Old Playground

[speedneeder]

The family went for a walk at a nearby park this morning. I thought this old play set was interesting in its colors and slightly decayed condition.

[jiro]

Looks like a good candidate for a square crop, Brian. Lots of texture and details so I would recommend you empahsize them and add some more contrast. You can recover some of the highlights back by adjusting the highlights and shadows. Good eye on an interesting subject!

[speedneeder]

OK, how about this version?
Thanks for your comment Jiro. You are forcing me to try different editing tricks than I normally do. I adjusted this one with curves (in GIMP). I think the contrast is better with still detail in the shadows, though it also made the color change slightly.

[jiro]

I think the edit is better. Here's my idea if I will edit your image:



I rotated the image a little bit to the left because I find the shot to be a bit heavy to the right. It's a good practice in composition to look at ordinary things in a different perspective. Hope to see some more, Brian.

[manthos]

I find it a very interesting subject Brian. Thanks for sharing.

[speedneeder]

Thank you Giannis.
Jiro, how did you get the texture to stand out so much better? I like it better and reminds more of what it actually looked like.

[jiro]

Thank you Giannis.
Jiro, how did you get the texture to stand out so much better? I like it better and reminds more of what it actually looked like.

I used this process, Brian: High Contrast and Detail Effect using dodge and burn technique.

[speedneeder]

I used this process, Brian: High Contrast and Detail Effect using dodge and burn technique.

Ahhh, thanks for that. I had done something similar a while ago but had forgotten about it. Thanks for the info!
I agree that I am tilted to the right a bit, though I think your version is tilted to the left a bit
Anyway, here's my attempt at added contrast without losing shadow detail, and although I don't think I got as much texture as you did, the colors didn't change as much either. I don't understand why, just an observation.

[jiro]

Ahhh, thanks for that. I had done something similar a while ago but had forgotten about it. Thanks for the info!
I agree that I am tilted to the right a bit, though I think your version is tilted to the left a bit
Anyway, here's my attempt at added contrast without losing shadow detail, and although I don't think I got as much texture as you did, the colors didn't change as much either. I don't understand why, just an observation.

I added some more tricks after that process, Brian that's why my edit looks different. Hehehe. I intentionally tilted it to the left because if I make the tube perfectly straight the shot would look too stationary without any dynamics associated with it. Very nice work on the new edit, btw.

[speedneeder]

Jiro, your tutorial was very good. Thanks for taking the time to put that together.

[jiro]

Jiro, your tutorial was very good. Thanks for taking the time to put that together.

Delighted to be of help, Brian.