Topaz Meets the Fisheye Lens

grand-teton-Topaz
Grand Teton Woods, 15mm fish-eye lens, Topaz Simplify BuzSim filter

In the original image, I wanted to capture the starburst effect so I set my aperture to f/22. With many lenses, this will usually produce a starburst effect if the sun is just peeking over a ridge or out from behind a tree (as here). I cropped the image a bit to effectively move the sun to the left side of the frame for a more pleasing composition. Then I processed the image by tonemapping it before applying the Topaz Simplify BuzSim filter; I love the stained glass look that the filter creates from the branches and leaves. I used the default settings of the filter and felt that it was just the right touch.

Tips for re-creating this look:
1) Find an area of trees that will allow for the sun to peek out between the branches. I was hand holding this so I was able to move my camera around until I just saw the sun peek through the trees.
2) Try to include a bit of the sky for color when possible.
3) Using an f stop of 22 will usually produce a starburst but not for all lenses.
4) Take several shots to be sure to get even distribution of the rays on your starburst.
5) If you are unable to capture the starburst in the rule of thirds allow enough room for a crop to off- center your starburst. However, sometimes a dead center starburst will work very well also.
6) When processing the image in Photoshop set it up on a layer first so that you can make selective adjustments to the filtered layer if needed.
7) Make adjustments to color, lighting and sharpness after you apply the filter.

The image above was featured in my “Guide to Creative Filters and Effects” eBook.
Here is another example:

Topaz
Allaire State Park, NJ, 15mm fish-eye lens, Topaz Simplify BuzSim filter


12 Responses

  1. Arthur Morris says:
    September 16, 2011 at 12:34 pm

    I have always loved this one. Considering that I was standing right next to you and came away empty…. It reminds me of a beautiful cathedral.

    Artie, Thank you for the kind words. I doubt you came away empty handed. It was a fun hike that I am glad we did together.
    denise

  2. Myer Bornstein says:
    September 16, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    Denise
    As always very nice

    Myer, Thank you for you stopping by, it’s always nice to hear from you.
    denise

  4. Andrew McLachlan says:
    September 16, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    Hi Denise,

    Beautiful processing, the first one is stunning. Love it!

    Andrew, thanks so much. Any news on when your eBook will be published? I’m looking forward to it.
    denise

  8. Carl says:
    September 17, 2011 at 12:05 am

    Beautiful captures…very nicely done Denise.

    Hi Carl, Thank you kindly. I might be heading towards your way soon.
    denise

  9. John Storjohann says:
    September 17, 2011 at 1:18 am

    Artie called it…Nature’s Cathedral. I’ve never shot with a fish-eye lens, but I like the effect in this image…the softly curved lines, the webbing of limbs between trees, the soft blue sky…wonderful processing done an a strong base image. Nicely done…thanks for sharing both the photo and the process.

    Hi John, I always appreciate your thoughtful comments. I love the webbed look that you can get by using the filter. I especially like it on trees and branches.
    denise

  10. Dennis Bishop says:
    September 17, 2011 at 2:50 am

    The fisheye effect is good in both images. Especially the Allaire Village one. It looks the tall trees are bowing slightly to welcome the viewer strolling down the path into the picture.

    I used to grab my fisheye only occasionally. Then, last fall in the mountains of North Carolina, I used it for sunrises through the trees every morning for about a week. (With the aperture at f/22.) I certainly don’t use it every time I shoot, but now it’s always part of the gear I carry.

    The stained glass effect looks very good in both of your images, but it’s something I often try to minimize even though I often use Topaz Simplify. I may try some low opacity masking and see what that does.

    Dennis, I was thrilled when I received my fisheye lens as a gift. I like the effect most especially on trees but I hope to shoot some Pelicans at close range from a low angle like Artie does while in Florida this winter.
    I love the stained glass from the filter as a “fun effect” but I also like to add a little less for some images too. I guess it depends on my thoughts for the image. I will be posting one soon from Allaire that has a bit less of the BuzSim look to it. I’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts on that one :) .
    denise

  11. Jimi Jones says:
    September 17, 2011 at 11:12 am

    Wonderfully creative image, Denise. Great result. I’ve used that f22 trick many times and it works like a charm. :-)

    My next lens acquisition will be a fisheye, which I can hardly wait to get my hands on.

    Having now read your “Guide to Creative Filters and Effects” I find myself anxious to begin my first project. It’s a very nice ebook by the way.

    Jimi, I think my fisheye is a great lens and lots of fun to use. I can’t wait to see your first project, once again thank you for your support of my eBook!
    denise

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