Monarch Butterfly - Synthetic DOF and Lighting via Layers Masks

[Photog*Scott]

So, I've never posted anything before, but this seems like a good place for a miniature tutorial. I might write a full tutorial for it, if there's enough interest to warrant it. Feedback is good.

We're starting with this:



And we are transforming it to this:



Here are the basics:

1. Scale down to 200x1333 for working ratio.
2. Duplicate Image >> Blur with Filter>>Lens Blur
3. Use Layer Mask combined with Radial Gradient Tool to create DOF effect.
4. Use New Layer with Radial Gradient to shift image brightness to Monarch.
5. Use New Layer with Yellow tone to hand paint some sunlight.
6. Create Layer Mask over sunlit layer and use Linear Gradient to equalize the spread of the light.
7. Very slightly burn/dodge butterfly to make light consistent across wings.
8. Sharpen slightly.
9. Heat to 350 degrees for twenty minutes.
10. Serve hot and ready to eat!

And done.

I was going to write out a massive tutorial for this, but I figured I'd test the waters first and see if there's really a demand for it and at what level I should write said tutorial if it ever comes about. So let me know what you think, and if you have questions, ask!

:)

[scootermcq]

I don't want to come across as negative for you, but honestly I prefer the first image. It's great. The second appears fake and over processed

[Candipoox]

I like it. It has more of a fantasy feel to it.

[BigFuzzy]

Agreed with Scott, the second one came across as PPed. To me, it's really difficult to fake DoF and make it look realistic and in this case, had I not known the DoF was faked ahead of time, I would have figured it out and that, to me, is when it's not great.

Still, even with the PP, it's a nice image, but the manipulation stands out to me.. but would it to a non-photographer/client.. who knows, and sometimes that's more important that what us "in the know" folks think.

[TNH]

I actually like the first one better. The grass is blurry and the butterfly is not as bright in the second one. Nice photo, though.

[Izzy]

I like the first one as well. I think you lost some color in the butterfly in PPing it. DOF is near impossible to fake at this time.