[Don Schaeffer]

[Irma]

I like your post-processing in this one Don. About colors I would have played a bit more with them, the overall of the picture is too gray, but this might be just my liking.

[Don Schaeffer]

Thanks Irma. It looks better in here than it does printed. I have to pick it up a little.

--Don

[slejhamer]

Don this is a really pleasant image, though I agree with Irma that it has an overall flat tonality to it, almost like a gray cast. This is not "critique" just an observation - I'm wondering if a simple levels adjustment (bring the white point slider in) would add some punch.

[Don Schaeffer]

Thanks Slej. Is this better?

[slejhamer]

Now that's PUNCH!

That's a bit more than I was imagining. Also I really like the hues of the original, so if you do make any contrast adjustments, try changing only the luminosity. You can easily do that on a layer in photoshop, if that's what you're using.

[Don Schaeffer]

I never learned how to use layering. I don't know how to increase luminosity. How does this look though.

[Irma]

Your second try is much better Don. I like your picture like this.

[slejhamer]

Looks more alive now, and the color harmony of the original is intact. Nicely done.

Here are some good basic layers tutorials; I think you'll like layers especially for compositing:

http://www.arraich.com/elements/pse_wwhy1.htm
http://www.arraich.com/ps6_tips_llayers1.htm

(I spent a lot of time at Jay Arraich's photoshop and elements tutorials pages when I first got started with those programs - great stuff! http://www.arraich.com/intro.htm )

[Irma]

Thanks for the links Mitch. Those tutorials are very good

[Don Schaeffer]

Thank you Mitch and thank you Irma.

I went through the little online training program from CNet. I learned a lot to be able to use my Pshotoshop 6 but I forget almost as soon as I learn. These are helpful links. Thanks.