Defeated But Still Proudby
Dr.ConfuserComment by graphicfunk: From the Critique Club:
First, to disarm you (only kidding), Congratulations. This image is what consider a diagonal composition and a very good one at that. Problem with this type of design is that often the areas above and below the diagonal subject matter is dull or not fitting. Example, a sword on a counter with a wall rising and empty table top. The eye sees the sword and the eyes travels, but the above and below the sword is dismal.
However, you have scored a winner here because the sky is in two flavors. Smooth and silk like in the bottom and then becoming richer as it rises and dispersing into buds of clouds. Herein lies the solid support required for this type of image.
If you look at fine oil realistic paintings you will find that the artist intentionally paints a halo to separate objects or give depth. However, it is a well tempered art: only enough is applied so as not to make the halo so visible. Well, digital cameras employ a similar effect when using the unsharp mask. It is always best to sharpen at actual pixel size and to stop, just when this halo begins to distract.
There is another way to obtain the same effect but with more control. It is not currently allowed under challenge rules. You use the high pass filter to a medium amount on a background copy and then use the overlay mode. Presto, same effect as the unsharp, but now you can vary the opacity. In this way you will see where the halo begins and you can adjust to perfection.
Again, this is a very above average image and very well composed, however, the eye will travel to the tip and follow the belly down and up around again to the tip. In other words, the scrutiny will be critical and as such the halo will be found. Some people can live with it and the halo is not so bad to distract from the impact, but hey, this is an above average image and it deserves this nit picking attention. Good job.
Photographer found comment helpful.