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A tricky edit

Sitav
Posted 06/11/2008 - 18:32 Link
Whilst photographing a leopard I did not notice / could avoid a branch between me and it, it is out of focus due to the difference in distance but annoying all the same.
Could anyone suggest a method of editing which might reduce the impact of the branch as I took a great number of shots of the leopard in different positions but almost all have this unwanted, ruining aspect running across her neck.

Thanks in advance for you suggestions

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If anyone is interested there are more shots are: Dragoman Africa
ttk
Posted 06/11/2008 - 18:47 Link
Here you go a bit of patch work in CS3
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Tel,
Edited by ttk: 06/11/2008 - 18:51
MattMatic
Posted 07/11/2008 - 06:51 Link
Not a bad edit Terry... but there's still some artifacts left
Here's a couple of suggestions:
FIRST METHOD:
1. Create a new layer
2. Change layer blend mode to "Color"
3. Use the brush tool at 50% opacity.
4. Alt-click on the green colour and paint over the branch.
Often this is the quickest way to take the eye away from the distraction

A sample image - although used to an extreme!

SECOND METHOD:
To clone it out properly try:
1) Duplicate the layer (I like to keep the original for comparison)
2) Pick the Stamp tool, 50% opacity and just sample and click over the branches. Go for a reasonable job but not too much. Just aim to reduce the overall impact
3) Now use the Patch tool (or similar) to gradually bring back the real texture.
By mixing the Stamp & Patch/Healing brush you can create a very convincing, artifact free clone

Here's one I prepared earlier

For both image examples, hover over the [ 1 ] and [ 2 ] by the VERSIONS label to see the before and after. Larger 1000 pixel versions are available by clicking on the image. To see the before large-size, click on the [ 2 ] and then click on the image.

Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)
Edited by MattMatic: 07/11/2008 - 06:53
Hyram
Posted 07/11/2008 - 08:43 Link
Very impressive Matt.
Hyram

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Clarky
Posted 07/11/2008 - 08:44 Link
Your a genius Matt
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Prieni
Posted 07/11/2008 - 08:54 Link
Clarky wrote:
Your a genius Matt

Well Clarky, that shouldn't be news to you.

The first example, though, I do find a bit cheeky. Question is: Would we have noticed when seeing that final result on it's own? Once I realize that the flowers have been dyed I really don't like it anymore. Technically well done, though.

Second one is a great example. But it was a bit easier than Simon's trouble pic as it was easier to deal with the fur on the horse (or is that called coat on a horse?)
I don't doubt a second that Matt could deal with that brilliantly as well.

Terry has done a good job with the branch but left the fur untreated...
How inappropriate to call this planet earth when it is quite clearly Ocean. - Arthur C. Clarke
Prieni's PPG page
MattMatic
Posted 07/11/2008 - 09:20 Link
Quote:
The first example, though, I do find a bit cheeky.

Absolutely
I'm just showing what can be done Often times you just have an annoying little piece of leaf or debris that is out of character. Rather than painstakingly cloning it out you can often find this color-layer technique works perfectly and takes all of 10 seconds

Thanks for the other comments folks... my head won't get through the door now!
Matt
http://www.mattmatic.co.uk
(For gallery, tips and links)
ttk
Posted 07/11/2008 - 14:05 Link
Prieni wrote:
Clarky wrote:
Your a genius Matt

Terry has done a good job with the branch but left the fur untreated...

I only did the branch to show Sitav what could be done with a basic tool, thanks to Matt for showing other ways for people to try, this is what the forum is about.
Tel,
Prieni
Posted 07/11/2008 - 14:15 Link
Terry, I know and certainly my post wasn't meant to sound as if you were too lazy to do that.
How inappropriate to call this planet earth when it is quite clearly Ocean. - Arthur C. Clarke
Prieni's PPG page
ttk
Posted 07/11/2008 - 14:20 Link
Prieni....NO Offence taken..
Tel,
Sitav
Posted 10/11/2008 - 20:24 Link
Thanks to all for the great tips, I'll post some results when I've had some time to try a few things. Great examples Matt!
Sitav
Posted 20/11/2008 - 22:19 Link
Hi all, I've had a bit of time to play around with a similar image

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and this is how I got on...


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There's still some signs left but hopefully not too noticeable to those who aren't looking for it? I didn't want to take away all of the branch above the leopard as there would've been more room for error.

Thanks again for all your help and as always feedback is very welcome
hefty1
Posted 21/11/2008 - 00:01 Link
I quite agree, it's only really noticeable if you're looking for it so I'd say that was a successful job; well done
Joining the Q

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