Comments please

[Andrea]

I took a less than pin sharp colour image of Daisy, my kitten, and doctored the pic in Photoshop 7. I am quite pleased with the result as the eyes are really effective, but wonder whether I could improve the contrast between b and w with dodging and burning? Perhaps someone with more experience in PS could have a play and see what can be done with it. Suggestions welcomed.

http://andreasphotos.fotopic.net/photo.php?id=882506

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=882506&outx=600&oq=0

[eland]

Hi Andrea

First time I've seen your name on this forum. Welcome.

Your first pic didn't open for me but the second of the cat
is delightful. A beautiful and artistic image.

You could try to increase contrast but I didn't think it needs it.
If you want to play, go Image......Levels and play with the sliders.

Also you could see a quick result by going
Image ....... Contrast & Brightness.

Again play with the sliders and watch the results.

If you want to try to selectively sharpen the eyes a little
you can use the Sharpen Tool.

It lives with the Blur tool and the Smudge tool in the left hand menu.
You can change the brush size and also the pressure.
Note: A good idea is to work on a layer that is a duplicate
of the background. (original image.)

Frankly I like the pic as it is.
"Shooting" the family cat is a common subject but you have
added some artistry to it. Well done.

Welcome again
eland

[slejhamer]

Hi Andrea,

Nice pic. I agree with Eland that it's good as is. However, here's my attempt at boosting contrast and adding a moody effect.

http://www.adimaging.com/cpig/data/3012/53andreas-cat.jpg?5409

http://www.adimaging.com/cpig/showphoto.php?photo=823

I did not do dodging and burning. First I sharpened the image considerably, especially the eyes. Then I inverted a layer, applied film grain to the "negative", and inverted it back. This gives a more realistic graininess than doing it on a "positive" layer.

Next I applied a blurred layer set to 'multiply' and then a blurred layer set to 'screen.' Finally I ran the high-pass filter on another layer, blurred it and set it to "Vivid Light." This last step creates a very moody and soft light which adds contrast.

In hindsight I should have darkened the whiskers area before making these changes; with the contrast boost the small amount of detail in your original is now completely gone. :(

[Andrea]

Many thanks for the input from Eland and Mitch. I posted just the one image, the first time I had an error in the URL, managed to get it right on second attempt!

I have posted a couple of times before but this is the first time I have been brave enough to ask for critique.
I have posted the original of this kitten image to my fotopic gallery - it hasnt arrived just yet, but if you want to see what I started off with, you will probably agree that it is an unexceptional pic and the PS magic tweaking has really improved it.

I will try playing more with layers, I didnt realise they could add so much detail and contrast.

thanks again for the response

Regards

Andrea