HOME | DD
AfricanObserver — Cog and Spring 2
by-nc
Published: 2016-09-26 18:55:03 +0000 UTC; Views: 209; Favourites: 5; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description
A reshoot of , based on comments by pendrachken .Shot with a wider aperture - f5.6, and in softer light. I think this one is easier on the eye.
An extension/ evolution of this series
Related content
Comments: 5
I definitely like this one better, and you are right there in the zone.
To make it really punchy and pop out at you try a re-edit in post from where your settings are right now, and drop your exposure about -0.20 to get the blacks in the background to really feel velvety and deeper, and then add just a small amount of contrast to bring out the texture on the gear face. Dropping the exposure that little bit also seems to bring out the bronze-copper color a bit more naturally.
Also in the background you have a faint yellow-orange bokeh artifact straight up from the second tooth from the top on the gear in the blacks, spot healing brush that out ( if you want, it might go away on its own when dropping the exposure slightly, I just blasted it out quickly when taking a peek at the image ). It isn't super distracting, but it is noticeable, and you might be subconsciously thinking about that when you say you feel like it is almost there.
One thing to note: the settings and amount I am talking about is in Photoshop, gimp may or may not be different, just play around with small exposure darkenings and see what you think.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thanks for the insight!
I'm in two minds about that brassy reflection - it adds a little depth, but that may be because I'm holding the overall shape of the thing- with gears - in my head. I'm playing with it - might just need to find the right tweak!
ITO of the exposure, I'm looking to print this, and I think I'm going to shoot over to the print shop, and get a calibration strip - often my work prints darker than I expect. But it is nicer with the deeper blacks, I agree.
Appreciate the comments!
👍: 0 ⏩: 0
Wonderful shot! Great frame composition with simple lines well placed and strong focus.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
Thank you.
I have stared at this (and its predecessor) for so long now, I have lost a sense of if it works or not! I think you are describing what I was trying to achieve.
👍: 0 ⏩: 1