What’s Your Preference?

vitalygeyman · #1 (**permalink**) 09-15-2010, 09:33 PM

BEFORE

AFTER

The original photo was taken around 10am in the morning with a Cannon Rebel at 1/60 sec standard 55mm lens. As you can see it had a lot distractions, cars, fences, road. All was cloned out, then I applied Soft Light adjustment layer in PS3 and desaturated the colors turning it into a Sepia tone. I also burned and dodged the trunk of the tree and branches. Also filled in some of open spaces in the branches by cloning.

It was a delicate operation as the beams of light are very sensitive to cloning and can look very artificial if not done gently so it took me a few hours. I then returned to the image a few days later ( as I often do to give me some time to think about it, see if I missed anything). I then sharpened it and increased the contrast a little.

Feel free to ask questions...

Click on the link if you like to see more of my Sepia and B&W Tree Photography
Vitaly
- Fine Art Flowers and Tree Photography, Black and White Nature Photography

Stina3246 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2010, 10:20 PM

I can't see the picture too well, it's a bit small but from what I can tell the After photo is spectacular! I LOVE the beams of light. Nice job.

vitalygeyman · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2010, 10:49 PM

Thank you it is one of my favorites I named it Moses Tree because it felt like that ancient tree that Moses would stand near by with rays of light beaming from the sky.

Stina3246 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-15-2010, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitalygeyman

Thank you it is one of my favorites I named it Moses Tree because it felt like that ancient tree that Moses would stand near by with rays of light beaming from the sky.

Ah, they are easier to see now and I was right. Spectacular. Yes I can see moses standing there with his staff for sure!

skoggiel · #5 (**permalink**) 09-16-2010, 12:54 AM

great work! beautiful shot!

Stina3246 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-16-2010, 01:14 AM

Can you tell us what your setting were? I'd love to know so I can try to capture something this breathtaking.
Even the before shot is great.

derekspacelewis · #7 (**permalink**) 09-16-2010, 02:29 AM

The edit looks 100% better! Great job and thanks for sharing.

highlydope · #8 (**permalink**) 09-16-2010, 04:42 AM

Well done. That was tough one!

vitalygeyman · #9 (**permalink**) 09-16-2010, 04:56 AM

My settings were 1/60 sec, F11, ISO 400 nothing special. I think the fog really helped and the sun rays at the right angle created the amazing light and shadow play. The rest is all in the post processing.