Hi to you all,

I finally feel brave enough to submit a piece of my work for your critical comments. I took the photograph in Jordan - somewhat surprised to find a pipe band there.

My treatment of the photo went something like this :

Dupicated background
Adjusted levels
BuzzPro Simplifier 1 on duplicated layer
Duplicated this layer
BuzzPro - Mono Edges on this new layer
Adjust Levels to creat high contrat edges
Change to Overlay mode and reduce opacity
Create new layer - fill 50% grey in Overlay mode
Add Texturizer filter to grey layer ( sandstone )
Adjust opacity
Creat new snapshot and save as a new file

Hope this detail is enough to explain how I went about this project.
I look forward to hearing your comments ( if any )

Vibrant illustrated look! Like it a lot! The beautiful colors are even more vital in your art-piece.

I'm not a world traveler, but I'm surprised also to see a pipe band in the Mid-East. Do you know anything of its history?

Perhaps some of Neve's Scottish kinsmen traveled the area centuries ago. ;)

Well I like the original photo. Brilliant Colors and Contrast. Your rendering of the photo is also good. Nice Technique. For me though the original photograph is more interesting because its unusual and "real." A documentation of an unusual situation so to speak.

Obviously a subjective impression of very good work.

Many thanks for the comments.
In reply -

1. Sorry I have no real idea why there should be a Jordanian pipe band but I suspect it is a remnant of the occupation by Britain in the past. There are still close links between Jordan and Britain ( I believe their Queen was a British woman ).

2. yes - I prefer the original photo myself - but have to practice my techniques on something if I am to improve. Confession time - the photo was take on a very dull and cloudy day so the sky is one I added later to add zest to the picture !

I prefer the original photo myself - but have to practice my techniques on something if I am to improve. Confession time - the photo was take on a very dull and cloudy day so the sky is one I added later to add zest to the picture !

I'd say that you've done some practicing already -- your extraction of the original sky and replacement looks realistic at this size. If you have to "confess" rather than get questioned about it, you're doing a good job. ;)

The Jordanian military was initially trained by British serving officers since the 1930's when John Glubb, Glubb Pasha, trained the Arab Legion for King Abdullah. They adopted British drill, ceremonies, and mannerisms. Glubb served Jordan until 1956.

k

Ken, thanks for the info -- I'd never heard of Glubb Pasha, and after a Google search, see that he's a part of the historical changes still in flux today.
Thanks! :D

Indeed. One other minor note. King Hussein, who died within the past couple of years, was married to an American, Lisa Halaby, an Arab-American who then became Queen Noor.

Enough history or the moderator will protest.

k

I too like the original picture, but the one you did is great too. It really looks like a painting. The only thing I would have wanted would be for the sky background to be more vibrant in your photo.

Usually, when one replaces the background, it gives off that "cut & paste" look. But I think on this one, you've done a good job. Now the only thing that gave it away, are the red flags/ribbons on the left most and on the right most. The white "halo" on the red is still visible.
As for your second image, if your intent is to make it look like a handdrawn image, you've succeeded. I like it very much.
I want to apply this kind of effect on one of my image. How do I do this using PS7 alone?

Xplorer,

I think the first photo is marvolous. I imagine it was a pretty good shot to begin with. The sky you added to the background did indeed add some "zest" making for a very dramatic and colorful image.


I like your second rendition as well. You have created a real nice illustration effect (will have to give it a try) that does not look like a photo turned into an illustration, rather it looks hand drawn.


Congrats on 2 fine pieces....

...and good job explaining the steps you took to get there.



AP