Untitled

[Grumpy John]

I saw hundreds, if not thousands, of these dried up seed pods on my lake walk this morning. This one for, some reason, got my attention.

[Toddyh]

Beautiful and sharp John. I'd love to see a tighter crop and maybe even B&W.

[Isac]

Rather a stunning shot GJ. This is the type of image that really gets my creative juices flowing. I couldn't resist playing with it and came up with some unusual effects. I'd love to see what you can do with it (including B&W) - and it would be interesting to see what others can come up with too, if you don't mind. Just a thought.

[Grumpy John]

Thanks Isac. There is plenty of opportunity in this image for some serious PP, so go for it. Post you results here.

[Grumpy John]

Two requests for B/W, done.

[Isac]

Plenty of scope for play GJ. Nice B&W.

[Toddyh]

Fantastic John. I really like that.

[Grumpy John]

Thanks Toddy, looking at it just now it reminds me of a wine glass and stem.

[Isac]

So much fun!!
#1 - Give it a shadow on the wall.

#2 - Colour it up!

#3 - Fire glow.

[Grumpy John]

Same question for you Isac, how do you get the black background?

[Isac]

I'll do a tut and post later.

[Grumpy John]

Thanks Isac, looking forward to it.

[Toddyh]

I thought I'd have a little play too. Very quick and nasty.

[Isac]

What did you do to get that look Todd?

[Grumpy John]

Really nice treatment Toddy, and the black background makes it pop.

[Toddyh]

I basically turned down the exposure and the shadows. Used a brush to turn them down more on the background. Then turned up the highlights, clarity and contrast.
Like I said pretty quick and nasty. Could definitely do better if you put the time into it.

[Grumpy John]

I used your image for a bit of inspiration Toddyh. How did you do the black background?

[Grumpy John]

Thanks to our resident Photoshop guru, Isac I now have a basic grasp on the Background Eraser Tool.

[Toddyh]

Nicely done John.
He is a guru isn't he.

[Grumpy John]

He da man.

[Isac]

That looks very good John, I can even see the cobwebs! I'm very proud of your achievements!! You're a great pupil and you are a bit like me really - never stop learning and never give up. Now that you have erased the BG, you can change the black layer to any other colours, fills, gradients or even drop in another image.

[Grumpy John]

Thanks Isac, I'll have a play around with it.

[Isac]

This might whet your whistle. The giant pod is now taking over the flowers in the planter!

[Grumpy John]

Kind of like Invasion Of The Body Snatchers, but for plants.

[Isac]

All easy to do, once you have your subject cut out.

[Grumpy John]

The possibilities are endless, bounded only by your imagination, or lack of.