I decided to mess around with a new Photoshop action and just wanted some input. I don't usually digitally manipulate my images, but I absolutely love this look applied to the right image.

Before...


...and after.


Thoughts?

In all honesty, Jen, I like the original better. It has softer tones and really looks like it didn't need to be altered.

Bob

Looks like the Velvia action that Fred Meranda created and sells?

I like the original better, also, at least in the jpg size that you posted..

I know I wouldn't change the print I have of that image...

To me the original almost takes on the look of a painting when viewed at this size. Very interesting with the clouds looking as they do. (Didn't think you all had anything but blue skies and white clouds on your adventures.)

In my advanced age and fading eyesight I am trying to see what the differences are in the pictures. It appears the second one is brighter and some of picture has been brought out of the shadows (like the shore in the foreground). Is there more than this?

Jen, I like both of them however, the second one looks really good because of the defination of colors. It makes the lighthouse stand out more. You have such a good eye for great pictures there's not much you can do to make them look better.
Ruthie

Hi Jen,

I agree with Bob ..... like the first, unaltered pic better. I like it's soft look. The adjusted photo, although also very nice, appears somewhat harsher by comparison.

Dan

Jen, your original looks perfect to me!

I like the second one better. It seems to provide a burst of sun which makes the house a sharper orange/rust, the tower whiter, and the sky bluer.
Bob

What did you change?

I like the second one more too, better color saturation.

Wow, looks like it's a 50-50 mix. Thank you to everyone for bring up the plus and minus points of each one. What I did to the second one is an action in Photoshop called "Gothic Glow". I'm playine around with some new stuff and was looking for some input. Here is another comparision.

Original...


And Gothic Glow applied.

You probably know I already favor pictures more saturated and in higher contrast than 'normal' since those are actions I took on most every lighthouse image for the Lighthouse Stickers project.

In the smaller size 2x2" of the stickers, I think it makes them 'pop' more and thus appeal to the potential buyers' eye.

Jen,

After looking at your comparison pictures about five times, I guess that I'd have to vote for door number two. They are a tad more dramatic.

But number one is so very beautiful -- softer and more pleasing to the eye. At least to mine. However, it's very difficult to improve upon perfection. Your eyes can see what most people can't.

Bob

#2 Jen, but you're not making it easy. Really have to look hard to make a decision.

Bert

The original is far better than the altered one, Jen, on this photo.

Bob

I like them both but the saturation is great in the second ones. Are you using the new Photoshop CS? Judy

Hey Jen,
Barn #2 is awesome! Makes me miss the fall season, can't wait for Maine in OCT

Jen,
I love both formats, the original is definitly softer but the after pics are so dramatic. I guess it would depend on what your use of the picture that would determine if you should use the before or after method. Keep up the good work! Hey are you going to do a workshop at the next reunion on taking photos..sign me up!!

Judy, I just started using PSCS from 7.0 a couple weeks ago. LOVE the shadow/highlight tool!

Kat, thanks! Not a bad idea for the next reunion...hmmm. Sounds like fun, actually! John, if they hold a reunion, who would I need to talk to about that?