Selective: Does it really help?

[Phoenix_Jackson]

I was figuring out how to feature the drums more the focus of the image. I can't think of any ways to do this other than blurring out the other elements (which would be a shame since it's a picture of someone I know), desaturating them, or layer masking. So I was wondering what you guys think if I made the drums pop out more than the rest of the image.




Camera Canon EOS 60D with Samyang 85mm
Exposure 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture f/0.0 (actually f/8)
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
GIMP for layer masking.

Not sure if needed or allowed but attached is a copy of the unedited picture.

[BigFuzzy]

My opinion is that it's rare (I almost said never) where I find that selective coloring works.

What you have to ask yourself (in my opinion) is what do you add to the image by doing the selective color?

Is the point of interest actually the drums because that's what you do by doing the coloring this way?

In the end, it just doesn't work for me. Part of it is that it's a pretty busy photo that isn't much more than a travel snap shot.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

... it's a pretty busy photo that isn't much more than a travel snap shot.

I saw that coming.
In a way, it is a snap shot as all I cared about was taking her picture just as they're done performing (I didn't realize I knew her until it's too late). But I was hoping I could fake it.
I guess a snap-shot is a snap shot, no matter how it's processed.

But I'll take note of your advice about applying selective-coloring (adding something instead of deducing). It's pretty much what every pro says whenever someone wants to do something crazy with their photos.

Thank you.

[Father Bob]

I find partial desaturating of the background can be effective. The colors are muted except the drums. A more subtle way of of emphasizing a point of interest.

[flytyer57]

I think that if you added color to the people along with the drums and just left the background b/w you would have a more interesting photo here.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

I can just imagine how it might work. I'm going to try out both. Thank you guys.

[vuvool]

Extra comment from my side:
My first impression when looking into this picture was that selective color separation does not work. I think this is because, in my opinion, this picture is not (only) about the drums. As I see it, it is about people and - then - drums. Thus I absolutely agree with flytyer57, I would leave the persons in the picture also in color.

Another idea that came to my mind as worth trying, is to remove color also from these wooden supporting frames of the drums - I have a feeling that they are not wort highlighting.

Background, indeed, is cluttered and disturbing, in my opinion, too. Try blurring and/or desaturation, as suggested already.

Originally Posted by Phoenix_Jackson

I guess a snap-shot is a snap shot, no matter how it's processed.

I tend to disagree here. Maybe it is idealistic but I think that it is exactly post-processing that can still help you make such picture outstanding and satisfactory - maybe in other way than you initially saw it, but still. And, yes, sometimes it requires a lot of extra work on the picture, this is true!

I hope this was of help for you.

PS Please share the picture with us once you use (some of) the suggestions from feedback on this photo.

[TheMoons678]

+1

The way the picture is composed, the drums are not the focus.

Maybe if you had some ND filters and could take a long exposure to blur the movement of the drummer keeping the drums sharp along with partial desaturation (along with a change of perspective).

[ChrisAdval]

Originally Posted by Phoenix_Jackson

I was figuring out how to feature the drums more the focus of the image. I can't think of any ways to do this other than blurring out the other elements (which would be a shame since it's a picture of someone I know), desaturating them, or layer masking. So I was wondering what you guys think if I made the drums pop out more than the rest of the image.




Camera Canon EOS 60D with Samyang 85mm
Exposure 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture f/0.0 (actually f/8)
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash Off, Did not fire
GIMP for layer masking.

Not sure if needed or allowed but attached is a copy of the unedited picture.

I don't like selective use ever working, maybe movie posters as they tend to use them a lot to give a certain effect to portray to the audience viewing the poster... but generally with a photo that doesn't have a very specific purpose as a movie poster then its eh... If you're a fine art photographer then sure do whatever you want that gives your goal of portraying the artistic expression to jump properly.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Thank you so much for your advice. Instead of an in-your-face change, I went a more subtle approach. I'm happy with the result. Much much happier than the first one. And I learned it all from you guys.



Partial desaturation and blurring, all to feature the drums and the drummer. It makes much more sens. What I had a hard time was partially separating the stand from the drums. I can't make it look natural that way. So I settled for this image and maybe when I learn better technique, I'll try it again.

Give me some nitpicks though, if there's something I missed.
Again, thank you.