Preparing a photo for a macro Nature competition.

Play with levels (shadows, highlights), contrast, vibrance and clarity in Adobe Camera Raw or LR
Good luck. 

Consider using a luminosity mask

I'm happy to try and help. Using On1 PR almost exclusively creating and manipulation luminosity masks is very powerful. With out actually seeing an example of the file I'd rather share two PDFs with the group.>>>  cloudup.com/cehx6EfkviN   
Not exactly clear what "To late now, not even a mention!!" means, but if it means that you're too late to submit I'd love to have a try with the raw file.

Hi Pete,
I completed my reply and forgot to post it. Don't get old!!!Here it is again.

This was my first entry to a photo competition. It was limited to Macro.
Not a mention, I wish judges would give at least a little feed back.

D500 Tameron SP 90mm Macro Natural light f/11 1/400 Compensation = +0,3
Original NEF 19,6MB Cropped & Edited TIF 43,2MB
In retrospect I would have change the composition a little to allow more space for the spider to move into.

I used ACR, Elements 2023 and Elements+ Windows 11
I would love you to give it a try, but please only use Elements. How do you suggest that I send them to you. Let me know.

The honey bee's body is about 7mm long.
The crab spider is an ambush predator, it's venom instantly incapacitates the Bee. I was facinated to see how quickly the Vultures moved in to share the spoils.
The spider is able to change color to match the ambush site. It takes about 6 hours to change. It can't mimic Red or Blue.

Hi Helen,
Thanks for the tip, I will follow your suggestion. I have made, and used luminosity masks previously, but I never get the results demonstrated in the tutorials.

Hi Pete,
I am 84 years old.
I don't share enough images to warrant paying the premiums for Drop Box. I probably will not understand Google Drive.

I do use the free version of WeTransfer on the few occasions I need to share.
This needs an email address for the recipient ( they do not have to have WeTransfer installed )

I am sure you would not want to have your email address on the public domain, but I understand there is a channel for private member to member correspondence on this Forum.
I have previously used it but I have forgotten how to!!!
Perhaps you could forward me your email address on this.

Hi popcorn,

There are no idiots here, any one of us can need help from time to time. This link should take you to the actions for Photoshop Elements.
Things to note:
1. After clicking the link to add to cart you will be asked to review the license agreement.
2. After reading be sure to check the box that you have read it.

3. You will then be directed to a page where you have to fill in your email etc.
4. Once that is complete you will be sent a link via email to download the action.

popcorn .....we all struggle from time to time and rely on help and encouragement from our members....check out the current CE challenge where I have struggled to get the desired effect.