Secrets In The Garden

While gardens are Magical places for me, they are also for toddlers. I

love watching them discover every surprise as they explore. The

buzz of the Insects; the Sunlight filtering down through the trees; the

magic of a Butterfly as it passes in front of them; that look on their

face when they are not sure if they should 'pick' that beautiful

blossom and their utter surprise when a grasshopper jumps out from

under some greenery!!! So many new things to discover. The

composition has many layers, textures (blending modes used). If you

decide to do a project like this, one good thing to remember is

to 'name' your 'duplicate' or 'adjustment' layers as you go along. I

save layers as I go so that if I come back to the composition at a

later date, I have the choice of making any changes, or even take the

Composition in an entirely 'new' direction. (any visits or comments

are always appreciated, many thanks, Gail)

A delightful image! 

It really captures the sense of awe and wonderment of the child.

I really like the way you have the butterfly partly on the outside of the frame too, like it is a visitor looking in!

 

Some very useful tips regarding naming layers also, I find that I can remember things with names, making them easier to find, whereas numbers  are just errrm numbers : - ) 

 

I know I have said it before about some of your other images, but at risk of being repetitive, this would make a lovely greeting card. 

 

Compliments & Best Regards 

 

Alf 

Sincere thanks Alf for your thoughts shared on this composition. I think Summertime becomes so much more precious as we realize it is 'winding down'. I still feel as if I am waiting for it to begin. I have this urgency to go out and play 'catch up' for all the images I have not yet captured!!! This little girl was only just over 2 years old and I would have sworn she was 5. Her vocabulary was amazing, and understanding to go along with it. They say such cute things at that age. Yesterday when I arrived at my Dentist's office a young one the same age was coming out of having her very first appointment. She was so cute - "no, I don't wanna ever do that thing again, or have that stuff in my mouf, not in the MORNING or in the AFTERNOON - nope I just don't wanna do that AGAIN! I recall my children at that age and helping me to garden. Such fun, and going out to see just how much their plants had grown the next day.

 

Most times when I am doing a Project with Layers, I 'double click' the layer name and 'insert' what I have done in that Layer. It is so much easier. As I save the Layer I also put a bit of an explanation as well, so that I can go right to a LAYER if I am wanting to make changes or take the PROJECT in another direction. Otherwise, I am clueless as to what I did when I open an image. I appreciate your kind words re 'cards', I do enjoy making them for family and friends. I have sold some to acquaintences or friends of friends who enjoy one of my images. I certainly won't get rich at this rate, but it would be nice if there was enough in it to put towards a new Lens!!!!

Sincere thanks for your visit and shared thoughts Alf. ;-) GAil

I agree with Alf, that this would make a great greeting card.  This is a well done presentation and I like it a lot.  

Hi Gail,

A fantastic blend of  Artistic expression with technical skill for the use of camera and lens.

The results are excellent my dear friend.

If I ran The Hallmark Card company, my staff would contact you with a contract for you to produce beautiful works like you have displayed here.

Warmest Regards, Mike

Thank you for that fine compliment. Most of anything I do that is good is because I have listened to you carefully, a lot of the time you have to repeat the information :-) but you are at least that Patient. Knowing my Camera is vital, just like taking 'medication' for a condition. You have to follow the instructions. Or like making a cake from scratch. Miss an ingredient and it doesn't rise like it should.

I am learning that I have to be 'consistant' - a camera is a lot more complicated that it looks. In a world where the 'advertisers' are promising 'instant results' I have learned that it truly is false advertising. I may get 'instant results' but they may not be 'good' or 'quality' images. I am trying harder to go over my thought process ahead of time, rather than just going out and 'taking pictures' and thinking as I go. Making sure I have my Camera settings right - from the start saves a lot of heartache later. These layered compositions need 'strong images' that are in decent focus to work well. At least that is what I have found. I have much to learn, but I am determined to continually improve.

Even if it means sitting out under the Gazebo, aiming at a little bug for nearly 2 hours, just to get my handholding right, or experiment with lighting, angles etc. The more I know from the get go, will aid me immensely in the 'field'. Thanks so much, if you find a Card Company for sale, consider it???????

Cheers for now, Gail

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your support. I am happy to hear that you found this composition pleasing!!

Gail,

Send this off to Hallmark cards!

Gail,

Very creative artistic image with beautiful colors and great composition! Fantastic work!

Best regards, Tina

A very pleasant and cheerful image, a delight to look at!

really very beautiful...

hi Gail,  This is a wonderful creation.  I have certainly not mastered the use of layers and layer masks.   I could use lessons from you.  You have an artistic collage that is soft, but most clear and effective.  Congratulations on this beauty.  Best to you As always.  Larry

A really beautiful creative and lovely result, Gail!

 

Excellent work! Creative!!

A Dream!

Congrats!

Sam

Really beautiful work. Congrats!

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful creative image with wonderful processing.  I would make a great greeting card.  Take care, Patsy

Hi Gail, excellent image, nice blend layers, hope soon I would be working blending layers. I agree with comments, this would be a great greeting card!

Warm regards my friend!

LuDa

Dear friend, your works are always full of art and gracefulness!

very nice colors and gentleness Gail...i like how you incorporated the written word into your image...regards....David

This is a real cherub such as Renaissance artists might paint. It's expertly done although a little too softly romantic for my caveman tastes and certainly up to your technical standards.

Gail, you have the key to unlock the 'Secrets in the Garden'. Compliments!

 

Imaginative creation! Beautiful.

So poetic and loving. Congratulations and many hugs, maestra.

Great job!

Mari

An excellent " Card ".  I don't recognise the Butterfly , but you've done a great job of selecting it . Bill