Rather significant post processing on this one. Edited in RawShooter Elements (exposure compensation, temperature, shadow contrast and highlight contrast). Converted to tif and exported to photoshop; converted to B&W by Channel Mixer (which also made the sky solid white). Cloned out several telephone poles in the background. Cropped, resized, converted to grayscale. Slight burning of highlights to make the grass less distracting, then saved for web.
I feel like this is my best submission to date and I have fairly high hopes for it. For those who may not recognize the second level of significance in this photo besides the minimalism, Zen appealed to the samurai class of ancient Japan above all the other interpretations of Buddhism. Zen required rigorous mental discipline, and there was a certain tranquility to be found in the sword. I try to capture it here in this rendition of an iaido practice session near sunset. No, my form is not the best. :)
This is my first time shooting in raw and I now understand why people love it.
Also, as a side note, my neighbors all must think I'm insane now. I'm willing to bet there's something about seeing a kid running around a field off the side of the road with a wooden sword and gi that makes the average suburbia resident raise an eyebrow.
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Place: 110 out of 329 Avg (all users): 5.8205 Avg (commenters): 7.5714 Avg (participants): 5.8137 Avg (non-participants): 5.8280 Views since voting: 1675 Views during voting: 308 Votes: 195 Comments: 14 Favorites: 5 (view)
I love the lighting, the composition, the subject, everything. Glorious shot. The way the light is sort of coming through his clothes adds a perfect touch - it's not a harsh shiloute.
I gave this an 8. Liked the simplicity and composition. Toning works well. Partial silhouetting with some light filtering through also gave this a little extra in my opinion. Liked the title - looked it up and learned something new, so thank you.
I keep looking at this image and I can't work out whether I want less sky and more field or whether you have got it just right. Still haven't made my mind up I'm afraid. I do like the processing and 'pose' :o)
Do you train Iaido? Looks like pretty untraditional attire and no saya. Also, what kind of sword is that, I don't see a tsuba. All in all a pretty nice photo.
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