A Touch of Drama

mouse over to see the original image.

There's a beautiful field of black-eyed susans on the trail, Ben and I walk each day. They are such a happy flower...one of my favs, for sure.

I took my camera out the other day, so I could capture the gorgeous yellow before it fades away. The summer, as always, is flying by so quickly. 

After I snapped a ton of yellow field photos, I thought I'd focus in on just one. I got down on the ground and shot from below. I love the dramatic feel of the capture. The sweet susie seems to appear strong and stately.

I decided to add some texture, just to give it a little more drama.

What can I say? I can't help myself! 'smile'....

Here's my photoshop recipe.

• Ran the MCP Action, called charming, from The Fusion Collection. I love what it did to the sky.
• Added a layer of Light Paper 4 texture (part of The Ultimate Texture Bundle) at soft light 100% opacity.
• Added a layer of Waterstained Framed at soft light 100% opacity. (the latest Texture Lovin' List freebie)
• Created a new blank layer. I set the layer blend mode to soft light and with a black soft round brush at 50% opacity I painted over the petals and leaves, and a little around the edges of the photo. (a simple and fab non-destructive 'burn' technique.)

There's all kinds of tricks for creating drama. You can add a little something extra in your post-processing, or shoot from below, or maybe from above, maybe with a wide angle or perhaps up-close. 

Share a little something dramatic with us today.

Comments

[Marcie]

'Weather' is always something I use to create a little drama. Here's one shooting from below the hill..and into the morning fog:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/8/11/fools-on-the-hill.html

[Caryn]

The right light can add drama as can moving in extra close:
http://instamaticgratification.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/379/

[pthurmond1]

Post processing is where I bring "drama" to the simplest subject.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50901045@N02/6033988952/in/photostream

[Jill F]

http://fingerontheshutter.com/2011/08/08/double-crested-cormorant/

My little bit of drama is a silhouette.

[busymomma66]

I've been having fun with my iPhone and some apps:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/busymomma66/6022312834/in/photostream

[Kathryn Dyche Dechairo]

This image represented my mood yesterday.

http://dychedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/questions.html

Love the feel the texture gives to you image. As always, so beautifully done.

[elk]

you are so inspiring my friend! lovely . dramatic personified

not sure this applies to dramatic ... but a bit of soft brown . north light . snip of grace . I collect

http://www.redorgray.com/2011/08/thirty-one.html

[Lisa]

I think converting garden shots to black and white always creates this air of drama. They're supposed to be in color because that's usually the charm of flowers and plants. In black and white, their shapes stand out more and they produce the drama for themselves.
http://flic.kr/p/ac9UDM

[Becky Sue]

Gorgeous image!

On our recent vacation in Maine I was up with the sunrise. It did not disappoint!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rslaflam/6035369424/

[Angela]

Love the flower shot!

I changed this iphone pic to a sepia tone, cropped and used tilt shift for focus to add drama to this shot.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/angelaslp/6025468681/in/photostream

[Heidi M]

My dramatic shot. One of those rare days when I had my "big camera" on our daily walks.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49824873@N05/6035559426/in/photostream
Basic edits for Levels and Bri/Con, a bit of Hue/Sat and then a composite layer at Soft Light at reduced opacity.
No other tricks or textures or actions.
Heidi

[Anna]

Beautiful shot, Kim! Drama is everywhere in nature. I particularly like early morning, sunsets, and storms! Here's a bit of recent drama at the lake ~

http://www.vandemarkdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/08/rain-drops.html

[Trude]

Love the texture! Such a great artistic version of the original. Always love your texture work Kim! I don't know if I'd call this diptych dramatic, but it was more out-of-the-box for me when it comes to the shoots I do at the shelter of dogs up for adoption. But I just keep falling in love with the paw hanging over the shoulder. :) http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/5950692561/in/photostream

[rakusribut]

nice to see some post-processing and what it can add to a photo
great mouseover btw!
i am currently trying out some post-processing iPhone apps and got these results

http://www.flickr.com/photos/61760618@N08/sets/72157627292637771/detail/

[Holly { Soupatraveler }]

Wow! What an awesome combination! Sounds like your walks must be beautiful. Here's a little drama I created last night....nothing grabs you like a black and white street shot, http://www.flickr.com/photos/soupatraveler/6034568410/

[kathryn]

i've been having a blast lately with editing...here's one:

http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.263447432.jpg

[WorthIt!]

Love seeing the before and after on your image - really shows what you can do to evoke a mood.

Can a reflection be dramatic?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52055227@N07/6035394523/in/photostream

[Sharon Furner]

A few weeks ago I got UNDER our stately, but seed shedding sunflowers..great shots, peeks of turquoise sky...I walked away with more seeds in my hair than photos in the camera. smile. Great shot and thank you for the info on how you attained the textured look. You are the best!

[Carol Joy Thomas]

A firey sunset SOOC. If I underexpose just a tiny bit, it gives more drama to the colors. I don't know how this sunset could get more dramatic!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sunflowerway/6036973180/in/set-72157627190658222

[georgia]

your shot reminded me so much of a photo i took a couple days ago at the forest preserve, i just had to use your recipe on my shot, too!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28567264@N05/6036739463/in/photostream

thanks, kim!

{p.s... i like yours better! LOVE the simplicity of it... and your negative space is more dramatic and effective!}

[missing moments]

just lovely!

[Suzanne]

2 bees in the center of a bright red flower

[Penelope]

Thanks so much for this tip! Your soft burn technique is brilliant, and so versatile too! I loved it so much I had to share it with others, so have referenced it on my blog twice!

Your textures are gorgeous, too!