Hey Everyone...thanks for the comments...I'm really happy to have cracked the secret of 7 at least for the moment. I take back the evil thoughts I've been having about the site lately ;)
As you can tell, I'm writing this post challenge as I decided to submit something about 30 minutes before deadline. I had taken the pic at the beginning of the week and hadn't thought much about it until late.
I knew what I wanted compositionally and emotionally, but the lighting was very harsh (it was taken at 2pm) An S curve adjustment in photoshop and I was blown away by the details in the wood...I'm guessing I need to thank my 20D for that. With a tree lined background and a deep shadow on the right rail I brought down the levels in those areas to black to really bring out the strength of lighter areas. I needed to tone down the rail a bit with a burn and tone up the man in spots with a dodge. I cloned out some specs, but missed a few due to time.
Sorry, to the photo reality purists...photoshop was used to bring out the beauty of what I saw in my mind but which was trapped under the physical limitations of the true scene. I'm glad I decided to revisit this before it ended up in obscurity on my hard drive.
This is Bow Bridge in Central Park, NYC
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Well this pic seems to have once again stirred up a bit of a stink over photographic intent and the "digital darkroom". Until tonight I was not aware of the issues with:
//www.dpchallenge.com/image.php?IMAGE_ID=145539
I'm still a bit confused with what the problem was. 'Removal' of elements is not even grounds for disqualification acording to the current rules, which were in effect when this photo was dqd.
It's unfortunate that alot of today's digital photographer's may never fully learn the darkroom techniques of the masters of film...self included.
Masking parts of an image during exposure seems a much more natural photographic technique to me than cloning out small specs of dust and other imperfections.
Questioning is a good thing, it keeps people honest. But it also can stifle progress. As always, the artist in me wonders what would happen if all this energy put into criticism where put into creation.
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This post has some more commentary from me and most likely the closest you'll get to the original without bribing the SC:
Would love an EXIF on this or info on the shooting mode / shutter speed.
I have the same camera and lense and would love to know how you got the foreground and guy in the back pin-sharp !
Really nice shot and well done.
You deserved this.
I gave this a 9 because it had great leading lines. I have to agree with some that said the dark backgound look un-natural. I think the only thing that you really needed to get rid of was the glimpse of what appears to have been another person. The other changes to the bridge were fine. Regardless it is a great example of the challenge theme. Congrats on your blue!
Congratulations on your ribbon! A beautiful shot and excellent demonstration of leading lines.
I have to agree with your statement of how much to do or not to do, post editing. I entered my first challenge and was frightened to do "too much" to my photo and most of the criticisms I am receiving is that I did "pop up" the colors! Oh well! Live and learn!
Nice job Matt, and congrats on your first Blue Ribbon.
This is one of those shots that when it comes on the screen, amazing is one of the first words under my breath. Well maybe a wow or 4 too.
:)
Absolutely gorgeous! Love this bridge. I think I've photographed the same one where you can see the Dakota off to the left. Is that correct? Anyway, I love the deep rich tones and congrats on the blue!
I didn't vote on this challenge, but I marked this one for a ribbon when glancing through the thumbnails. Congrats on the excellent image and the ribbon... this is perfect in every way!!
Back for comments ... This photo has the most amazing light. Love the colors and textures of the boards and the curve of the walkway and bannister. And the light leading into the darkness beyond really is what makes this shot for me. wonderful job. Bumped to a 10
This will do very well. Bow bridge in Central Park? The lighting here is remarkable. How did you get the background so black? Definitely a striking photo.
very cool. For this category in many of the entries people being in them is more a distractant than a help, but here the person adds a lot to the image - telling a story in a way. I love the contrast and colors. Added to my favs. 10
Wonderful lughting and great composition. The only flaw I can possibly find is that there is a small white dot near the lower right corner that could, perhaps, be cloned out.
I love the off-kilter composition of this. I also like the way the bridge is so heavy and imposing, the way it swoops up into a hump, the texture of the surface and the exact positioning of the lone figure. The light falling on him just so makes him a perfect focal point and the blackness of the background is so unexpected it adds an element of surreality to it all. 9
This is awesome. I love everything about it. The lighting on the rail on the left, the lines of the hardwood. The black background. and the guy walking away. Great job!!!!
Leading lines or curves generally have two purposes. One is to lead the viewer into the scene. The other is to lead you toward the main subject. It is most effective if they come in from the lower left because that is the natural direction humans visually scan a picture from so are easiest to pick up.
Excellent use of left entering leading lines to direct attention to the person walking over the bridge.
A high impact image. Shows the rest of us just how dramatic the leading lines of everyday objects can be when properly incorporated into a meticulously composed photograph. 9
Great photo. Love the colors, the sharpness is right on as well. I also really like the subject shirt color as it is such a contrast to everything else in the pic. I wish I could shoot photos like this.
:)
I love this shot, but the guy in it seems out of place...it may be the outfit. I think another "model" or maybe a less cheerful shirt might have worked...not sure, but the bridge is very well shot and this is my favorite of the challenge so far.
The Journeyman
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