I don't see it that Lightroom has removed the PF 'excellently' here

It seems to have only removed the 'P', not the 'F' !

Following feedback on my images on my previous thread, I have taken a different approach, and reworked a couple of the shots without the HDR or other specialized detailing software. I have limited the work to just one single frame (the mid one from the original 5 backets) and restricted myself to using only ACR for raw conversion and then basic Photoshop edits (eg levels, sat / hue) with selections to limit the effects to certain colours or areas.

My intention in doing this see if the results are more in line with other peoples perceptions of what could be a realistic depiction of the scene than the original processings.

The original thread is here link



Here is my original shot No 1 : It is an HDR tone mapping of 4 bracketed frames, using Photomatix Pro. Additional detailing and vibrancy work (including polarising filter effect) have been applied using Sagelight 4.0 and Topaz Detail (a PS plugin) -









Here is the ReWorking of this shot : This has been done from a single frame using only ACR and Photoshop -









Now another one, this time the 3rd from the original thread, that a number of other members have been working on! Here is my original, with the same range of HRD processes used as before -








Now the new version, taking on board the suggestions made, again restricting the tools to ACR and basic PS edits -








As always, I look forward to all of your considered preferences and thoughts, and of course the votes! I'll try and do the others from the series soon.

Many thanks for your time,

Nigel

Yes, the metal bar is out of the DOF, but so is the bag edge and the jeans. I was specifically looking at the remnants of PF that remain after the work in LR, which has really only targeted the purple tone, but has left the other elements of the abberation, which are still apparent along the top edge of the buggy frame bar.

Algernon's post seemed to imply that this problem was such an easy fix - I just wanted the point made that not all technical IQ issues are an insignificant irritant that can be easily sorted in 10 seconds.

Keep 'em coming people Gwing, I can see the benefits of those minor adjustments, thanks. The scene was glary with bright reflective surfaces which I aimed to depict.

MrB, I'm not so convinced about the darker rendering - I still see this as underexposed. What has happened to the clarity and detail in your version?

Interesting subjects and locations! Great testimony to the focussing, and of course the photographers quick eye and shooting!

I do find the extreme out of focus areas odd though - actually rather distracting when I guess its actually meant to be the opposite. Some of these are really 'environmental portraits' . I wonder if a more 'storytelling' aperture would work better?

But its not really, is it ? Lightroom has only dealt with one element of the PF - that is the purple tone. The rest of it remains, and is clearly distracting in this context.There is a clear halo-type rim and blurry fringe remaining along the prominent metal bar. Its a pity its in front of the subject.

It would appear to me that really, this particular subject, as lit, is beyond the capabilities of this lens at the chosen shooting aperture.

Thanks guys, I appreciate these efforts and the ideas. Pentaxophile, I would be perfectly happy with that version - yes, the colours are toned down and the saturated highlights reduced, plus there's more contrast in the shadows. But the tones themselves are retained, and I know some would say they are unrealistic, but through my sunglasses, to me, they are fairly representative of the actual scene at the time.

John, clearly you have taken similar steps in reducing the saturation and increasing lower contrast, and again, in terms of colour tone I find it remains accurate. But now I see it as basically underexposed, but half to one stop - this is what I would expect a camera meter to render if left to its own devices with this scene.

The light was eye-squintingly glaring at the time.

When I do my own reprocessing I will try and incorporate these ideas too - ie a bit less saturation and deeper contrast in the darker areas. many thanks again !

Love it! I'm not so concerned about the horizon myself - we're not looking straight on to the coastline, so I think natural perspective would tend to lower the left side a bit (am I imagining it or is the forum currently littered with 'sloping horizon' complaints ?? )

I like the low down viewpoint, peering through the reeds. Gives great depth. But, I love my colours! Could we see it is glorious Technicolor?

Of course, thats fine - fire away! I look forward to seeing any alterations.

Its Nigel , no worries! I doubt that it would be conducive to quality to try and pixel edit on these posted jpegs - I am perfectly happy for you to work on the RAW. How can I get it to you? I will try something similar myself also, I mean only use the most common edit processes such as ACR and basic photoshop edits.

Which shot would you like to try, and how can you get the RAW ?