Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => User Critiques => Topic started by: stamper on April 01, 2015, 07:06:35 am

Title: Bag Lady.
Post by: stamper on April 01, 2015, 07:06:35 am

I don't normally attempt this type of processing because most efforts appear cheesy imo. However does this work?

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: brandtb on April 01, 2015, 07:18:18 am

Really great image in many respects...especially the foot slightly in the air with the separation btw it and its shadow (that "movement" is fantastic)...and the shadow generally...and the glints of light.  I'm not sure about the isolated color...although I like the color itself. One thing I would think about is pulling up the blacks just a bit though...looks like image went through PS "threshold" adjustment... /B

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on April 01, 2015, 08:55:10 am

It pushes me out of my comfort zone, since I usually prefer lots of shadow detail.
But it also forces me to work a bit harder to see what's there, and the details that are visible (highlights, shadow, bag, the feet) are so perfectly timed and provide just enough suggestion to let my imagination fill in the rest.

So I shall swallow my own impulse to ask for more open shadows. This is superb just as it is!

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: RSL on April 01, 2015, 09:59:47 am

I'm with Eric, Stamper, except I'm not bashful about suggesting somewhat less blocked shadows. Normally I'd object to bringing color back into the bag with Nik's filter, but in this case it's a touch of genius.

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: stamper on April 01, 2015, 10:04:58 am

I realise that the deep blacks won't suit some members but after putting it through the various Efex presets it was the "best" that I saw and was faithful to what I captured. :)

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: RSL on April 01, 2015, 10:07:39 am

Fair enough. It's your picture, and it's your decision.

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: stamper on April 02, 2015, 09:28:27 am

A version lightened in PS using the screen mode with the highlights in the sky being excluded with the Blend If mode. I am not sure if it is better???
Using Firefox I can open each of the images in a new tab and get a side by side view.

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: RSL on April 02, 2015, 09:58:31 am

I think it's an improvement, Stamper, but that's just one man's opinion.

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on April 02, 2015, 09:59:29 am

Quote from: stamper on April 02, 2015, 09:28:27 am

A version lightened in PS using the screen mode with the highlights in the sky being excluded with the Blend If mode. I am not sure if it is better???
Using Firefox I can open each of the images in a new tab and get a side by side view.

I prefer this one.

Safari lets me do that; or I can open them in the same window and flip backwards and forwards.

Jeremy

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: RSL on April 02, 2015, 10:03:17 am

Both Lightroom and Bridge will let you do the same thing.

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: William Walker on April 02, 2015, 10:15:54 am

I'm with Russ on this one.

As Russ said in his previous comment, I too am not a great fan of bringing colour back, but it works here...

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: stamper on April 02, 2015, 10:33:22 am

Thanks. I hadn't tried the colour thing for a while because it is usually/possibly overdone - like all effects - and I don't intend to do it again. So no repeat of images in the critique showing colour in B&W. A one off experiment which in this instance contrasted with the clipped black - which I obviously like - treatment. :)

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 02, 2015, 11:27:12 am

There is no need for a lighter version. Seeing the content of the bag or pavement serves no purpose.

Fine image, stamper.

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on April 02, 2015, 12:13:25 pm

I have gone back and forth between the two versions several times, and I agree with Slobodan. The original is more subtle, especially the color. In the lighter one, the color is two much, IMHO.

I prefer the original.

Title: Re: Bag Lady.
Post by: stamper on April 02, 2015, 12:15:15 pm

Thanks to ALL for their feedback. :)