Uploads from Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott, tagged adobephotoshopcs5, with geodata

Timeless

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Wed, 15 May 2013 06:16:37 -0700

Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott posted a photo:

© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

One of the precious babies from my church. She has the most captivating of eyes, big and blue. This looks like a studio shot, but was actually just shot with the ambient light in the church while she was sitting on her mother's lap. This expression is pretty typical of her: serious, intent, and clearly taking it all in. A timeless charm that I have presented here with a vintage look to suit the subject.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4, Photoshop CS5, and Alien Skin Exposure

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Under a Brooding Sky

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:48:04 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

Dawn, but not a traditional sunrise. Instead the sky is heavy, moody, and this brief moment of sunrise would only last as long as it took for the sun to climb above the cloud cover and grey would grip the day. But under the brooding sky was this moment of exquisite beauty.

Technical info: Canon EOS 5D MKII, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4, Photoshop CS5, and Alien Skin Exposure

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Front Row Seat to Majesty

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Wed, 08 May 2013 05:49:55 -0700

Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott posted a photo:

© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

No one chose to sit on this bench and watch the sun rise, but few shows on Earth could compare to the splendor that I watched this morning. A front row seat to majesty, all by myself.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 24-70 VC, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and 5, Alien Skin Exposure, and Adobe Photoshop CS5

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Vilneffs Lake, Ontario

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:26:26 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

I was traveling to a conference in Toronto and driving along in a very deserted but very beautiful stretch of country. When I saw this still lake, I had to stop for a moment. No time for filters or tripods, but enough to catch this lovely lake. The hardwoods are still bare, the grasses and reeds still dry, but they provided great accents for the rich hues of the evergreens. The overcast sky gave me nicely diffused light. Such perfect stillness and peace...

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Tamron 24-70 VC, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4, OnOne Perfect Effects 4, and Alien Skin Exposure

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Baby Bluebell

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:50:01 -0700

Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott posted a photo:

© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

Our first tiny blossoms are starting to appear, including these little bluebells. The whole plant stands about three inches (5 cm) tall, and the object to the left is one of the iron trellis legs in our garden - it is about one half inch in diameter (1 cm). Yet in the macro world these little blossoms are giants of beauty, and I am delighted to see them come and start brightening up my world.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 100L Macro IS, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Alien Skin Exposure

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Out with the Old; In with the New

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:29:11 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

Spring is an amazing season. Everything has seemed so dead, as if all traces of life are gone. Winter was long and hard...how could anything survive? And yet, pushing up through last year's decay comes this year's new life. Out with the old, in with the new.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Helios 44-4 58mm f/2 M42 lens, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Adobe Photoshop CS5

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Sunbather

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 05:46:31 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

This is the seventh in a series of images for the week from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Another big cat. This fine looking tiger was enjoying the spring sun after a long winter. The rich greens of his environment framed him nicely for this profile shot.

Processing technique #7: Add texture layers for nuance I periodically add texture layers to images such as this which add (for lack of better words) "thickness" to an image. It adds a degree of complexity to the existing textures and enables me to help my subject/color pop a little more. I added two texture layers here - one set to multiply blend mode at about 55% opacity and one set to soft light blend at about 11% opacity. I am a big fan of the work that Kim Klassen does in developing textures. She has a newsletter that you can sign up for where she gives you free textures on a near weekly level. Thanks, Kim!

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 70-300L, Hoya Circular Polarizer, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 5 Beta, Photoshop CS5, and Alien Skin Exposure

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Burrowing Owl

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 06:09:49 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

This is the fifth in a series of images for the week from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. This handsome little burrowing owl was posed nicely for me, and I was able to capture a very pleasing backdrop to flatter his fine look.

Processing technique #5: Work the angles with the background in mind This was another little guy that was behind glass. It would have been easy to get a very boring picture of him instead of this nice portrait. It required a little patience, to move myself around until I had the right angle where I could frame the owl both with the branches and also with a clean background. Learning to think like this in the field can save you a lot of work in post. Modern software is pretty great about removing junk from an image (LR5 beta has a much improved spot healing brush that is worth a look), but, if possible, it is better to learn to visualize, and if possible, eliminate clutter at capture. Take that first shot, particuarly in moments where your subject might move, but then, start working the angles to get something special.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 70-300L, Hoya Circular Polarizer, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Photoshop CS5

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Golden Lion Tamarin

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 05:59:38 -0700

Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott posted a photo:

© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

This is the second in a series of images for the week from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. This one captures the rich color and fine detail of a Golden Lion Tamarin.

Processing technique #2: The power of dodge and burn. One of the challenges of photography is that the medium is two dimensional while our sight is 3 dimensional. The resulting "flatness"can keep an image from looking the way you remember it at capture. Having quality lenses that help blur the background helps - it produces separation between the subject and the background, but you can help add dimension by using dodge and burn. I took this image into Photoshop for that purpose only. I like Photoshop dodging and burning more than Lightroom's because of more finite control. Emphasizing light and dark areas this way adds more depth and nuance to the image, making it look more 3 dimensional...just like you remember. In this image I worked only on the fur of the Tamarin to add depth to the fur. The color here is all natural.

