May 09 Contest Discussion Thread

[T Paul]

Add your comments, questions or general discussion about the contest entries here. This is also a great place to share your techniques or ask others about theirs.

Most members are eager to hear comments/suggestions about their entries, so please take the time to help each other out.

[Nasturtium]

I'm really surprised how many ways there are to crop this picture.
And how well this takes PS filters (mostly the artistic and brush strokes ones). And color and non color.
Right now I'm trying to fix the blown out water, maybe with two smart objects?

[LonK]

Nasturtium, this photo has an excellent (though unrealized) tonal range. Try toying with image > adjustments > shadow/highlight to bring more detail out of both the lighter and darker areas. I think you'll discover that the water is not blown out.

As far as artistic/brush stroke filters, in most entries so far, I'm seeing what I believe is a general misinterpretation of the contest goal -- post card RETOUCHING.

I see no mention of creating a photo based artistic rendition. Did *I* miss something?

[T Paul]

Hint from FAQ thread:

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/con...tml#post120868

[Nasturtium]

LonK-The water was fairly easy to bring back in ACR. I've found a crop I like but now I'm brainstorming which elements to 'remove or reposition'

TPaul-Thanks a million, that certainly clarified the issue.

[Nasturtium]

I love it when the creative juices flow. Where does inspiration come from? lol. I started out trying to get some custom brush strokes to work in Impressionist and PS crashed. :-( That got me to thinking about displacement maps...and then I just put it all together with texture and median and Swampy's water color technique.

[LonK]

That's interesting, Nasturtium.

But let me remind you and most other entrants once again, this contest is a RETOUCHING assignment, not a PHOTOART exercise. I would hate to see entries disqualified or discarded for failing to adhere to the contest criteria.

Originally Posted by T Paul

Hint from FAQ thread:

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/con...tml#post120868

[Joeven]

I removed mine when it was pointed out that this was a retouch only contest. Right now LonK's entry is only one that has followed the rules. I can sense LonK's frustration in trying to get people to understand that this is about retouching the photo not about photo-art! Has there ever been a contest where all the entries but one were disqualified?

Joe

[T Paul]

Just a friendly reminder...make sure that you read and follow the contest rules to avoid having your image disqualified.

[Veralisa]

Very interesting indeed, hmmm-m-m,
From the May contest rules, I read: "change colors, etc." This sounds a tad different from the,
"color and tone correction" in the general Retouch directions from the thread above.

To paint or not to paint, that is the question.

[Joeven]

Nice one Craig!

Joe

[Ruzzez]

The rules for this contest clearly allow for items that exceed normal retouching.

"You can:
- remove elements from the photo
- change the focus by cropping it differently
- reposition items
- change colors, etc. "

With the exception of the couple who used textured backgrounds and brushstrokes, I don't see why the rules for retouching are being discussed.

In my opinion using a severely limited palette goes beyond retouching and into photo art, but since the rules clearly state "change colors" it is allowed in this exercise.

[Kraellin]

thanks, joe

i dont know if it falls truly within the rules, but i like it

[happymind]

when do we hear the winner announced/? b

[happymind]

lonk your one is properly cool

[LonK]

Originally Posted by happymind

when do we hear the winner announced/? b

Rule 1: Entries accepted through May 24 (5 PM EDT).
Voting should be May 25 - May 31. A separate thread will be opened for voting.
Winners are announced shortly after the ballots are tallied.

Originally Posted by happymind

lonk your one is properly cool

I'm guessing that's a compliment? If so, thanks.

Oh BTW, you might want to revisit your entry. Note rule 4: When you submit your entry put your username in the filename (ie: tpaul.jpg). This is so users can save the images to a local directory and remember who did what--important when it comes time to vote.

[happymind]

cheers mate

[Nasturtium]

Finally got around to redoing my entry. Thanks for the heads up; Joeven, TPaul & LonK. I'm new to this and when I read the rules didn't realize that there are FOUR kinds of contests- one different one each month. (So embarrassing to admit but maybe I'll save another newbie from the same mistake)Those sure were some rusty, yucky old boats...not as much fun to retouch as to make into 'art' lol.

[happymind]

hello so who won ? has anyone added up the votes cheers

[T Paul]

Results will be published soon...

[T Paul]

Thanks for your patience (I am in the middle of moving).

And here are the results…FINALLY!

This contest was very close... and Congratulations go to LonK!!

Prize: Multibrush 4 donated by AKVIS

Top 5:
LonK - 27
Kraellin - 24
Eldemoose and Ruzzez – tie with 18
Leigh - 14

Great job everyone!

[Kraellin]

congrats, lonk!

[happymind]

congratlation lonk and all others good stuff

[carb]

congrats, lonk good job

[Cupcake]

Congratulations Lonk,
You did a wonderful job.

[LonK]

Thanks Craig, happymind, carb and Cupcake.