Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=1038743&Start=1&Artist=Onslow&ByArtist=Yes

I seem to get comments relating to postwork and background quite often. So I would like to show you the original shot from my last post. shot in RAW format converted to JPEG in RSE (just for here, usually Tiff) sized and saved for web in PS7 So no postwork: sharpening, noise reduction, etc. is turned off in RSE because I prefer to do those later. The white background was done by simply moving the RH top slider in levels inwards until I had it. I learned from my flower shots it is time consumming and doesn't give very good results to shoot with one background and try to cut out the subject in PS. Always start with getting the background as near to finished as you can then a tweak in levels will do the rest.

The shot was made on a Canon G6 compact camera.
I am sorry to disappoint anyone who has told me otherwise, but the camera was held at arms length to get the pov, using the lcd as a viewfinder.
I also used the cameras flash, to fill in the light and give the insect a nice sheen :O

So thats the rules broken then, no holding at arms length and don't use the flash, but I'm happy with what I'm doing and the result. PS I also used the autofocus :O

Message edited on: 09/04/2005 03:27

HI I cant see a problem, your technique is your technique and if it works, it works. So dont be so hard, you got clear definition, nice POV, nice DOF, the picture is centred nicely, colour is not over or underexposed. & you have not over cooked it while editing. This shows some restraint. Really cant see what the problem is. Like yourself I shoot in RAW then convert to TIFF, then grayscale, use the levels to get the effect I want, I am happy from feedback, but to be honest and quite brutal, they dont know what I am trying to achieve while editing, they only know what I have done when I post. Dont mean to be harsh about it but, go for it if it works.

thanks for showing the original, Richard! You did a magnificent job shooting and postwork was perfect!!!

I'm a working photographer (mostly catalog), I shoot RAW, convert to whatever the client needs or what I WANT it ot be for my personal work - and I tend to do EXTENSIVE postwork to producew a look or feeling that I'm going for. A friend of mine claims she will never give up film, still uses her black and white darkroom in her basement (big Omega enlarger for 35mm-6x7 B&W negs), and is FUMING that Kodak has stopped making B&W paper. Her only "postwork" is her selection of contrast filter, and dodging and burning. Bottom line, despite what anyone might say or imply: Do what you do - and enjoy DOING it! It is for YOU - no one else. BTW - I think your final looks fatastic - almost an illustration (very cool!), and your original reminds me of summer, running through creeks with my frineds when was young. While both work for me, which works best for YOU?