P.S. Like yesterday, this shot is through glass, so read up about the help of a polarizer to reduce reflection. ISO is even higher here (5000), but thanks to the 6D I have not had to do any kind of special noise reduction because there really isn't much!

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 70-300L, Hoya Circular Polarizer, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4

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Better than Winter

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:30:58 -0700

Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott posted a photo:

© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

We've had an odd turn of weather, and were hit with a big snowstorm a couple of days ago that basically reversed all that spring has accomplished to date. In the middle of this storm I decided to go out hiking. I didn't see another soul for the hour and half that I was out (just the way I like it!) It was wintry, yes, but better. It wasn't as cold. The water is open in a lot of places, and the waterfowl have returned. A beaver was swimming through this pond, birds, geese, and varieties of ducks were flying in and out and paddling around. And all the while it snowed at various degrees of intensity. So while I'm not crazy about winter in spring, in some ways, this was better than winter.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 70-300L, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Photoshop CS5

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A (Reluctant) Celebration of Snow

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 07:41:57 -0700

Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott posted a photo:

© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

Here's the bad news: tomorrow, April 12th, has a massive snowstorm forecast. Ugghh! I guess this is a valid excuse to post a few more of my winter shots. I have a whole catalog of hundreds of images that have not yet seen the light of day. So, here is a reluctant celebration of snow. If you can't beat 'em...

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 17-40L, Hoya Circular Polarizer, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Adobe Photoshop CS5

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Renovating History

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:44:01 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

The Washington Monument is one of symbols of America and the nation's capital. When it was completed in 1884, it was the world's tallest building (at slightly over 555 ft) until surpassed by the Eiffel Tower. It is still the world's tallest stone structure. This beloved icon suffered some damage in an earthquake then a hurricane in 2011. It is currently under renovation/repairs and is not open to the public. Even with the scaffolding in place, this giant obelisk is still a fascinating piece of architecture.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Tamron 24-70 VC, Hoya Circular Polarizer, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Adobe Photoshop CS5

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Snowbirds

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:51:49 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

The traitors have returned. They fly away in massive squadrons seeking warmer climes, leaving we fools to shiver through the winter. Here's a little surprise, though - they are back, and, heh, heh, heh...winter isn't over. I watched them paddle through the little channels of open water on this still mostly frozen pond. I can only image the goose version of cursing when they realize they returned from vacation just a little too soon.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 70-300L, Hoya Circular Polarizer, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Adobe Photoshop CS5

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Snowbirds 2

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:51:32 -0700

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Snowbirds 3

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 06:51:42 -0700

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Monumental

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 05:43:15 -0700

Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott posted a photo:

© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

The figure of Abraham Lincoln towers over American history...and over tourists in his shrine. Few figures are so revered, and the care that has been give to this monument is inspiring. It is certainly a highlight of a visit to D.C.

P.S. Processing the lead image was a bit of a challenge. This is a single RAW exposure, and I shot into the sun on the frame of the building and had to draw the shadows back out. The combination of the RAW image and the impressive sensor on the 6D made that possible.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 24-70 VC, Hoya Circular Polarizer, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4, Alien Skin Exposure, and Adobe Photoshop CS5

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Still Winter, Still Beautiful

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 04:55:03 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

Well, it's April. Well, the river is still frozen over. Well, the wind still blows cold. Well, I'm tired of being cold. But as consolation prizes go, a sunset like tonights ain't too shabby.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 24-70 VC, Haida Pro II MC ND1.8 64x Filter, Three hand-blended exposures processed in Adobe Lightroom 4, Alien Skin Exposure, and Adobe Photoshop CS5

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The Burden of Governance

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:41:42 -0700

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

I don't envy those whose responsibility it is to govern such a large and complex nation. As a leader myself, I know the complexity of leading even a relatively small group of people. We build shrines to our early leaders because they seemed to have answers. Will any of our modern leaders be enshrined, I wonder?

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 VC, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4, Photoshop CS5, and OnOne Perfect B&W

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Brighter Days Ahead

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:33:48 -0800

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

We have been beset with nothing but grey for the last five weeks or so, but I have hopes that brighter days are soon to come. The grey snow will melt away, and in its place the world wll be filled with color. I've got a few new lenses that have never had the opportunity to capture those wonders...so I'm looking forward to brighter days ahead! I'll be out of the loop on vacation for a while, but I hope to return with something fresh to share with you all.

Technical info: Canon EOS 5D MKII, Canon EF 17-40L, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4 and Alien Skin Exposure

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Fast and Furious

nobody@flickr.com (Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:20:38 -0800

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© 2013 Thousand Word Images by Dustin Abbott

I trudged through deep snow to the set up "base camp" on a snow covered rock on the top of a little rise. The moment I crested it the roar of the rapids assaulted my ears. I can't imagine how cold that water is as it whips by the ice formations. I used a ten stop ND filter to allow for a longer exposure that emphasizes the speed and power of the water through the rapids. I also used a Cokin ND grad filter (ND4) to balance the sky. A few light texture layers emphasize the painterly feel of the scene. It was cold work setting everything up, but I do like the finished product.

Technical info: Canon EOS 6D, Canon EF 17-40L, Processed in Adobe Lightroom 4, Alien Skin Exposure, and Photoshop CS5, Textures courtesy of Kim Klassen

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