Processing help....

[gregnash]

Ok, so I know that it has been quite a while since I posted anything here but I have good reason. In the last year (2008) I have graduated with my MBA, took on a new job (web services manager for the supreme court), had my grandmother pass-away (funeral on my bday of all days), closed on a new house 9 days before my wedding, got married (in Carmel, CA Bobby Earle as the photog!!!), went on the honeymoon (CABO - AWESOME!!!), moved once we were back, had my wife go through surgery and six weeks of recovery (elective surgery) and now finally things are settling down.

So with all that as you can tell I havent had much time for my photography but now I am starting to look back through old photos. Doing so I came across the following image and really am a bit lost. Now I am a noob when it come to PP (have PS CS2 on my computer) but I do try. I have tried playing with the normal stuff; contrast, saturation, hue, curves, etc. However, none of these have come up with the effect I am looking for. This was taken with my 20D and my Tamron 24-135. So here I am, turning to the experts here for some guidance. Feel free to have at the image with whatever processing you like but if you do please list WHAT YOU DID. I plan to take a Photoshop class this summer/fall but want to know a bit before going in.

Thanks and CC is always welcome.

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l252/mizznfizz/IMG_8855_2.jpg

[pigtailpat]

I'm not a wedding person, but I love to browse through here and look at the supremely talented people who frequent this board. I think it would be really helpful if you describe what kind of an effect you are looking to achieve with this photo. I personally think that all the distracting elements on the water should be cloned out, and the object behind the candle on the table as well, and perhaps the temperature of the whole photo be changed to simulate a sunset perhaps...

All those things you mention in your life sounds really dizzying, and I hope all clears up for you....

[gregnash]

See now that is the thing. I am not really sure what would make this photo that "awesome" shot. I mean most wedding photographers have specific macros that they send their images through before anything. I haven't even the faintest idea of where to start.

[Bobster]

i don't see anything in this photo, its more of a snapshot

[MarineManiac]

1. clone
2. blur background
3. bw conversion

i dont personally like the colors in the OP so i decided to go bw with it. as pointed out above to there are many distractions in the water.. let me know what you think.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e363/cabbage2003/IMG_8855_2.jpg

[Bobster]

you've blown the definition in the front of her dress, so it spills out into the sky now..

[whoadude]

Why did you leave the cup/pens? The eye goes straight there now.

actually to be fair it goes straight there before too...

[Bobster]

hate to say it, but this photograph isn't a keeper

[bnlearle]

Hey Greg! Glad you're getting some more time for photography :D Here's what I got...

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/bnlearle/Untitled-1-4.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/bnlearle/Picture14.jpg

The opacity on all the layers would be different on a full res image, so I won't list them. I did two layer masks for a tilt shift effect. I did that to bring the eye to the bride - not sure if it works for everyone else, but I'm feeling it...

All of these are Totally Rad Actions ;)

Bobby

[gregnash]

Thanks for the help guys!
Bobster: no worries this is why I posted it up, wasn't really sure what it was (if anything). Believe me I do not claim to have any talent but thought it was a decent shot for not having it posed or anything. This was actually mid ceremony as she had just finished signing the marriage license.

I agree that there is too much going on in the background. Showing it to a fellow worker that spent more then 30 yrs as a wedding photographer she said that there are a few points she likes that could be more focus with a proper crop. The angle of the shoulder, the sweep of the veil and the detail in the hair (which my wife did). With that said she suggested that a slightly better crop might be from the water line/mountain line up, thus creating more of a portrait shot. I might try and play with it some.

Bobby: You ROCK!!!The stuff you pulled of was stuff that I had been trying to do but really had no clue how to incorporate and deliver. As always, you work magic muh-man, absolute magik!!

Anyways, thanks for the suggestions and I appreciate ALL HONESTY. You learn by getting told what is wrong and what is right. By saying "there isnt much there" or "this just isnt a keeper" does not hurt my feelings in the slightest, but rather gives me fuel to continue learning.