When I sit down to edit photos, the actual editing is usually not the first step. Chances are that I have been thinking about the photo for awhile. It is my habit to flip through my photos after I have downloaded them and then go and do something else before starting the process. I find it helpful to be thinking about the photos before the actual editing starts:
ISO 400 50mm f/18 1/200
I find that the first thing I think about is if I want the photo to mirror what I saw or if it will be some other interpretation of the scene. In this case because what drew me to take the photo in the first place was the way that this insect was similar to the flower, I decided to edit keeping the photo true to the original. I cropped the photo, sharpened it, and put a vignette on it to darken the edges. For comparison here is the original version:
ISO 400 50mm f/18 1/200
In my mind, this type of editing is for clarity. It is my hope to bring out the details of what I saw in the scene, a reflection of the reality of that moment. The steps I described above are the steps I usually take when clarity is my intent.
Do you have a set way of editing for a certain effect? Do you think the steps I took helped clarify the image? Do they make the image more appealing to you? Feel free to comment below.
Cheers!
Photography Journal Blog 
Hi Amy, I do think the steps you took clarified the photo. I especially noticed that the crop helped move the flower and insect a bit up and over as well (rule of thirds alignmentv)
LikeLike
Yes, sometimes that rule of thirds is just a rule that makes a lot of sense 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I meant to insert a question mark after that – but a “v” went in – I wasn’t sure if you did it that way on purpose – or was just eyeballing what you liked –
And another thing i loved about this image was the very natural tones.
I love all the rich photo effects out these days – and before coming here I had seen a good number of transformed photos with color select and maybe filters – deep teals and intense –
And this green and yellow was pleasantly rich and still classic – if that makes sense
LikeLike
That does make sense to me. I also like those sort of rich effects, but after awhile I do get to the point where I need a break.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉 hope u have a great day A
LikeLike
Thanks, you too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, Amy. You definitely gave the shot a clearer focal point. It draws your eye immediately to the insect and flowers. Good job!
LikeLike
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Neat interpretation of the theme, Amy. Puts all us obvious reflection people to shame LOL
LikeLike
Thanks, I’m glad you liked it. Also, there was no way I was going to do a selfie, I had to figure out a way out of that one 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cropped version is better and the subject is more eye-catching 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Firstly I love the take on the theme of mirror Amy. Wonderful creativity. I do like the edited image. I would remember that one more vividly.
LikeLike
Thank you Sue.
LikeLike
Hi, Thoughtful post, Amy. Post-processing is all part of the artistic process and you’ve illustrated how the crop makes the subject more focused and dynamic. It’s always a great goal to get it right in the shot but we all rely on the editing process. Nice post.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for your comment. I do think that most of the time I shoot for getting it right in the camera, for the most part the kind of photography I do is well suited to have that as a goal. For this particular shot, I framed the flower in the middle, because I liked the grass all around it but felt that there would be part of it that would appeal to me more once I saw it on my computer screen. Thanks for your visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know exactly what your thought process was! Agree. 😊
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Yes, the crop has made a difference. I like your alternative interpretation.
LikeLike
Thank you Paula.
LikeLike
I really like the editing result. Nicely done. The cropping is essential and you did a great job.
LikeLike
Thanks Amy!
LikeLike
Well done to the photo and the process. I have to come back to see more of your photos. It’s about time to go to my watercolor class. Thanks for the like of my Road to Hana. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you very much for your kind comment and visit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very welcome.
LikeLike