Darkroom Challenge Digital Darkroom Derby #37 (closed, results posted)

[WhidbeyLVR]

This is Digital Darkroom Derby #37, a digital image editing/processing challenge. Please read the rules here.

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It has been awhile since I hosted a bird challenge. Here is a Northern Mockingbird image (with a few problems). See if you can make it better.

The RAW and JPEG source images are here: DDD037

I am adding extra time to this challenge. The challenge will close at at the end of the day on Saturday, May 7th. I will post the results sometime on Sunday.

 

[betamax]

Processed in C1, then into topaz denoise.

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[kae1]

Entry #1 DXO PL5 then Elements and DeNoise

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[kae1]

Entry #2

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[RobD]

#1. ACR & Photoshop

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[betamax]

Topaz studio - Oil Painting classic filter

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[BosseBe]

DxO PL5,
Entry #1:

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[BosseBe]

Entry #2:

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[gecko]

Edited raw file in DxO PL5, then, in Elements, where I used "Craquelure" (I think I spelled it right) filter to "distort" image.

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[betamax]

NOT an entry, but I couldn't resist. Again in Topaz Studio

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[gecko]

Entry #2: same as entry 1 except for the bird.

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[WhidbeyLVR]

This is the final day of the challenge. Get those entries in anytime today.

 

[WhidbeyLVR]

The challenge is closed. I will post the results later today. Thank you for your participation.

 

[WhidbeyLVR]

@betamax : I preferred your first entry. The Topaz Oil Paint was interesting, but it made the background brighter and more colorful while softening detail on the bird, which made the subject harder to see. I'm glad you posted the other topaz version, as well. I thought the swirly version was interesting and did elevate the subject compared to the background, but since it is out-of-contest, I'll leave it at that.

@kae1 : I preferred the color over the B&W. The processing was good on both, but monochrome didn't elevate the subject for me.

@RobD : Nice entry. The brightest, I think . Good detail.

@BosseBe : I thought both of your entries seemed notably dark this time. I checked on multiple devices. Is your monitor adjusted too bright?

@gecko : The Craquelure filter was too strong for me. I found it interesting, but distracting.


My top three picks were color versions from Alan, Ken and Rob. They all showed decent exposure, very good detail in the feathers and eye. It was very difficult to choose among them, but here goes:

Winner: @betamax #1. By darkening the background compared to the subject, I thought it was the easiest to view.​

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2nd Place: @kae1 #1. By toning down the color saturation of the background, you helped isolate the subject for me.​

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3rd Place: @RobD . Nice version, and very close in the running.​

Thanks again to everyone who joined in. I look forward to seeing what Alan brings us next.

 

[ektar]

Nice work, all.

 

[betamax]

Well thank you Lyle! Unfortunately I’m on an unexpected trip interstate (again) so won’t be back home till Thursday. @kae1 or @RobD are you able to host?

 

[kae1]

Well thank you Lyle! Unfortunately I’m on an unexpected trip interstate (again) so won’t be back home till Thursday. @kae1 or @RobD are you able to host?

Alan, I'm happy to volunteer. I'll see what I can find.

 

[kae1]

New challenge Challenge! - Digital Darkroom Derby #38

 

[BosseBe]

@BosseBe : I thought both of your entries seemed notably dark this time. I checked on multiple devices. Is your monitor adjusted too bright?

I just checked and the monitor is using the calibrated profile and is just as bright as usual, so it probably comes down to my personal preferences, I do like a little darker pictures.

 

[WhidbeyLVR]

I just checked and the monitor is using the calibrated profile and is just as bright as usual, so it probably comes down to my personal preferences, I do like a little darker pictures.

Okay. I know you have a preference to the darker tones, but it just seemed a bit more than usual. Thanks for checking.