Sunday, January 13, 2013

A New Camera for the New Year


portrait of black Arabian horse by Anita Jesse

BlackHawk-A work in Progress
(Click here for the larger image)



Note: Although I have added this version of this image to my portfolio, I consider it a work in progress and this version may end up being replaced. I haven't lived with it long enough to be ready for the final steps. A few more days, at least one more test print, and then we shall see.

I have only begun to become acquainted with my new Canon 7D and needed action shots for testing the new-to-me focusing system on this camera. BlackHawk, the 2012 addition to our little herd of three, is always ready to accommodate with action. With his winter coat he isn't at his sleekest and showiest, but, believe me, he needs that warm coat. For example, Sunday (January 13) morning our temperature was 9 degrees. I know that doesn't compete with Monte's recent -1, but it's more than cold enough for me.

The 7D arrived late the afternoon of Tuesday, January 8, and the next day I was out for a test run. Out of that afternoon's brief shoot with BlackHawk, this one is my favorites. The expression is so much who this young gelding is. Typical of his breed, Arabian, he is deeply curious. He is just over 5 and, as is common for that age, he is a bit full of himself. But, he has a sweet nature and is mostly a joy.

Like most of my work, this is a photograph with many layers added. The layers for this piece consist of starting with basic processing for lighting and general enhancement—jobs that were not completed during the Adobe Camera Raw processing of the RAW file. Once the file was moved to Photoshop, I gradually added multiple painting layers using the Wacom tablet and pen. In this case, about 90 percent of the painting was done with a couple of the oil mixer brushes.

13 comments:

  1. It's tough to envision that there is much to be done to improve this image!

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    1. I appreciate your thoughts, Steve. I tried some things that were just a little different and the result got me thinking. At least, I was satisfied enough to share this, and I just may decide that any more tinkering is a mistake. We'll see, but your comment is encouraging. Thanks, again.

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  2. It's a beautiful result, Anita - nice job! Enjoy your new "toy". I'd love to get a Nikon D600, but will probably have to wait on that for a while.

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    1. Thank you, John, for taking time to comment. The encouragement is welcome. I was quite surprised at myself. I had no idea that I was hankering for a new camera; but, I think this may be the ideal upgrade for my type of photography. I hope you get that D600 soon.

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  3. He is a beauty!!! It's a little hard to tell all the details but it looks like you are very close to a finished print here. I wonder if you are doing snapshots along the way of editing, both for your own benefit and possibly an interesting post.
    I had to look up the 7D reviews but it looks like a work horse (you should excuse the expression). Good luck with your new toy.

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    1. Ken! What happened? Why can't I find your blog!? Please tell me it isn't really gone.

      Thanks for your comment on this picture. This idea of doing snapshots of the editing process is coming up lately. Obviously, it is something that I must work out. Thanks for the push. The catch is that that part of my brain is completely disengaged when I work. I just have to buckle down and find a way to "come up for air occasionally."

      I am eager to have more time for exploring the new camera. At the same time The Husband and I are also trying to learn his new camcorder for a business project of his. More hours, please.

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  4. Yes, ONEOWNER is gone. But I'll be back soon with a different blog under the title "2clicksaway" (without the quotes). I won't bore you with the story behind it all but I'm looking forward to getting back into it. I am able to continue following my favorite blogs (of course this one) and that's very helpful at this time.

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  5. I was attached to that blog. But, I have no doubt that 2clicksaway will be equally entertaining and enlightening—even though it remains fact free. I like the name! Great choice.

    Since you built the first blog so quickly, I have no doubt that you will be roaring back to the top in no time. I hope there is not a sad story behind this.

    Thank you so much, Ken, for visiting and for your comments. I was so flustered by the absence of your blog, then temporarily locking everyone out of my own that I failed to ask you if you had some thoughts about what needed to be done to this picture to finish it. I have been completely distracted since I post this and haven't come back to visit it. I would love to hear your thoughts.

    Take care.

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    1. Thanks, Anita. The more I look at this photo I think it need a bit more background texture. I like the blurred background and the fact it's a lighter tone than BlackHawk. My next step would be to build onto that nice background in a very subtle manner. It doesn't need much, you're 95% there already.

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    2. Excellent idea, Ken, to look at that. It might create better balance. That may be just what is missing. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it.

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  6. Anita, You go girl...that 7D looks like a fine camera and you no doubt will make the best of it. I'm still learning (playing) with the D600 I replaced the D700 with. Your post processing process works so well with these images. I imagine you're getting faster and more proficient with each image.

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    1. Thanks, Earl. So far, I am happy with the purchase. I hope your upgrade has worked to your satisfaction.

      Thank you for the encouraging words. I think if I ever were to stop trying new things with each piece that I could speed up the workflow. So far, I am still exploring possibilities and there are so many! Maybe some day.

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  7. I'm with Earl, "You go Girl." I like it that you have a new tool to learn which will help in your creative pursuits. You are an artist! As a side note I've heard we will have better images when we know our subject and it shows in your work. Awesome! Now have fun with this new camera.

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