Saying goodbuy isn't eazy

[batch]

Please can you help.

Emotionally this photo means a lot to me. It was a last minute decision shot, that was rushed so i made mistakes with camera settings. In photoshop i used shadow-highlight and color curves. What i would like to know is there a better way to process this shot as i would like to get this photo printed. I'm a little disappointed in the sharpness and detail of the shot, thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Camera: Canon EOS 400D Digital
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 39 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

[Murtasma]

Are you asking for a critique? If so perhaps this should be moved to the appropriate section. As for the post processing have you worked with layer masks yet? I think the image is great where it stands now. If I had to change one thing I think I would make the sand just a tad lighter.

[batch]

Originally Posted by Murtasma

Are you asking for a critique? If so perhaps this should be moved to the appropriate section. As for the post processing have you worked with layer masks yet? I think the image is great where it stands now. If I had to change one thing I think I would make the sand just a tad lighter.

Murtasma thanks for replying.
No i'm not asking for a critique as i know i did some things wrong when shooting it. I was asking more for tips as to how to better post process this shot as my skills with PS are still very basic, and no i haven't worked with layer masks yet.

[muddy250]

Hi
Best thing to do is to build your pp skills gradually, one step at a time by learning them as you need to use them.
Here I'd suggest you learn to use:

layers and layer masks so you don't work on the original file,
curves to bring up the contrast and colours a little
high pass filter sharpening rather than USm or Smart sharpening
then sharpening as the final step.

Looking at the original it seems you've over sharpened it as there's a little halo around the figure and along the line of the hill to the left.

Take a look here for easy to follow tutorials, it'll take some time to learn but once invested you'll always have those skills to hand.

"Ron Bigelow's Photoshop Tutorials" at the bottom of this page is the link to follow:

http://www.chrischarlesworth.co.uk/links.html

best
Chris

[batch]

Thanks very much Chris
It was the advise and information i was looking for to get me started and off on the right track. If I'm successful at improving the image I'll repost it on before and after. Again thanks.

[batch]

I used a different image but still looked the same as above. Thought i should post the result.

[angeleyes216]

I think its really pretty and i like the lightness on the sand and the shadows. Nice photo.

[oldwolf]

love the colors on the second one. looks like you're getting the hang of pp.