First Try with Textures - Cornflower

[RonCar10]

This is my first attempt utilizing textures. I used the tecture as a "saturation" blending option for the Layer Style in CS4. I am looking for feedback on color for both the cornflower and the background and whether or not it is overdone.

EXIF Data;
Canon EOS 50D
EF180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
Av 11.0
Tv 1/50
ISO 320

Thank you for any comments.

[Lightwriter]

I'm sorry but I'm not seeing "it". All you've done (to me at least) is over-saturate your image. The "saturate" blending mode doesn't really show your chosen texture at all. I would try some other blending modes ("soft light", "overlay", and "multiply" are some of my favorite modes for textures.) Also, don't be afraid to lower the opacity of the texture layer, erase the texture in places, or use multiple copies of the texture (or 2 or 3 totally different textures) in different blending modes at different opacities. For example, how does your photo look if you put one copy of your texture on saturate mode and another copy on soft light?

You have a nice photo there so keep playing

[RonCar10]

Lightwriter, Thank you for the critique. I will try your tips. This is a whole new world for me and I appreciate your suggestions. Do you "sandwich" texture layers with your photos? I will definitely experiment with these things.

Thanks Again,

Ron

[Lightwriter]

Do you "sandwich" texture layers with your photos?

I'm not 100% sure what you mean. How you use textures just depends on the photo. I find that each photo "tells" me what processing work needs to be done to it. Some photos need just a simple color and contrast boost; they look their best after that. Some photos need BW, some textures, ect. You'll know you've edited properly when no other edit makes it look half as good.

[vsa]

The colors are really blown out. This usually leads to significant loss of detail. Check out the histogram for blue channel for example. But yea.. over-saturated.

Usually subtle edits are what make the whole image. Don't be afraid to use low opacities.