Across the pond and back in time...

[dlaf]

Here's the before taken just a couple of nights ago (not bad for December!):



Here's the after:



What I did:

1. Opened the texture/boarder file to make that the "base" I was working with.

2. Opened the color version and used "Photo Effects" for black and white with a red filter at 30%. Duplicated this layer.

3. On the duplicate layer I used motion blur to try to make it look like there was a bit of hand shake, but reduced it's opacity to 40% so some of the original sharp focus would still come through.

4. Took a duplicate of the texture/boarder and put it over the other layers as "Hard Light" at 28% opacity and reduced the saturation significantly. I then did a soft erase on the middle of the texture to allow more of the photo to come through. Did some softening and blurring on parts of the texture.

5. Created a gray layer and resized it to cover only the photo part and set the opacity at 18%.

6. Added the text in a grayish blue to simulate older ink that wasn't as fresh.

Comments/constructive criticisms welcomed. Thanks for looking!

[xxpinballxx]

nice work.....postcard feel to it.......

[uli]

Hm, actually when looking at the original, I don't think it even needs any post-work (I think you added some saturation and sharpness already?!).
The colour sets off the lamp against the background beautifully, and the angle you captured the lamppost in makes it a standout photo. The crooked lights give the lamp a very organic look that feels almost human to me.

Keep it as it is

[Priceless]

Originally Posted by uli

Hm, actually when looking at the original, I don't think it even needs any post-work (I think you added some saturation and sharpness already?!).
The colour sets off the lamp against the background beautifully, and the angle you captured the lamppost in makes it a standout photo. The crooked lights give the lamp a very organic look that feels almost human to me.

Keep it as it is

I will have to agree I love the colors and angle. Great shot in color.

[dlaf]

Originally Posted by xxpinballxx

nice work.....postcard feel to it.......

Thanks, pinball. I'm a far cry from your level of expertise, but love to play!

Originally Posted by uli

Hm, actually when looking at the original, I don't think it even needs any post-work (I think you added some saturation and sharpness already?!).
The colour sets off the lamp against the background beautifully, and the angle you captured the lamppost in makes it a standout photo. The crooked lights give the lamp a very organic look that feels almost human to me.

Keep it as it is

Thanks, uli. I actually do like the original better, but have been trying for a certain feel in pp (plus just had to try out a new texture I found on flickr).

Originally Posted by Priceless

I will have to agree I love the colors and angle. Great shot in color.

Thank you, Priceless. It was so pretty to have those orange leaves lit from the inside. They were all gone two nights later from rain. I caught them just in time!

[Boscopix]

I have to aggree with the others as well...I really love the first color one!
I would leave it just the way it is...very nice!

[Loose_Canon]

I like the color version better also. It's not a great candidate for B&W though I do admire your creativity in making the card. Very nice effect.