Photoshop Question

[Nikkofan]

Here's a recent photo I took of this emu who didn't look amused at having "jailbird" status



I've been playing around with it in PSCS, but can't seem to do much with it, except make his (her?) eyes a more vivid red - they were already pretty red to begin with but I was trying to emphasize the evil look he/she was giving passersby! I don't think this little birdie was having a good day!

With sincere apologies to Matt K, who kindly demonstrated his PSCS skills to some of us this morning, I can't remember how to bring out particular aspects of the photo or, as you called it Matt, how to "pop" the subject out. I'd like to emphasize the head of the bird, but can't remember how.

If anyone would like to play with this image, I'd love to see how or what you would do with it in PSCS, if anyone is so inclined to do so.

Thanks and again, Matt K, if you're reading this, sorry I've forgotten so soon!! I should have practiced as soon as I got home, but now it's slid out of the memory a bit Sorry ....

[marcus]

How about this?

[Nikkofan]

Marcus

Is this just from adjusting the brightness/contrast image or what did you do with it?

[sirhc55]

Or - curves adjustment + USM. New image desaturate copy onto colour image. Use eraser on eyes and hey presto:

[marcus]

Slight USM, then shadow/highlight adjustment, then yes brightness contras /adjustment. The main fix tool would be the PSCS shadow/highlight tool.

[SoCal Steve]

Here's my play with it. That was fun!

[Nikkofan]

Thanks guys, your photos are much more like what I was trying to achieve and thanks for the instructions along the way!