Backlit Willet at High Tide

[RonCar10]

This is my second attempt at textures;

I started with a texture as the background, used my backlit photo of a willet as an overlay blending option at full opacity, the used a vivid light blending option, also at full opacity on top of that.

I am looking for critique on composition, lighting, and the effect of textures on my photo.
Canon EOS 40D
EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM +2.0x
Av 10.0
Tv 1/800
ISO 200

[Vail Marston]

Great work. The lighting and texture you've chosen work together very well. The different shapes created by the reflected weeds add a lot of interest too.

I think the vignette is a little strong or should have been feathered out more. I might have toned down the color saturation as well, closer to grayer shades of the original on your flickr page.

[Lightwriter]

I see what you were talking about now. I like this much better. The image is captivating and I love the warm golden tones. I'm guessing that the vignetting is from the texture you've used. I agree that it is a bit distracting. I would suggest using a layer mask to erase the vignette portion of the texture on one of the texture layers (primarily on the top portion of the image as this is where the vignette is distracting, at least to me.)

[RonCar10]

Originally Posted by Vail Marston

Great work. The lighting and texture you've chosen work together very well. The different shapes created by the reflected weeds add a lot of interest too.

I think the vignette is a little strong or should have been feathered out more. I might have toned down the color saturation as well, closer to grayer shades of the original on your flickr page.

Thank you for your comments. Lightwriter is correct, the look of vignetting comes from the texture. I will try to soften it some, although, I do like the darker corners.

Thanks Again,

Ron

[RonCar10]

Originally Posted by Lightwriter

I see what you were talking about now. I like this much better. The image is captivating and I love the warm golden tones. I'm guessing that the vignetting is from the texture you've used. I agree that it is a bit distracting. I would suggest using a layer mask to erase the vignette portion of the texture on one of the texture layers (primarily on the top portion of the image as this is where the vignette is distracting, at least to me.)

Lightwriter,

Thank you. You are correct about the vignette, it is the texture. I will, once again, take your advice and try a layer mask (never done this before either) and try to reduce the effect. I can't believe how much fun this is.

I really appreciate your help.

Ron

[Lightwriter]

Originally Posted by RonCar10

Lightwriter,

Thank you. You are correct about the vignette, it is the texture. I will, once again, take your advice and try a layer mask (never done this before either) and try to reduce the effect. I can't believe how much fun this is.

I really appreciate your help.

Ron

No problem, Ron! Layer masks are easy and once you start using them you'll love them. Be sure to post your final result