when is PP going too far...

so i was messing around last night with my 70-300IS...some extension tubes...some milk...and some food dye...overall i feel that i got some rather cool/interesting shots...certainly there are ways to improve them, but i'm happy for my first attempts...however some of the shots were a little dark, and i began messing around in photoshop elements...to try and fix em up a little bit...while messing around i clicked on auto levels which gave me some cool results...i've posted the original shot...my photoshopped shot...and then the auto levels shot...i kinda like the way the autolevels shot pops...but is it too overprocessed?

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The second image is almost just right, maybe a slight bit more contrast for added punch.

The auto Level one is definitely way too much P.P, however, it gives the image a different view. That's what I think anhyway.

Is it possible to go too far in post processing when you're processing an abstract? I don't think so.

I only see 2 images now...assuming you labeled each one underneath the image, it looks like the photoshopped one is now missing

LeuceDeuce wrote in post #5915274
Is it possible to go too far in post processing when you're processing an abstract? I don't think so.

That's what I keep telling myself. The only ceiling, I believe, that can be reached is if the picture starts to look too noisy because of certain effects or level changes. Other than that, the skies the limit.

Anyway, I love the auto-levels photo, which is odd because I never usually like what auto-levels does to a photo.

I like the last one the best. With something like this bold color works well.

ilantis wrote in post #5915788
I only see 2 images now...assuming you labeled each one underneath the image, it looks like the photoshopped one is now missing

i'm seeing all three right now...don't know whats going on?

LeuceDeuce wrote in post #5915274
Is it possible to go too far in post processing when you're processing an abstract? I don't think so.

you know what...i really didn't even think of that...i mean it's not like i'm turning someones skin green, and making the sky pink...it is an abstract photo to begin with...thanks for pointing out the obvious...now i feel kinda stupid..haha

i am still wondering how the hell the auto-levels came out like that...

For the shot youve taken, the third one is the best. Doesnt look wrong at all. Nice work.