I had to learn a new layering technique to make this image. I just fluffed around until I got it right but the essence of what I did was I copied and pasted the image onto a base image each time. Then I selected the overlay function in layers, then moved the individual layer until it was positioned the way I liked it. From there I used the outline tool and selected an outline of the animal. Then I right clicked inside that and then selected refine edge and just made it something like 29 pixels. From there I inversed the selection and cut the outlying image data. Then in layers go back to normal and flatten image. You can do this a number of times until you have the image layering that you want. I am sure there is a tutorial on this some where on the net that does the job better, but I thought I would pass on the technique that I used.
Looks great and thanks for sharing how you put it together. Much of Photo Shop is a mystery to me, I really had no idea how to even experiment with layers, however I think I will have a crack at it with the guidance you have provided here.
Another wonderful shot !
There are so many awesome shot's on IIS sometimes it makes me feel like giving up.
Excellent Paul !
Makes you feel like giving up? Maybe I'm deluded but it only encourages me, guess you have been round these parts longer than I though, so I can't blame you, some awesome photographers here indeed!!
David, the halos are pretty hard to see, but I guess I can't please everyone.
no no no - you did please me with this image, don't get me wrong. I really like the image, it's a fantastic idea and well thought out. Just offering some minor critique to help you make a great shot even better Paul!
check now. I have adjusted the tilt, and now am happier with that too. it did not even occur to me when I was looking at the image. Thanks for picking that up.
Chris, I have had the D3 3 weeks before I went to China. I was out with some mates from DSLR users group and Leighton convinced me that it was time to go full frame. Well actually he just tipped me over the edge. I have been aiming to get a full frame for years. The D200 was a temporary solution before going to a pro body. Lovely camera and really getting nice results. I have shot over 7500 frames already and am hoping that the reported 300,000 frames that the D3 is designed for really happens.
Brian it was very hard getting them all to jump at the same time.
David, no problem about the criticism. I still cannot see the halos but I will take your word for it.
Narayan, this was my first time too and now I have seen them doing it another 2 times in the recent week. SA has become a real Mecca for whales in recent years. Currently there are 10 whales at Victor Harbor and that is more than I have seen visiting.
Paul, we had a couple about 120 meters away but this one was over a kilometer out. I was using my 80-400 for this (which is for sale in the camera section) It has been replaced by my 300 f2.8 VR which I use a 1.4 converter with to get the same focal length.
Paul, I hope you don't mind, I inverted the image, converted to greyscale and boosted contrast. Are you running a calibrated monitor with correct white and black points?
My initial thought was "Wow! talk about being in the right place at the right time!" ... then I read you post...
