Critique wanted, please - composite image by Jan Clarke
Featured in Cats and Dogs on 15.02.2012.
If you have any suggestions or constructiver criticisms, please make a comment!
Today was Misty’s turn to watch Streak! They had been sitting on the back verandah, a few yards apart, when Streak got up and wandered across the backyard. He was in no hurry, just meandering, but there was purpose in his stride and body language. Misty decided that this was worth watching. So she sat up, on the bench she’d been lounging on and watched him.
When he disappeared from sight, you could see her wondering if it was worth actually following him. It was getting pretty warm by this stage! She decided not.
I had my camera outside as they can sometimes be quite funny, so I took a few shots of Misty watching Streak. I liked the way this one came out but the background was nothing to write home about.
I wanted to put a texture on it but couldn’t find one which looked good. On a whim, I went looking for a photo which I could combine with it. I found this a shot of a wind affected tree which I’d taken down at the beach a few years ago. It seemed to be made for my purpose as it had a nice level branch which Misty could “sit” on.
After a bit of fiddling, this is what I came up with.
I tried to add a shadow behind MIsty but it didn’t look right – I’m not sure how to do it. I ended up altering the brightness and contrast a little.
I’m not entirely happy with this image but don’t know what else to do to it! Lol, I don’t think RB likes it, either, the upload process crashed the first time! If you have any suggestions or construtive criticisms, I would love to hear them, please. Is Misty too big for the branch/tree, should I make her smaller?.I was going to take this image down in a few days but I’ve been honoured with a feature so I’m going to leave it – thank you very much, Laura.
Tags
cat, cats, misty, streak, composite, blending, tree, beach, verandah, backyard, experimental, contrast, texture
Comments
Feb-15-2012
Wow, thank you so much for this gift, Laura, it’s totally unexpected. I’m honoured to be amonst such wonderful artists.
– Jan Clarke
This photo is perfect, I love the work you did, you accomplished it well! Why would you remove it, its a really beautiful image to look at and I love the whole composition!
Hugs Laura
Lol, I’ve changed my mind because you were so gracious as to feature it, something I was not expecting! I just feel that it isn’t finished and, because I took the photos and they both started out the same size, I wonder if Misty is too big. I also feel it’s a little insipid even though Misty is clearly visible – her colouring is in the same tonal range as the background! I’m very unsure of myself when it comes to Photoshop in general and blending images in particular. Your compliment is greatly appreciated as is the fave, Laura. I’m both surprised, delighted and honoured.
– Jan Clarke
very lovely capture, i enjoy all the grey tones which composes it, it’s harmonious :)) Kxx
Thank you for your lovely compliment and the fave, Karine, I apprweciate them. I’m glaxd you enjoyed it. I didn’t think of the colours being harmonious, I thought they looked a little dull!
– Jan Clarke
Great shot, Jan
I’m glad it appealed to you, Shulie. Many thanks for your lovely comment.
– Jan Clarke
He looks superimposed!
Thank you for confirming my suspicions, Weecritter. My sight isn’t the best at the moment and it can be hard to be sure of what I’m seeing.
– Jan Clarke
Excellent capture!
Thank you for your lovely compliment and the fave, Ana. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
– Jan Clarke
I think you did a terrific job combining your shots Jan. I can’t do this kind of stuff at all. Congrats on the feature.
Thanks heaps, Al. Lol, I can’t do this stuff either, I fiddle and f *#> . . . well, you know the next word! Misty’s a bit big though! I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the congrats. Much appreciated.
– Jan Clarke
This is such a cute capture, love the tones, and the subject :-)
Thank you for your lovely comment and the fave, Elfriede. It’s actually two photos combined in Photoshop. I’m glad it appealed to you.
– Jan Clarke
Great shot, Jan
I appreciate your lovely comment and the fave, Albert. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
– Jan Clarke
A great capture and you have a creative eye to have caught this one!
I appreciate your lovely comment and the fave, Sandra. I’m glad it appealed to you.
– Jan Clarke