DSLRUsers.com

Hi all,
I just returned from a trip to Brisbane with a shot or three on my CF card. These are two (completely unrelated to each other) that I'd like some C&C on.

First, a head shot of a dragon, shot at Mt Coot-tha botanic gardens (what a wonderful place, btw). The dragon was eyeing me suspiciously as I moved around to get a good shot, but let me get pretty close without losing its nerve. I'm having second thoughts about this after seeing Firsty's thread, but decided to post it anyway...


180mm f/2.8 @ f/4, ISO200, 1/2000s

Second, one of my favourite sights: railroad tracks This particular bend is near Toowong station.


85mm f/1.8 @ f/8, ISO200, 1/160s

Cheers
Steffen.

The first one is a little too dark and soft for my taste but its still a decent enough image of a water dragon...

I lurve the second though... the curving lines make it for me..

Agree with Bindii on the first but I think it has potential to be a tad better than presented.
I found a little lift in the shadows with shadow/highlight command in PS and a drop in the highlights on the nose helps a fair bit.
I then added a little contrast and sharpening to bring out the details and texture on the skin.

The second I like the curves in the rails but find the crossing intersecting power lines a bit distracting..

Thanks Sue and Stephen for the feedback!

As per your suggestions, I had a go at the dragon:



and while it does "pop" more I can't say that I necessarily like it better. The first version is closer to reality IMO. I guess I'm a bit conservative with contrast/saturation/sharpness enhancements, maybe I should be more daring. In the end it's all a matter of taste I suppose...

Cheers
Steffen.

I did not go quite as hard on the shadow lightening as you have.
I'd put up my version but don't know how you feel about that or whether it's even aloud on this forum.

Bodak wrote:I'd put up my version but don't know how you feel about that or whether it's even aloud on this forum.

It is allowed as long as the thread author doesn't mind. I don't mind, please go ahead.

Cheers
Steffen.

Just a little dif Steffen.