Sleepy - a test in clarity

[starrylaurie]

Does this shot work?

As many of you know, I'm brand new to the wonderment of photography. I don't have any fancy equipment, only a p&s HP digital. After reading quite a bit on the forum about learning to use what you have before investing in more expensive equipment, I'm attempting to do just that.

As far as PP goes - I obviously framed it, but other than that, I darkened out a little bit of background that was barely showing through.

Thanks for taking a look at this. And please let me know if it has any merit at all. I was proud of its clarity, but am unsure of composition.

*laurie

[aetnajojo]

Originally Posted by starrylaurie

Does this shot work?

*laurie

Make no mistake about it, I think the image is already beautiful. So this comment is not to point out a correction, but rather to point out other possibilities for further enhancing an already good image.

If your interest is clarity, then it is still possible to extract more detail from your pixel data. See image below - technique used is a subdued version of what they call the 'Dragan' or 'Laszlo effect' discussed somewhere else on different threads within this forum.

[starrylaurie]

Thank you! I'm so new that I'm second guessing myself. This is my first post into the "Critique" threads and was scared to death. I love that effect added to her and I'm off to try it myself to see if I can recreate it. Once again - thank you!

[Manila_Joe]

I like it! The unedited picture looks very natural and is composed very well. The second, I find does bring the cat out a lot more but the chair looks a bit grainy. Maybe there is a happy medium around here somewhere.

[KagoGrl]

I think it's a fantastic shot! Thank you for sharing. I agree that a bit more detail could be brought out in her - possibly even with just the use of curves, or levels. But the composition is great. I love different cat poses. So many people go with just the face, but it's nice to include the legs and feet to truly get a feel for their emotion at the time.

This is my unique kitty shot from a while ago: Jasper Toes

Keep up the good work! And keep on sharing!

[peeperita]

a wise soul you are to explore the functions of your camera at hand.....pulling out your manual and experimenting with each and every one of them will hone skills you can apply to your upgrade....

you have a good eye for composition.....

best of luck to you and thanks for sharing...

peeper

[Kpclark1959]

That seems to be a problem for all us newbies We are limited by our equipment but not by our imaginations. Wonderful shot. My only problem is the really ugly fabric on the chair. lol Seriously, well done!

[brbeall3]

I like this pictures and "pose" a lot. It shows the cat's personality very nicely. Great composition and clarity.

One thing for possible improvement - go to a B/W pic to reduce the platform color the cat is resting on. The flash of color is a slight distraction for me.

Other thoughts?

[starrylaurie]

Oh wow! Thank you everyone! I know I've said this before, but being so new to photography, I was quite terrified putting a submission into the Critique section. You have all very graciously accepted me though. You have no idea how much I appreciate it!

Since I was an insomniac last night, I tried to play with the curves and such to bring out more of her coat. It seemed to darken her quite a bit, but looks nice I think. Is this what you all meant?



Btw - I tried the B&W, but the dark colors in her coat seemed to compete more with the fabric. Maybe I'm wrong, but it was just a little too distracting without the color. Does that make sense?

Once again, thank you all so much! I want to learn to take better pictures and you all have given me hope that I may be able to do that! I just have to trust my eye and not be afraid. Right?

[Nathan deGargoyle]

Maybe a case for selective desaturation?