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Canon DSLR Challenge | all galleries >> Challenge 75: FIVE (Host: Vikas Malhotra) >> Challenge 75: Exhibition > Five Ducks
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04-JUN-2006 Alastair Norcross

Five Ducks

Houston, TX

Canon EOS 20D ,Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
1/50s f/5.6 at 105.0mm (35mm equivalent: 168mm) iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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Canon DSLR Challenge04-Sep-2006 14:39
The provia action I use is a Photoshop action that simulates the characteristics of Provia film (a very popular film for landscape work). Photoshops actions automate series of processing steps. You can make your own, or use ones that others have made. A popular site for such actions (all of them free) ishttp://www.atncentral.com/download.htm
I think some version of Photoshop Elements also allow actions, but I'm not sure.
I didn't get this particular action from that site, though, but from a poster on dpreview.
As for this picture, I have looked at it on my laptop (iBook) for the first time, and now agree that the rocks look too contrasty. That's really frustrating, because they look fine on my iMac monitor, which is what I used to process the image. It's really annoying that pictures look different on different monitors. I don't know whether to change it to suit my laptop, or keep it the way I like it on my iMac. It looks good in a print, though. If you'd like to come to Houston to look at the print, you're welcome to. :)
Alastair
Canon DSLR Challenge04-Sep-2006 14:00
I have to admit that I don't know what provia action is. Is it in PSE? Anyhow, the ducklings look softer now, but for my taste there's too abrupt a difference between their texture and the rest of the photo, so that now they almost look as if they've been pasted on. However, you should make the photo the way you want it (as long as you have a reason for it, I suppose)...the only way we learn is by trying different approaches.
--Mary Anne
Canon DSLR Challenge03-Sep-2006 21:03
Yes, my provia action also boosts the contrast somewhat. I'm afraid I'm not seeing usm halos on the mother duck. Her feather pattern has lots of white lines. Perhaps that's what you're seeing? As for the rocks, I was going for that effect, and now that I've softened the ducklings, I like the contrast between them. I know it's not to everyone's taste, though. Thanks for looking again. I'm open to any suggestions, even if I don't implement them all. :)
Alastair
Canon DSLR Challenge03-Sep-2006 20:03
Does the provia action increase the contrast? I thought it just manipulated hue and saturation. To my eye, it's not just the ducklings that are (were) too contrasty but the whole picture. There are few midtones in the rock, for example. The mother duck seems to have USM-like halos around her feathers. I see similar features in the water, but that's normal for the water, so that's fine. -- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge03-Sep-2006 18:13
Thanks for the feedback. I like the provia effect on the rocks and the water (I use a provia action), but I did consider softening the ducklings. Now you've suggested it, I've done it. I applied some gaussian blur on a mask and painted it on the ducklings' bodies at 70% opacity. Thanks for the suggestion. What do you think?
Alastair
Canon DSLR Challenge03-Sep-2006 18:06
I agree with Mary Anne. It looks like too much USM was applied, or perhaps contrast. -- Victor
Canon DSLR Challenge03-Sep-2006 17:25
I really like the composition of this one, Alastair, but it looks somehow overprocessed to my eye. Or maybe you were trying for a more graphic effect? I just feel that those little ducklings need a softer look.
--Mary Anne