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Author Topic: Talk about 'photoshopped'  (Read 2377 times)

Jeremy Payne

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« on: August 21, 2009, 10:42:24 pm »

Ok, so here was one of my most heroic attempt to "save" an image.  I love these little pederson shrimps ... I see them all the time diving and I never get a good photograph ... part of the problem is my inexperience in underwater photography and part is because they are so dang small and are often in hard to get to spots on the reef.

The original image stinks.  Out of focus, too far away, blown highlights ... but I went to town on it.

The crazy thing is, I think it works ... what do you think?  Obviously, it is no longer a "photograph" ... right?

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Eric Myrvaagnes

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2009, 12:04:26 am »

I think you have a very arresting abstraction. I like it (and how you made it doesn't affect my feelings about it).
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Ed Blagden

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2009, 01:24:54 am »

Well, I like it!  That's not much of a critique I'm afraid, but as a constructive suggestion I think it would look great printed on canvas.
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wolfnowl

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2009, 01:50:34 am »

I think it has a great abstract quality to it - almost watercolour... It's a digital image; what it started as is irrelevant.

Mike.
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RSL

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2009, 10:49:16 am »

Jeremy, I agree with Mike (which isn't unusual). One thing I find remarkable is the fact that the noise is an important, integral part of the effect. Usually noise only boosts the impact of the photograph in certain kinds of B&W street shots. It's a really interesting abstract.
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Justan

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2009, 11:03:58 am »

There are times when you know the subject is a good one but it may have one or more issues. This is when you work with the subject to draw it away from an obstacle. By digging into abstraction one gets to the essence and also may get around the obstacles.

By comparison, stone workers often have to work around technical flaws in the stone. They’re obligated to change their plans, abandon the work, or hope that the flaw doesn’t destroy the image. In short, they innovate and overcome obstacles. You’ve done a great job that.

Success in this kind of thing often motivates the artist to try similar things with different subjects. By this means ideas can take one in directions the artist never before considered.

Jeremy Payne

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2009, 01:21:15 pm »

Thanks!  Glad others enjoy it ... many (if not most) underwater photographers don't seem to like it, but I do.

I have printed it two ways ... on Lustre with the texture in the digital image and on canvas without any texture except for the real canvas.  Both look great and neither is very big, but they are so much bigger than life that it has the right impact.

Here's a couple others like that:

(this one can actually go quite big ...)


(this one is the most abstracted)

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Eric Myrvaagnes

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #7 on: August 22, 2009, 02:14:15 pm »

These two are very nice also. I think you have found a gold mine. Keep 'em coming!
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RSL

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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #8 on: August 22, 2009, 05:22:48 pm »

Jeremy, I just received issue #4 of Color Magazine. You can see a copy of the cover at http://www.color-mag.com/. This is a special issue showing the winners of their recent portfolio contest. As I paged through the magazine I was struck by the idea that you should have had a group of pictures you're showing on this thread in there. I had sent in a portfolio, but after looking at the pictures that won prizes I realize I'm way, way behind the times in color work. I'm still doing representational photography, and that's not what's getting a boost these days. I'd almost be willing to bet that a collection of the kind of thing you're showing in this thread would have made it into the magazine. Your pictures here are fine examples of what they were looking for.

They're now starting their annual single-picture contest. You might think about entering one or more of the pictures in this thread. It'll cost you $25 and a bit of preparation, but if you're interested in showing your work, think about it.

Oh well... You can't teach an old dog new tricks, but at least I have an ad in this issue.
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Talk about 'photoshopped'
« Reply #9 on: August 22, 2009, 05:29:08 pm »

You know, this may sound odd, but I think it (post #1) would look really good printed large (3 feet or so).  It's "poppy"- the colors sort of smack the viewer, in an advertising sort of way.  For some reason, it strikes me as a combination of a product photo and a huge abstract one might see in a gallery.  

Nice job!

John
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