Can't decide if I like these shots/Comments/help appreciated

Bill,

Comparing these to other images on your site, these two aren't of the same caliber, for example the shot of the eagle rays. One question you might ask yourself is why do you like them? I have a couple of similar shots of spotted eagle rays that I'm on the fence about as well, and while they aren't technically "good" shots, I find myself keeping them around. I think in my case, it's because they remind me of a very good dive, and have some personal significance because the encouter with the eagle ray was awesome. Other people looking at them don't always feel the same way, especially non-divers, because they weren't there, so there's no attachment to the moment. I sort of get the same feeling from these two, that they are keepers to you for personal reasons that I as the viewer don't see.

Does that make sense, or am I just in dire need of some coffee this afternoon?

Tom

Tom,

You nailed it. I like the shots because they represent an inspiring moment to me. But I also know that from a completely objective point of view...they are lacking, hence my post here. These guys are a blast to dive with and to be so close to but I didn't capture it well on "film". I'm sure I'll keep them but will pull them off my sight. Thanks for helping me think through this Tom...you were dead-on.

I think these shots could be MUCH improved by white balancing and/or using the channel mixer. For a channel mixer example, see my article in the Features section.

Cheers

James

I think this post would be much improved by inlining the images.

Eric,

I don't understand "inlining". Can you explain? Thx.

Sure. Instead of just putting the link to your image with a URL, you do this:

[img=http://yourserver.com/yourimage.jpg]

That "inlines" the image so people can see it in the post itself...

Thanks Eric...origianl post edited.

James,

I coverted from raw using breeze browser. WB set to "flash". I then attempted to edit per your channel mixing article. I edit in PSE2 so I don't have the channel mixer option...exactly. I do have the hidden power of elements and tried to do the channel mixing per those instructions (much less intuitive interface) but couldn't figure it out. What I was able to do is use the color variations tool in PSE2 to make the following changes. Do these represent what you thought I could do with channel mixing? I really don't want to spend the money on CS but maybe I should re-think it???

Thanks for your help.

Wow Bill, BIG improvement in the first shot. I only see a marginal change in the second shot.

The shots both have a green/blue cast to them, but there is plenty of color underneath (at least on the first shot). You would use the channel mixer (or equivalent) to remove that cast without affecting the other colors.

Cheers

James

Bill,

Try downloading CaptureOne (15 day trial) and converting the RAW file with that. I think you might have better luck getting some of the color back using C1 before using Elements.

Tom