Roots (Please view larger)

Please help with suggestions for B&W processing. Thanks!

Fantastic composition. Regards.

Wonderful chaotic root arrangement. BR Joerg

Hi Christal. OK, here goes. I think you have an awesome image with alot of information for the eyes. It is full of texture and shape. There could be so many suggestions about composition, mainly because we all might choose different angles, so that is a moot point I think. Anyway, you're asking mostly about processing. The title says it all; "Roots". Therefore, the main feature that you might like to bring out is the larger roots. Everything else would be "dead space" or negative space for the purpose of the image. Those areas would be the LL, the LR, the middle top brush and the UL. The UR is already somewhat darker. What I did was choose any adjustment layer, curves will work. Then hit OK without making any adjustment. Next, change the blend mode of the adjustment layer to multiply. The image will now darken dramatically. Next, choose IMAGE, ADJUSTMENT, INVERT and the layer mask will become black and the image will return to the previous state. Now choose a soft brush at about 50% opacity and start painting with the brush set to white. Paint the areas that are "Negative" and they will darken. The only problem I see is that there is a bright area to the left just beyond the large tree trunk that is blown white. The eyes will tend to go to the brightest area, so that is a distracting element. You may be able to re-process the RAW to make sure that area retains some detail. If not, cropping into the tree may be be an option, but I would prefer not. This subject makes an incredibly interesting black and white photograph. I have attached my quick version, although I felt it necessary to duplicate the darkening layer to get those areas dark enough. There are many other ways to address dodging and burning with Photoshop, this is just one of many for burning. Let me know if you are not sure about my instructions. BTW, your version is more than acceptable, pretty good actually. Mine is only a suggestion for potential enhancement.

Good grief!!! Now I feel terrible about asking for your help. This must have taken you forever! I appreciate it so much! Your version is more what my mind saw when I took this shot....incredible textures, shadows, etc. Unfortunately my editing program won't do any of that fancy stuff you're telling me to do. It doesn't have Curves. So .....you know what THAT means? hmmm......Actually, my birthday is August 9th, and that might be a good excuse to get a new program. I'll have to talk to Norm about that. What program do you use? I've been hearing great things about Lightroom in that it's more user friendly, which for me would be good. But I know CS4 is the gold standard.. Anyway, this info won't go to waste....I WILL try every step when I'm able. Using yours as a guide, I may still be able to coax some more out of my image with my current program. I'll give it try when I have time.

Christal, I thought it was required to have at least Photoshop CS2 to be a member here. That's why I bought it. There I go again, making assumptions. You might want CS3 before you get that printer. I believe lightroom would be a good choice, but I honestly don't know much about it for processing image files. I use Bridge which comes with Photoshop and I also use Adobe Camera Raw for my out of camera files. Seriously, I don't mind typing out these tutorials when I have time. My suggestion would be to consider a Wacom graphics tablet, it may come bundled with CS3 at a reduced price. You would love using a pen to work with instead of an awkward mouse.

Your version would have satisfied me but Mark's work has really elevated it to a new level. Most posts can be improved with a little PS manipulation but, it seems, real strides can be made with an expert's touch. His tweaking is way above my abilities to duplicate but I don't have any difficulty appreciating his efforts. He's turned a good photograph into a great one. Your treatment of the foreground properly gives precedence to the roots as does your title. Worth a frame or two for sure. Thank goodness for the rather flat but directional light which allows the textures & tones to come through. Good work. Best, LM.

Hi Christal- Great shot. I do like what Mark did with it and I really agree with his comments. I can attest to the tablet (Wiacom Bamboo-which I love) and I use both PS4 and LR2. For adjustments and such, or for working with batches of common exposed files, LR2 is great. The advantage of PS4 is all the filters and the ability to use mask layers to adjust exposures in parts of pictures. Great book to get started on PS4 is Kelby's 7 steps. It really shortens the learning curve (although I am always getting more great tips here and other places on the net.) I would suggest starting with PS as it really has more creative flexibility. Good to see you posting, always a pleasure. . All my best-Jim

Len...Thanks for your kind words. I was feeling a little deflated (just a little :-) after Mark made such an improvement in this. But then I consider myself fortunate that there are great people like him to help along fledglings like myself! :-) So I appreciate your observations on this and I will get over to look at your portfolio soon.

 

Mark and Jim....Thanks for the advice about programs. It sounds like CS4 would allow me more creative freedom, and I have heard that the Wacom tablet is also so much better than the mouse. You have me thinking about these purchases very seriously. I'll let you know what/when I decide. I really appreciate you guys!

 

 

Christal, the odds are against you becoming a good carpenter if you don't have a good hammer. Your photography is excellent! Purchasing CS3 or CS4 and the tablet (I have the Wacom 6X9) will set you back a few dollars, but it will also set you free creatively. I am not a purist in the sense that we should minimize our post processing, I think taking the photograph is only the first stage of photographic artistry. What comes after the point of capture further identifies us as photographers. I think you are on the right track, soliciting advice from your peers, even at the cost of feeling a "little deflated". Far too many have used this platform to merely collect accolades and platitudes, at the same time eschewing thoughtful and helpful criticisms and advice. We all like favorable comments, and they serve a purpose, but they are not as purposeful as a well meant suggestion. I will be honest with you, this image of yours is not a once in a lifetime shot. It is a learning curve towards many better images from you, especially if you are willing to know this truth. Unless you become a stick in the mud and feel you can't be improved upon, you will go far. Those that know they need to continue climbing will pass those who feel they are on top!