Here is one photograph with four different textured looks. Sometimes, I know right away what texture to use with a photograph, but often, I try several different approaches to see which works best. Usually, one direction will be the clear winner, but occasionally, I just can’t decide!

The Image: A Red Double Poppy

Mouse over to see the original image.

Photoshop Post-Processing Steps

Base Edits

I thought this image had a lot of potential, but straight out of the camera it’s a bit listless. (Frankly, most images “SOC” need a little love.)

  • Levels adjustment layer to add contrast.
  • A burn / dodge layer to dodge the highlight edges a bit to increase the dimensionality in the layered petals.
  • Cloning to clean up any dirt specks, etc.

Photoshop Filters

  • Topaz Labs Filter Adjust / Exposure Adjustment. I don’t always use this filter, but sometimes it does a really nice job.
  • Pixel Bender / Oil Paint. (Free. CS5 only) I love this filter. It gives me clean edges and a painterly feel.
  • Topaz Labs Filter Detail. I usually find that the Pixel Bender filter looks better sharpened up.
  • I then used a layer mask to selectively edit what parts of the filters I wanted to show / hide.

The Variations

Variation 1

Texture: La Brume from the Craquelure Texture Collection

I created this texture for this image. It is a neutral, quiet texture with just enough personality to be interesting and to give — well, a little texture.

First Variation

Uses French Kiss Textures “La Brume” (the mist)

Variation 2

Texture: La Brume with a fresh, green hue.

Variation #2

Uses French Kiss Texture “Verdure”

Variation 3

Texture: Deco Verte from the French Kiss Texture Collection II

Variation #3

Uses French Kiss Texture, Deco Verte

Variation 4

I’ve been on a watercolor kick lately, so I decided to try a watercolor background.

Variation #4

Uses a Watercolor background

Which Do You Like?

I can’t decide which to choose. Leave a comment with your choice. How about you? Do you try several variations?

Resources:

Topaz Labs Filters (affiliate link)

Pixel Bender Filter for Photoshop CS5

On The Store

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Leslie Nicole
Leslie Nicole

American Photographer and Designer living in France with my French husband, 2 Weimaraners and Cat Rescues. Camera, Mac, studio, garden.