I wanted to report on the latest development with the sitting pen. Walking by this morning, I saw that the cob was guarding her nest, for the first time in all the weeks I have been observing. It looks a bit as if the pen is saying too little, too late, here. But I do hope it is not too late and he might start to lend a helping hand in the process.
The photo was not that interesting and so I set to work with photoshop. I seem to be having a bit of an "off piste" week. Always a dangerous thing when one hasn't yet learned the basics - but fun!
I can see what you were trying to achieve, but in this instance I don't think it works because the clarity is too harsh and this spoils the image. Maybe revisiting the original image and trying a different process may be better. Nature shots are really about how it is, not trying to make it a creative one! Sorry to be a bit harsh! But this is how we learn!
@marshwader thanks for your honesty. That's OK. I'm interested that you regard nature shots as exempt from trying to be creative I'm definitely here to learn - hence the experimentation.
I do like your outcome here. So, I disagree with the comment above -- nature may be about representation but it can lend itself to very artistic images and I believe yours is of that category. I have photo friends who 'protect' nature in how it's represented and allow 'other' areas to be subjected to experiment. I can make a case, I believe, that architects would think their buildings should not be 'messed with' -- but all in all, photography can be a form of artistic interpretation and there are no rules about what is allowed in that subject area. Only personal preference.
And I agree with Taffy above (well said!). I think this looks really nice Helen. You made it unusual looking and in a way maybe 'saved' it from being what you call 'uninteresting' (as you say) (although I don't think it would lack interest because the swans and the story behind them is neat!)...
The danger in "off piste" skiing is a trip to an emergency room. The danger in "off piste" photography is comments. Bravo for trying something new. Your extra crispy processing makes both swans pop.
Dittos to TaffyR and Caroline. Representationalists lost the battle with non-Representationalists generations ago. The only rule in photography is there are no rules, ideals, shoulds or musts.
I love the processing here, it has that story book feel to it. Love the use of the selective colouring too. I also agree with Taffy's comments.
Nature photography for competitions are supposed to be sooc apparently, but as you are not entering a competition with this photo the interpretation is your own to play with how you wish and you have created a lovely image here.
Photoshop is fn but can be frustrating too as it doesn't seem very logical at first. I hope you are just off piste & not piste off. I am not sure about the result although I do like the artistic feel that you have achieved.
Great artistic interpretation. It is people like you who push boundaries that inspire the rest of us to 'give it a go' as well. Love it Helen. Fav for inspiration!
June 10th, 2016
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Dittos to TaffyR and Caroline. Representationalists lost the battle with non-Representationalists generations ago. The only rule in photography is there are no rules, ideals, shoulds or musts.
Nature photography for competitions are supposed to be sooc apparently, but as you are not entering a competition with this photo the interpretation is your own to play with how you wish and you have created a lovely image here.