Julie mentioned she’d like to see a bit more texture in the background log, and suggested that the adjustment brush in Lightroom might bring it out a bit more so I gave it a shot. It’s a subtle difference, but I think she’s right, it did give it a bit more contrast and texture. You need to enlarge them to see the difference. What do you think – do you like one more than the other?
On the Bark the diference is minimal, this version makes the growth rings look a tad unreal whereas in the first one they were the killer element. There is a tad more depth in the darker area, lower left but again minimal. As for the Phsyvadelic Egg, I totally disavow any connection with Haight Ashbury, but if you wish to advertise THAT part of your youth, so be it.
I prefer this but I can see Ron’s points too. 😉
Karen, it is a very subtle difference and I can see it. BUT, I think I like the first picture better (unless I’ve confused them while looking them… so here’s the photo name: driftwood-dof_017w.jpg). The blacker log seems more authentic and to add more contrast to the overall photo… and the texture tool doesn’t add enough texture to make it worth losing the blackness of the log.
I had to open both photos in separate tabs and flip back and forth between them — there certainly is a difference and honestly, I have no preference. What I like about this picture isn’t so much that dark log, it’s everything else! haha The wood on the left bottom, the stones and the water have such great texture and color that they appeal to me more than the log, which to me is secondary. 🙂
I should have said, the log is necessary yet secondary. It does add to the photo and is certainly a big part of the composition.
It took me a bit to see the differences with my poor old eyes, but…after studying them I think I prefer the second…I think the brush added more contrast and a bit more detail in the textures.