Making the ordinary extraordinary

[Grumpy John]

is what Photoshop is all about, at least in my opinion

Before.


After.

[HansE]

The fun never stops. I didn't like the lightning in the centre. would have a play with removing some from the top or the bottom as well as the left. But your polishing sure changes the picture.

[Grumpy John]

Thanks for your input Hans, easy to change. I'll have a play later.

[Isac]

It certainly makes a difference John. Was that a drop-in sky or just clever use of masks and colour adjustments?

[Grumpy John]

I'm pretty sure you know it was the latter

[Isac]

Yeah I see it's the same sky, so very well done.masks are so good for this type of selection and manipulation. Well done!

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day GJ

a damn fine bit of work there matey ... and like Hans- try it again with the flash off to one side ~ just to see how it goes

Phil

[Grumpy John]

Thanks for the input Phil.

[Grumpy John]

HansE , Ozzie_Traveller , do you guys want the flash moved from above the old shed, or the shed and lightning to be moved off centre?

[HansE]

I would chop a bit of the left and bottom and see what I thought of it as a composition. What I think doesn't matter that much as it's you that has to be happy with the result.

[Grumpy John]

You're right Hans, the final image is a personal thing. However we can all improve by listening to other people's assessment of our work.

[Isac]

100% agree John, that's why we use the forum IMHO.

[Grumpy John]

How's this HansE , Ozzie_Traveller ?

[avkomp]

good work on this. looks stronger imho with the foreground cropped down.

[Grumpy John]

I agree, it adds to the drama.

[K1W1]

I like the second (cropped) version. If it was my play thing I would have the lightning hitting the building at a bit of an angle from the top left rather than going straight down. The strong vertical of the shed and lightning to me make for negative space on the left. I think the lightning at an angle and the angle of the hedge would then concentrate the eye to the shed.

[Grumpy John]

I can do that

[HansE]

I think it is a bit stronger as well. Especially if you compare it to the original.

[Grumpy John]

How's this K1W1 ?

[Isac]

Very well done John. Next test is to add reality to the lightning strike by lighting up the clouds and adding some mood into the sky.