Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Kyle,
I liked your pictures, some can be improved (my opinion) with a little help with an editing software like Photoshop. I took the liberty of doing this pic that had very nice composition. I didn't care for the "line" (plant stem) thru the subject. This couldn't be helped obviously but it CAN BE CORRECTED. I could have possibly done a little better job, but I think it's a nicer picture. You have been taking some great shots! I like the star effect (in the eye) in one of them.
Please don't think I'm trying to belittle your pictures, I'm not, I think you have a very good grasp on the subject and your technical abilities, I would like to see you focus on your composition, turning very good pics. into ART. If I didn't think you were good, I would say nothing.

Thanks a lot, no I am always greatful for any ideas. One thing that is tough is how the digital cameras handle focus, almost forcing you to at least start with the subject in the center. This can be fixed with holding the shutter and then moving a little, but it can take a bit of getting used to. To be honest I have been working more on my flash, lens, and other things, but now I am starting to work on just the things you have pointed out. Thanks for the input and if you have any other ideas let me know.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Yea, I know what you mean. I've been having the same problems with digital. My 35 mm is so much easier to control with focus, depth of field, and I can use a cable release for smooth shutter control.
The two step button on my digital camera drives me nuts, it's tough to remember composition, but thank goodness for Photoshop, a dark room on my computer!
You have captured some very nice shots. I enjoy seeing them and I enjoyed your site. Lots of hard work but it helps those of us new to this hobby.
Please keep up the good work!

go photoshop =D
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-_^

I plan to, and hope to get a new camera next year. The new Sony is on its way, and I am waiting for a review. We will see what it brings...
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

treedimensions- when you use the clone tool try to take samples from diffrent areas of the picure. It takes a bit of practice but once you get it the cloned area wont have the "wave" look to it. Also try using a combination of the "fuzzy" clone brush and the normal brush. This is my crack at removing the stem from that picture.

It actually looks like you rushed it, maybe in order to post it in this thread. Try zooming in further, and using a smaller brush.

I do this quite often at work.

Jim

Yea, I did (I'm no pro with Photoshop either though) to just see what it would look like with out the stem.I started having second thoughts about removing the twigging up in the left of his head and even thought That I would leave the stem and actually add some foilage on it (to keep the peek-a-boo effect). I just found the stem distracting "as is". My point was that the camera is just the "1st step" to a final image. Needless to say that we are dealing with a "subjective" subject and I'm trying to be as "objective" as I can.
Thanks for the follow up.

You both did well, but to be honest for that shot I like the stem there. It gives more of a hiding effect to the picture. All a matter of person preference...
I try to not edit my pics to that extent, as in most cases it is very easy to tell it has been doctored. I do do a lot of color, and sharpening, and yes photoshop is the best around, but in some cases it has the worst interface ever. Give me one reason why every picture opens at 33%, and looks like crap at any res but 100%? I mean this software is $400 and $50 software handles some things better. Too bad those things are not worth sqwat when it comes to out put. Photoshop CS will be out in late NOV so we will see what they fix. Sounds like they at least fixed the file browser, which has been missing from photoshop for ages and when they did add it, only offered about 1/2 the fuctionality that you would think it would. We will see...
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

You caught me! I was rushing and noticed that! I was having second thoughts about removing the left twigging by the eye. Thanks for the post, you did the work and better. (I'm no pro at Photoshop) only use it on occasion and can't remember what I HAD learned. Vicious cycle.