I did more work on this photo than I normally do. After making the slightest adjustment in contrast, a thick blue wave line appeared above the shrubs in the same wavy pattern of the shrubs. So, I decided to get rid of the overcast sky altogether. I duplicated the background layer and rotated the new layer 90 degrees clockwise. The dark green patch on the left side of the original was stretched to the same dimensions of the photo, then repeatedly softened using NIK Color Efex 4s Dynamic Skin softener applied to the entire layer several times to create a Green Bokeh Layer. I then duplicated the background layer again calling it Top Layer. The Top Layer was moved above the Green Bokeh Layer which was revealed using the mask at 60% opacity which of course obscured the entire image, but did create a nice upper green bokeh. These two layers were then merged and the merged lay renamed Bokeh. The image was then cropped square. Next, I duplicated the background layer again calling the new layer Top. Using the mask with a soft brush, I revealed the upper green bokeh then merged the two layers keeping the name Top. Next, I used Nik Viveza to selective add and remove structure as initial sharpening steps. Using Nik Pro sharpener, I selectively softened and sharpened the image. Using Nik Color Efex, I used Darken/Lighten Center to brighten the edges of the photo slightly. I then used Nik Color Efex Lens Vignette to soften the outer edges of the photo in a circular pattern. Was it worth all that? Maybe not, but it was fun trying to problem solve creatively... :)
Posted on: Fri, 16 May 2014 01:14:32 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015