I am deeply saddened by the people on usefilm. I think that everyone on here wants to see brilliant sunsets or a something unusual which is fine but when it comes to the fine details of an image we all look the other way. I want you to notice several things about this image. One is the fine highlight line that is on some of the edges that helps to define the statues. The shadow detail that allows every muscle to be seen in the men and that there is lots of detail in the shadow areas also. I tried to make this image as 3D as possible I even gave the image texture and you can almost feel it when you look at the image. How I achieved this is not the question but how did Ansel Adams make some of his photos look breathtaking....with a small highlight brush!!! Also he used dodging and burning of the highlights and shadow areas. He worked the print until he was so satisfied and he said it was finished. That was the attitude I took with this image "it is finished". I commend the sculpter for his finest work as this is one of Chicago's finest pieces of art! I captured it on film and tried to make it more realistic then a flat plane on paper. Did I succeed? That is what I want to know from the people on usefilm. I learn from the critics as well as the "Oh MY God it beautiful". Some people think that Photo Shop is a gimmick and its over used. As I was looking at my Darkroom Handbook I noticed that every type of image manipulation technique can also be done in PS that has been in the photo industry for years, the only difference is now we can do it with a computer rather then chemicals. And this my friends is a fine sepia toned image with lots of information in the highlight areas as well as the shadows. Now you be the critics and give me your thoughts!!!!!
Hi Mark, Thanks for your comments and excellent advice regarding my photo, cheers. This is a great work of art. Your post processing here has added strength and drama to the overall sculpture that I?m sure could only be surpassed by viewing the ?real thing?. In my opinion inclusion of the ?original? image, emphasises perfectly what can be achieved with PS, when used as a post processing tool. I think in particular the guy second from the right looks almost ?real?, the added colour, toning and texture is what make this so. Did you succeed? I think so, This almost appears as though it?s a 'terracotta' sculpture, and that one could almost feel the rough texture, which emphasises perfectly the 3D aspect. However, the fact that the Photo is slightly ?sloping? lets it down a little, (as I find it is a little distracting). Overall I think this is a great photo, and your description an inspiration. Well done! Best regards, Frankie.
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