24 February

Finding Zinnia, Highlighting Her: My Photo Editing Lesson

by Jon Katz

I took this photo above of Maria during a white-out. I liked it very much. In my photo editing class yesterday, Andrew and I thought it interesting to paint over Zinnia and see if she could be a more distinct presence in the picture.

I like the first photo, there is nothing wrong with it, but the second one is interesting also; it brings Zinnia to life in a white landscape and helps me hone my painting skills when it comes to masking.

I like photo painting.

I have to have a steady hand and I zoom into the image so I can see the boundaries more clearly. It’s a kind of ballet.

That’s the hardest part. The change is subtle, but I like the way it came out. She is the center of the photo now. I am learning to be precise in my detailing. This one was neat.

7 Comments

  1. I love most of your photography but am not a fan of the tinting/masking until this one… I love this photo with Zinnia highlighted. Keep up experimenting! PS: I have read all your books but now am rereading them after a few years. I just finished Second Chance Dog and wanted to say your description of Frieda in the wild was mesmerizing. I love your stories and work you do. Thanks for being.

  2. oh, this is wonderful! Just perfect to my eye…….Zinnia does shine in the second *painted* photo. What a wonderful new challenge……to try to master this technique. I’m in awe, and loving (almost) every one! ROFL!
    Susan M

  3. Love it Jon! Zinnia brings your winter scene to life. I love the subtlety of the color you’ve chosen for her coat. Perfect.

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