On the Fence

cardinal
Image © 2011/Denise Ippolito Photography

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION

I photographed this male Northern Cardinal in my backyard. I liked the way it was perched on the fence. Poster Edges in Photoshop was used to create some depth. Alien Skins Snap Art 3 Impasto filter for the painterly effect. I also added some unsharp mask because I liked the way it worked with the brush strokes to create thin lines in the background. The light snow was added via an action. I originally thought to eliminate the large lighter branch in the background but after seeing it evicted I decided the image looked “too arranged” without it and so I kept it.

Happy Holidays.


______________________________________________________________ denise ippolito


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10 Responses

  1. Alex says:
    December 21, 2011 at 2:13 pm

    Now that is a shot that sings of Christmas! Nicely done!


    Thank you Alex, Happy Holidays to you and the family, including the pups!
    denise

  2. Dennis Bishop says:
    December 21, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    I couldn’t appreciate the processing on this until I saw it enlarged. Then, WOW! Looks great. (I’m guessing the light branch is the one that curves down to the bottom right. I really like it because it’s a great lead-in to the cardinal.)


    Thanks Dennis, I’m glad you looked at the larger version. The lines from the Snap Art made the entire image IMO. Happy Holiday Season to you and Mary.
    denise

  3. John Barclay says:
    December 21, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Happy Holidays to you Denise! Love the touch of Alien Skin. Another wonderful image from one of the masters. :)


    Thanks John, I appreciate the kind words. Have a great Holiday Season with your family!
    denise

  4. Peter Noyes says:
    December 21, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    The picture became more meaningful to me after I enlarged it. You might want to consider including the original photograph for comparison.
    I wish you, your family and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a most Happy and Healthful New Year.
    Pete


    Thanks Peter, It’s on my main computer. I will try and post it later. A very Happy Holidays to you and your family :)
    denise

  7. Andrew McLachlan says:
    December 22, 2011 at 3:27 am

    Denise, a perfect bird for Christmas and I love the added snow. Too bad we can’t seem to get any of the real stuff…looks like it is going to be a green Christmas up here in the snow-belt. All the best to you and yours over the holidays.


    Thanks Andrew, Have a great holiday!
    denise

  10. Jimi Jones says:
    December 23, 2011 at 2:07 am

    A really beautiful shot, Denise. Keeping the branch in there and having that light snow makes this so nice and natural looking.


    Thanks Jimi, I appreciate it!
    denise

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