The prompt for the WordPress photo challenge asked participants to think about not only the size of something but its impact when considering what to submit for this week’s theme, grand. So, I thought small. This photo is of an Eastern Screech Owl, a version of which is available on Picfair.
If you are a regular reader of this blog this image is familiar to you. I originally created this image as a full color HDR image, if you would like to read about that original version click here. This particular version I created in the last week because we did some lessons on HDR in my Photoshop class and I created a series of new images for an assignment but then came back to this image to do something a bit different.
Even though it is a Photoshop class, my preferred software for HDR is Photomatix, so that is what I used to create this image. When shooting this photo, I used the exposure bracketing feature in my camera, so I had three exposures, one light, one dark, and one in the middle. If you’d like a bit of an explanation of HDR, there is a brief overview here.
For the image you see above, I already had created a color HDR version. I went back to my bracketed photos and created a black and white version. With my two HDR versions on my desktop, I then opened them in Photoshop. Each of the photos is on its own layer. Then I spent a bit of time creating different combinations until I came up with this version. In this version, the black and white is on top of the color version. I put a mask on the black and white layer, and with my paintbrush painted over the eyes, revealing the color version underneath. That’s it. Probably the simplest version I worked on, but the one I liked the best.
This particular photo I took at World Bird Sanctuary, which if you are ever in the St. Louis area, is a great place to visit with your camera. I’m sorry to say, that this little owl passed away this week. A tribute is here, and as a regular visitor to World Bird Sanctuary I can say that this bird was an excellent ambassador for the work they do there. A little bird that made a grand impact indeed.
So what do you think of the combined HDR version? I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions below. If you don’t have anything to say about this particular photo but would love to leave a comment, take a moment to wish me good luck on my Photoshop final exam which is coming up this week!
Cheers!
Excellent picture, details wonderful!
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Thank you 🙂
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it fantastic in black and white. good luck on your exam! 🙂
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Glad you like this version and thanks for the luck 🙂
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The HDR looks great! I downloaded the Promatrix last week, have not had a chance to play with it.
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Thanks, I think you will find that it is pretty easy program to get started with.
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I think owls are definitely grand and good luck on your exam 🙂 Annie
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I agree and thanks 🙂
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This little owl has such a grand attitude in it’s eyes. Great shot!
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Indeed and thanks 🙂
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Lovely image, and good luck for your exam. 🙂
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Thanks!
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Great photo! Good luck on your final! 🙂
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Thanks so much 🙂
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Beautiful, really captures the beauty of the bird in every detail. Nicely done!
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Thanks, I’m glad you like this version.
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Sad to hear this bird has passed. He was an impressive bird and you captured that beautifully.
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Thanks, it is too bad he is gone. He lived about three times longer than average, but I was sorry to hear of his passing.
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Great picture – I think owls are such pretty birds!
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I agree 🙂
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I really like it a lot! Best if luck to you. 😀
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Thanks!
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Brilliant . Best of Luck PJB I’m sure you’ll pass with flying colours … you certainly deserve too !
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Thanks so much!
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Aaaaw, poor wee owl.
I had a literally awesome close encounter this week with an eagle from the opposite end of the bird of prey size spectrum, but no chance to capture the moment on camera.
Best of luck with your exam!
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He had a good long life, so that is good, he was beautiful too. That is so cool to see an eagle in the wild. Sometimes the visual in your memory is better than what you capture in the camera anyway right? Off to take my exam in a few hours then I’ll be off school for a few weeks 🙂
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Grand feather detail captured.
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Thanks 🙂
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Beautiful photo. I clicked on some of your links. Great information. Having just gotten a new camera (early Christmas!), my mind is swirling. I’m starting to realize just how much I have to try to learn. Of course, I’m just beginning on the auto setting until I progress! 🙂
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Nice, what kind of camera did you get? Starting with the auto setting is a great place to start and then you can work from there. I hope you have a great time with it 🙂
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It’s a Nikon D3200. I’ve been taking some pictures on auto. I’ve got so much to learn it’s almost overwhelming!
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I agree, any new camera has a learning curve. Should be fun to play around with though 🙂
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Majestic.
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Thank you.
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Thanks a lot.
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🙂
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My pleasure. GOD BLESS.
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