Experiments with overlays

[Bob_B]

A very happy holiday to all in the US. I've been exploring using overlays on some of my images, and have some results to share. If you have a minute, I'd greatly appreciate your thoughts on any and all of the four versions. Thanks for stopping by. - Bob

[David Eckels]

Bob, I assume the overlays are those patterns in the background bokeh. They are not distracting as they are subtle enough. But, the thought occurred to me that are they necessary for what is a perfectly lovely cone flower photograph? ¢¢

[Bob_B]

David: Thanks for your comment. How true! Indeed, I took one of my favorite photos for just that reason: to see if I could make it better. My initial assessment is that this experiment did not drastically (or even marginally) improve the original. (I went through a dozen different attempts before picking these four finalists.) I plan to wait a day or two, see what others (such as you) think, and review these four to see if my opinion has changed regarding improving the image.

[Rajan Parrikar]

Of the 4, my preference is for the last one. It brings attention to the flower right away and retains it.

#1 background has some cross lines (albeit subtle) at the top-right that could distract.
#2 and #3 have spots and some mottled patterns.

[sf]

Could you perhaps post the original, for comparison?

S

[francois]

#4 is my favorite, mostly because the background is not distracting - almost natural. To be fair, in this case, I'm not so sure that adding an overlay improves this lovely image.

[Bob_B]

Could you perhaps post the original, for comparison?

S

Hi sf. That photo was posted here a few years back. I will post again, if you cannot find it with a search. Thanks.

[Bob_B]

Thanks francois. After thinking about it overnight, I agree that any of the overlays I used improve the image. Experiments will continue...

[John R]

Of the 4, my preference is for the last one. It brings attention to the flower right away and retains it.

#1 background has some cross lines (albeit subtle) at the top-right that could distract.
#2 and #3 have spots and some mottled patterns.

I agree with Rajan. You have to mind what is in the overlay to make it successful. I does look rather nice. I assume it was selective overlay and not over the whole flower.

JR

[Bob_B]

...I assume it was selective overlay and not over the whole flower.

JR

Thanks John R. Yes. I used a white mask and black brush to remove the effect from the flower. BTW, there are three overlays in each photo, not that that makes any difference in viewing.

[sf]

Hi sf. That photo was posted here a few years back. I will post again, if you cannot find it with a search. Thanks.

Without knowing what the title was then, it's hard to search for it!

S

[Bob_B]

No problem. Here's the original:

[John R]

No problem. Here's the original:

Bob, I think you will really be interested in this video which shows how to do overlays and control dark and light areas much easier than photoshop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmbnRZc6oIE

[Bob_B]

John R: Thanks! It looks very useful.

[sf]

No problem. Here's the original:

Thanks, Bob. I'm not persuaded that any of the overlay versions is an improvement on the rather lovely original.

S

[EricV]

I like the original the best.  The green background is natural and appealing.  I might even try lightening the very dark bottom area.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Another vote for the original.
But the overlays were a useful experiment.

[Bob_B]

Thanks Eric. Experimentation <-- That's what it's all about! More to come.

[francois]

Add my voice to the original… Experimenting is free, anyway.

[Bob_B]

Experimenting is free, anyway.

Not if you're doing it for a living says the retired professor. LOL. Thanks francois.