.By happy coincidence, I actually have a macro shot (or nearly one anyway) as Mary suggested for this week's Ruby Tuesday post. I shot this one a few weeks ago. Just another purely average flower shot, pretty enough but definitely nothing to write home about. I didn't delete it though, because that little voice inside my head kept saying don't look back you can never look back hang on, you're not done with this one yet.
.
I kept it in my file, glancing at it once in a while, still hearing that voice but having absolutely no idea what this little guy's destiny might be. Finally as a way to avoid work yesterday in a fit of creativity I clicked on that little button in Picasa that says focal black and white, and the rest is history. A few minor tweaks in Photoshop and here we are, ready to pop. I don't even know why I clicked on that button. I haven't been doing my processing in Picasa since I got PSE, and even when I did I didn't usually like the results of that focal b&w function. Since it's not a "smart" effect it doesn't usually select only what I want it to and winds up making a very arbitrary distinction between color and black and white, and never where I'd like. Yesterday however the stars must have aligned because one little click got me just what I needed, even before I realized that that was in fact exactly what I'd been looking for.
.
It's not going to win me any awards, but still not bad for 10 minutes of random button pushing.
.
PS There are two different song references here. Anyone find them?
.
29 comments:
It's very pretty. I'm sitting here playing with Photoshop, frustrated that I can't make it do what I want (such an amateur!). Thanks for the Picasa reminder! Love your rose. :)
This is truly beautiful! Good work :-)
Robin,
I didn't even KNOW about that Picassa function. I just might have to play around with it.
I think this is a fun photo, an inspirational photo...one that might get me to try something different. Thanks!
Very nicely done.
Really, really beautiful.
This is very cool. I've got to learn more about Picassa and Photo Shop!
Too many days of annoying snow here in CT. Therefore, that rose makes me consider the beauty of the warm months...which seem impossible fay away these days! The rose in bloom looks like summer, and this one beautiful.
wow. that is wicked cool. very, very neat.
Dear Robin,
your photos are always of high quality and originality.
The important details.
Thank you for explaining about sepia.
I am a novice, but I'm having great fun hanging out with the pros.
I intend to continue doing so.
From Felisol
Hooray for random button pushing! The little bit of color burn (or probably just desaturation) around the edges is something I wouldn't have thought to do on purpose, but the effect is nice.
I've never downloaded the Picasa software, (I just use the web album service to host my images) so I'm not familiar with the "random button" you're talking about. But in general I don't usually like the "one touch" functions of most photo editing software. They'll do the job for an image that falls within specific parameters, but a great many of mine... just don't.
PS: Love the Don Henley reference too!
A beautiful shot and a fine enhancing effect. Well-done!
I like the color contrast against the black and white, draws the eye
straight to the rose. Nice! Happy Ruby Tuesday. :)
That's so beautiful Robin and very apt. The rose bloom is in focus, above all else.
I don't have Photoshop so I am using Picasa and love it (no choice really). :-)
Splendid shot! Like the effect - red rose with grey background. :)
Happy RT.
My RT posts: CNY Special - II and It Meows #17.
I love your mind process, Robin.
Don't stop you from pushing the button! It gives the better effect.
My files are full of unused pictures too. In case that....
It's gorgeous and it even looks like velvet.
Well, it worked in this case, since it's a lovely photo :-)
Robin, isn't focal black & white an incredible Picasa effect? I just love it! And yes you could frame it! Happy Ruby Tuesday! :)
wow...that's so pretty.
wow, once again, you captured a fantastic shot and enhanced it into a piece of art. Beautiful!
I have the same issue with Picasa focal B&W but Photoshop makes my head explode ;)
this is a wonderful shot Robin!
Lovely.... i like the change in focus.
That is soo cool.
Love that velvety feel you get from that sweet rose in the grey backdrop, pretty indeed!
This is lovely!
I really should downlown picasa.
It's a beautiful rose and I like the experiments that led you to this result.
Hugs and blessings,
Robins, that's a beautiful experiment! So you mean Picasa did the wonders on this beautiful rose? I know PS can do this like what MaryT used to but i still can't get how it is done.
Awesome!! Great work!
Robin!!! I LOVE this!!!! Beauty and the Beast and Pleasantville all rolled into one picture...
Post a Comment