Something's Awry...

Posted by Julie M. Dant on Thu, 05/10/07 20:50
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Comments by Jan Bjorklund on Thu, 05/10/07 20:58

I like your selection of a b&w format which helps to focus the attention of this viewer on the weathered nature of the wooden elements such as doors in the picture, the contrast in toning with the large black space working to create a sense of anticipation in the mind of the viewer (one can almost imagine one of the former residents will come into view in the darkened space as we sit and peruse the picture), and the lighting (somewhat darker and this image would take on an ominous feel for me).


Comments by Dave Lavash on Fri, 05/11/07 06:00

Lots of amazing potential here. Would be interesting to see what could be had by going in closer on that door and shutters.


Comments by Rory Hudson on Fri, 05/11/07 06:15

Good composition and capture of the tones. Jan has analysed it well. Me, I would be tempted to bring down the gamma a bit to give it the ominous feel that Jan refers to, and to use a thin black border. But that is just me!


Comments by Ray Ewing on Fri, 05/11/07 07:53

very good


Comments by Julie M. Dant on Fri, 05/11/07 08:45

Ok, don't know if it is what you suggested, Rory about the gamma reduction and border and Jan about the darkening, but here it is, bor better or worse. Thanks you guys.
Thank you Dave and Ray!


Comments by teegee on Fri, 05/11/07 09:41

i think your rework is a significant improvement in the right direction. by increasing the tonal range of the piece you have also increased the texture in the weathered wood.

i would always consider the texture when working with subject material as this. dont hesitate to experiment with toning, utilizing masks and dodging & burning. it can in many cases change the visual experience for you. i took the liberty of massaging your image for another interpretation... i hope you dont mind. there are infinite possibilities here. this is a very nice image to interpret.


Comments by Richard Dong on Fri, 05/11/07 10:26

The bones are there, just need the tones to follow suit. I like TG's version.


Comments by barry weaver on Fri, 05/11/07 10:26

Hi Julie
Judging from the carving on the door I presume this was part of a fine house? The second of your pics is the best for me. No doubt you shot several more shots at this location and hopefully we shall see some of them. I do wonder if a better image is to be had without the door in front. Although it forms a pattern it also forms a barrier, almost telling the viewer "You can't go any further" Black and white is a good choice for this subject.


Comments by Linda Frey on Fri, 05/11/07 11:52

Nice textures, and suggestions of the past life of this house.

I'm wanting to see a close-up of the detailing on that door (if you happened to move the outer door).

And I would also like a wider angle including the whole slanted door, but that's just me!


Comments by Ruth Rittichier on Fri, 05/11/07 12:27

I like the OP with about half as much gamma adjustment as the second one. I like the way you've moved in to capture the combination of different angles, shapes and textures.


Comments by DebbiK on Fri, 05/11/07 13:30

this one caught my eye in all of its renditions-i am too lazy to read everyone's technical comments but it does strike me funny that b&w photos always seem to get a lot of attention-more and more as time presses forward-i guess because it's classic and never loses its appeal


Comments by Luka Ban on Fri, 05/11/07 15:49

Oh, here is the missing door of The Staircase post. It must have been pretty hard work to dismantle and transfer the door to a new location. But all for the sake of Art.


Comments by D Kane on Fri, 05/11/07 18:56

Julie, where do you find these old buildings and cars???
This is just wonderful, and I do agree with all the 2nd post shows more texture.
Great job.


Comments by Garry Schaefer on Sat, 05/12/07 12:47

The op looked good to me. Not sure that the darker versions are an improvement but that might also be related to monitors (mine does tend to merge the darkest tones to some degree). I really like the subject and the composition.


Comments by Maria Salvador on Sun, 05/13/07 16:17

Very nice and interesting subject. I tend to prefer Teegee's version - but a little less dark.