Friday, September 21, 2012

Three Of A Dragonfly

I'm back here a little sooner than you thought I'd be, aren't I? I'm trying to get back to posting a little more often again. I'm always in a much better mood when I do. Writing a post, no matter what it's about, gives me the feeling that I've been able to get something off my chest. So let's get to it!

You may have noticed that the three pictures of a dragonfly that I have here today look almost identical. I have to admit that they are the same original picture, and it's hard to tell the difference between them if you just look at them in the post. But they are indeed different. You have to click on the pictures to really see it well.

The difference is in the editing. I edited these pictures in a program called Gimp. It's a free editor in the style of Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro. Do a Google search for it. If you want a good editor you don't have to pay for then you won't be sorry.

Anyway, like I said, I edited these pictures in three different ways. The first one was done with an addon that is supposed to do what's called a simulated HDR effect. It supposedly makes the colors pop out and give the picture almost a 3D realistic effect. This addon is kind of hit or miss. What I liked about it in this picture is that it made the dragonfly pop out a little bit.

The second picture was done with an addon called natgeo. It's supposed to give the pictures a similar quality as the pictures you might often find in National Geographic. I think this one actually works pretty well. It really brings out the details well.

The last one was done with adjustments that I did myself. I adjusted the levels of some of the colors just a bit and I sharpened up the picture to make it easier on the eyes. I think it turned out well. I guess they all show some of the things you can do with an image editor. I like all three, but I can't decide which one is best. Which one do you like best?

Editing pictures is of course not all I've been up to. This took me only a few minutes to do these. I feel that we should have many different interests. It keeps our minds active and sharp. I'm still on my quest to learn more about plants. I haven't learned much so far, but I know that one of these times I'll make a huge leap in my knowledge.

I'm also still trying to get a little better with my photography. Basically, I want to become a little more organized and thoughtful while taking my pictures. I think that can make a huge difference in the number of quality pictures I end up with. I hope the combination of my learning all of this stuff will make some new interesting posts I can share.

And I'm still on a quiet quest to catch a Sasquatch. I plan on keeping him in my basement. Maybe he can learn to play video games or something. I've got big plans. Big plans. You'll find out one of these days.

22 comments:

  1. I am pleased that I can admire such unusual views of the nature. I am greeting

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  2. I like the last one best Ratty! It gives more of a natural feel to the image. Have a great weekend!

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  3. That is nothing better than going outdoor.

    No pressure, so easy, and no blogging.

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    1. Going outdoors is one of the best things we can do.

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  4. I like them all! Great!

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  5. Well the photos look good with your subtle editing. Your plan to catch a Sasquach and keep it in your basement is an interesting one. I'll be interested to hear how that works out for you

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    1. One of these days I'll surprise everyone with that Sasquatch.

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  6. My favourite is the first one. It really does have an almost 3D effect.

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    1. That's what I like about it too. The colors make it pop right out.

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  7. It's a very nice photo. I prefer the third version.

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    1. Like someone else mentioned, the third one is probably the most natural looking one.

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  8. Replies
    1. I like those colors too. They really help bring out the dragonfly.

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  9. i actually like the last one, your own editing, Ratty. i did not know about Gimp, thanks for sharing.

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    1. I've tried all the photo editors, but Gimp seems to be the easiest one for me.

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  10. I find that "fixing" photos with PS is just as time consuming (or more) than just taking a lot of photos. It's exhausting to learn how to make adjustments and changes too. It just takes a LOT of time--time that I don't have. I hope to figure it all out one day soon. :) Let me know if you find any good tips on enhancements to photos.

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    1. I always have to do a lot of things or I begin to get nervous, so photo editing is a good activity.

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  11. I think I like the third picture best Ratty. All of them are good but the first seems a little too un-real for me and although there isn't much in the other too I like the way the colours in the background are bought out a little more in the third!!

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    1. I like the colors in the background of the third one too. That's something I wasn't satisfied with in thew first two.

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