Yesterday’s post was a simple image. How can I make it simpler??? I just turned it into a “painting” using Topaz Adjust and Simplify. Sometimes it is just fun to play around and see what I can come up with.
This is not a picture of a green bucket. It is a visual interpretation of a sore back! Emerging spring flowers and plants are always a welcomed sign of the coming warm spring months. They are also an indicator of a lot of “get down on your knees” and work which contributes to my annual stiff and sore back. Happy Spring!
The image is simple. A green bucked composed in the lower right power point of the image. Emerging new growth and last year’s dead leaves comprise the remainder of the photo. Processing was very minor, just a little contrast, a little brightening of the bucket, and a little darkening of the edges.
I am captivated by sculptures … all kinds. This is a giant wood sculpture of a Praying Mantis in Morris Arboretum’s (Philadelphia, PA) new “Bugs” display. I encourage anyone in the area to make a visit.
My challenge for this day’s shoot was to visualize in Black and White. The Mantis’ warm brown wood tone against the bright blue sky with a couple of white puffy clouds provided the contrast that I was looking for.
Most times I go to NYC with my camera in tote, I walk by this statue of Atlas holding the globe. I’ve tried to shoot it in various lighting conditions without much luck. I’ve shot it on bright clear days where the sun blows out the highlights. I’ve shot it on cloudy days in the shade without significant contrast. This day the statue was in partly cloudy light. The highlights were not blown out and the shadows had adequate detail. Persistence pays off.
Many, many times I see something interesting, then just walk by. Afterwards I kick myself for not taking the time to explore and shoot. Walking down a street in NYC, my good friend Doc and I spotted these fashion shoes and stopped in our tracks. Our wives patiently waited as we took photographs. Something is wrong with this picture … the usual scenario is the reverse.
Even though the background was in red, I visualized this in B&W when I took the image. I worked the image to try to capture the American Flag reflecting in the store window.
When I saw these two musicians, I felt that I had seen them before. Sure enough, I found them in some previous photographs I had taken in Central Park several years ago. Their music and emotions added to another wonderful walk through Central Park.
It was a sunny but crisp (~40 degrees) day in NYC’s Central Park. I had passed this gentleman several times in the park. Each time I saw him, he was sitting in a different sun lit location with his eyes closed and a big smile on his face. Beautiful days are meant to be enjoyed.
In today’s environment of electronic games, iPhones, iPads, tablets, smart phones, and computers, it is very rare and enlightening to see children reading a book (even though it is filled with cartoons). About 15 feet from these three, a crowd of people were watching a “troupe” of street dancers performing unbelievable feats. The kids could have cared less. They were fully engrossed in reading. What an uplifting sight!
I usually do not photograph street scenes or people. I just could not help trying to capture this scene from NYC’s Central Park.
Every time I go past Bryant Park in New York, I look up at this magnificent building with its gradual sloping lines. I see something different each time. This time it was the graceful lines pointing up to the bright blue sky and white puffy clouds.
While walking back to the car after a long and productive day, I glanced up and saw the silhouette of multiple mountain ridges. A great way to end a great day.
As March is ending, this will be my last post on Death Valley … at least for a little while. The workshop gave me a much better understanding on what it takes to “see in Black and White”. John Barclay and Dan Sniffen put together a great workshop. Chuck Kimmerle provided a view into B&W photography that can’t be duplicated. The workshop participants included many great photographers on their own merits. My car pool mates, Arthur Ransome and Chuck Robinson are especially talented. I learned much from them as well. Thanks to all, leaders and participants, for making this a great workshop and experience!
