A Few From LGA 11-01-06

[Bellucciman]

I've finally had some time to fix up some photos. Here are a few from November 1 while I was at the Marina. Nothing special, but some decent stuff.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i242/Bellucciman/USA3191111.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i242/Bellucciman/Comair1111.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i242/Bellucciman/CA1111.jpg
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i242/Bellucciman/AA1111.jpg

[PhilDernerJr]

Good stuff! Looks like you're really gettin the hang of your camera.

If I may offer some constructive criticism, I see you're using the dodge tool to lighten up the bottom of the airplanes. A great tool to use, actually. However, I'm noticing a lot of halo around the plane from it. It's important that if you do use the dodge tool, that you restrict it to the plane.

For this I would use the "magic wand" tool. Use this to select the sky (you'll have to change the "tolerance" to adjust how much the magic wand selects (probably between 10 and 30).

Once you've selected a good amount of the sky around the plane, go to Select>Inverse, and it will then choose the reverse of the sky that you choose (hence choosing the plane).

Then you can use the dodge tool to only dodge the plane itself. For more dodging advice, I would only use the exposure amount of 10 or 15, and then if you still need more, make another stroke with the tool. Be sure to choose a tool size that is more blurred around the edges, and choose a size that will help keep you from dodging areas that are already lit.

If you have questions, just ask.

Your American 738 is great. You should consider submitting that to JP for sure. Keep it up!

[Bellucciman]

Phil,

Thanks for the advice and the Photoshop tips! I will follow your instructions and let you know how it comes out. I really appreciate your assistance. I hope you, Mel and your families had a great Thanksgiving!

[Bellucciman]

Phil,

What do you think? I used the method that you gave me and I think the photo looks 100% better. I tend to like my shots a little warm so I didn't lighten the sky so much.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i242/Bellucciman/N755US_11_01_06.jpg

I think I going to finally stop "winging it" and go out and by the PS Bible!

[hiss srq]

That picture looks really funky to me. Maybe it is me, it just kind of looks like it is really high up or I am not sure how to explain it but it is wicked looking to me. Plus it is my beloved airline lol.

[Mellyrose]

I think the dodging looks better, definitely confined to the plane as it should be...good job. It does look a tad over-processed as far as saturation goes...maybe knock it down a couple notches so the red isn't so bright. You're really getting the hang of it though! :)

[PhilDernerJr]

I think that is much better. You continue to make progress with every airport visit you make. :)

[Bellucciman]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the feedback!

I don't konw what it is about the A319 but I love that plane! I guess since US Airways has a pretty big fleet of them and we're lucky to see them at LGA, I get spoiled. I do like the new colors and will miss the current scheme. But, with that photo, I think there are a few things wrong with the USA 319 image:
1 - I blew the original image, underexposed
2 - With the dodge tool it now looks "grainy" like it's lightened too much

I have to get my exposures correct, either it's me or my meter sucks! I usually shoot on metered manual rather than program. Or at some point I'm really going to have to invest in a Nikon or Canon!

I really appreciate your assistance!