you can tell us more about what you want to do, we can certainly help you do it. Your photo is a very good first post. Tell us more, camera settings, type of camera, etc.

[prairierose]

THANKS.I have got to tell you that is so exciting-I am 65 and just starting out in editing-not easy but interesting and fun.
Panasonic DMC FZ30 1/60 f4.0 ISO 80 21.7mm
I had thought about cropping- I really like the sunlight through the petals-transparency and the colours and would somehow like to emphasis those elements.
Have a great day.

[jiminyClickit]

prairierose,

The sense of accomplishment you get from both photography and a good edit are what keeps this place alive and growing, so you're in good company. Any questions you have, any problems in your way, let us know and we'll do our best to keep it interesting and fun. Lots of folks here with 1940's birthdates too.

What program are you using to edit?

[wulf]

If this were my picture, I would be fairly happy with it but (given time enough to do some post-processing) I can see two areas I would think about attending to:

1) Cropping the picture down a little to lose the blurred stem that forms a border down the right hand side (as the other sides have less defined borders). The proportions of the picture look good, so I might also trim a bit from the top or bottom to keep the ratio of width to height the same.

2) If I were to get more involved, I would want to brighten the darker areas of the picture a bit - not so much as to steal away from the light coming through some of the petals but to make the dark areas lighter and warmer.

However, there is a lot going for the picture in the first place - a balanced overall composition, sharp detail in the flowers and that exquisite light.

Wulf

[prairierose]

Photoshop Elements 5
I appreciate your time and comments.Thanks!