Usually when I see bright objects in the background, I try to get rid of them, but hopefully in this photo they're more complimentary than distracting. (Operative word: hopefully.) Minimal PS work on this one, though if I could figure out a way to get more detail in the reds, I'd do it.
Hello, Becky! I love this image, and appreciate your own comments about the image.(I noticed that in many of your images!) I like the bright background, which, to my eye, gives me an overall feeling of the surrounding area, without being too distracting from your subject. As far as getting more detail in the reds - have you tried unsharp mask? I might suggest making a duplicate layer, and playing with the settings of the unsharp mask filter - found in the drop down menu of SHARP filters. adjust what you need to with that filter, and erace the rest of the top layer. You might also try this one - duplicate layer, and on the top layer, mess with the curves, find what you like, and again, erace the rest of that top layer. I love to talk photoshop, feel free to talk to me in email, if you so choose. Anaya@AnayaArtsPhotography.com
again, LOVE your work - you have a wonderful portfolio/gallery here!
Good stuff here - I like the colors it is like a flaming brand (or as you say, torch)...red's are tricky they want a particular light in order to give up their detail and as far as I can tell if they don't get it...you are out of luck...
The background is really essential in macrophotography IMO, and here I think you have added interest to the image by not shooting around the yellow diagonal behind the "torch". I wonder why the detail was lost like that in the red.
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