Well - I dont expect anyone to think this is a Joey L piece but it was influenced by his style. I have never really tried any editing along these lines so this was a fun experiment.
This is Paul. He has been in Columbus for 5 months after coming from San Deigo when a friend told him he would like it better here. This is where Paul has been living these past months. They moved up from under the bridge when that part of the sidewalk flooded last week. We talked for a while (how he can't complain about where he is because it was the choices he made that got him there and also that he doesn't hang out at the local shelter because he doesn't care to hang out with the drug users). He was a really nice guy and seemed to have his head about him despite his circumstances. I shot this the Saturday before Christmas. I gave him $20 to share with the other guys with him to get some hot coffee. Not sure what else I could do. I told him I would come back to visit him again and that I hoped he wasn't going to be there. You might see him again in future challenges as he was more than happy to let me take his picture. He even asked if I wanted him to hang out with his stuff so I could get a shot of him there. Really nice guy.
I had this idea that I figure will be contrary to all of the landscape images I expect to see in this challenge. Harsh environments don't necessarily have to be icelands or deserts. Surprisingly these environments are way too close to home for many of us. The three shots were meant to show three aspects of Pauls environment. The close up of his face is to show the impact it has had on him. He looked battered and bruised by the elements for sure. The second image is to show his "home". A couple of sleeping bags and various articles of clothing plus a gallon of OJ someone had just dropped off. The last image is to show the actual location. Down below the city buildings in the lower areas hidden away from most people walking the streets. This is where the people that are forgotten can be found.
The triptych aspect and the layer of a cracked sidewalk place this well into expert editing without it being non photographic. The rest of the editing was alot of dodging and burning, layer masks with various color and blur adjustments, USM, NI and resize for web after combining the three images. I hope this does well but you just never know. It is not a pretty image. It was fun to edit and the actual taking of the images was a proper wake up call at this important time of year. Merry Christmas.
Statistics
Place: 4 out of 116 Avg (all users): 6.9640 Avg (commenters): 7.8333 Avg (participants): 6.8906 Avg (non-participants): 6.9937 Views since voting: 3938 Views during voting: 613 Votes: 222 Comments: 66 Favorites: 10 (view)
I really like this because it shows this man as a person instead of just a photo opportunity - you preserve his dignity very well, I think. I also think the effect of the cracked sky is very strong.
Tim, you have Joey Lawrenced to a T...this is superb. I like the cracked concrete, but I particularly like the close up portrait on the top right, it really pops...another top finish from you and another bump up on your average...you just missed out and I hope you get that desire of having all 7's on your front page soon...the way you are going, you are on a roll
I am going to grow some more eyebrows now and see if that helps me get the mojo back...
Interesting that I did not notice the sidewalk image as a seperate image/texture until reading the comments. A great example of using editing to enhance but not to draw attention to itself.
Tim, Mega congratulations that so many other people "got it" too! You did this so well! It's so amazing. . .and a little convicting, to see how people with nothing still have a happy heart and a smile on their face. You have illustrated that to perfection!
The story is inspirational, the image very emotive and moving,
The photo is brilliant, and yes it does have a "Joey L" grunge style. I think it is definately a genuine, timfythetoo image IMO.
You are moving mountains at a rate of knots at the moment, with your photography, and your scores, which you so deserve.....
Tim, this is truly inspiring work. Inspiring on a spiritual level because you've brought home several important lessons. Inspiring on a photographic level because you've found a new way to use the expert rules to very good effect - you're 2 for 2 on the expert challenges so far in that respect. I really, really like how you carried the crack motif into the sky in the two shots that didn't have them initially.
has an interesting storytelling progression, but the final headshot is much the strongest image, yet only covers a quarter of your entry. Seems like an opportunity wasted
I like the way this is put together, I also like the grung teck. nice color and I think the grouping is much stronger than the single shot of this man would be. I love the colors, I think you did a good job of using the expert editing with keeping to the subject and trouth of your work. 10
Certainly epitomises a 'harsh environment'.
I've been wanting some help on trying this technique for ages but with no luck.
Hopefully i'll be able to perster you after the challenge to get some help.
It looks great.
Nice choice to triptech it aswell, tells a story.
I think this is already a great picture.. however, I think it would look even better if the BG behind the man was the same (as if it was the same picture with three different zoom levels).. like: CITY>>closer>WALL>>closer>MAN
Excellent for meeting the challenge - glad to see you followed through on your concept. I like how you take us from a distance all the way in - put a face on the situation, so to speak.
when i hear expert editing i expect lots of masks, layers... in short lots of photoshop. in this one with minimal use of photoediting and combining three shots, you describe one of the harshest environment around , the city!
great job 9.
There were some really beautiful entries in this challenge, but I think yours should take the prize. You really met the challenge with some really quality work. 10
One of my favorites in the challenge although I must admit that I might prefer the shot on the left alone even though I do appreciate the presentation.
i have this one tied w/ my other top pick. one of two 10s i gave out. have an idea who this belongs too :D great photo journalistic work here, buddy. very nice job.
Fantastic subject and I like the way you've collaged the images to create a real story/full picture of the guy's life. Great idea to use the crumpled paper technique too...like a tatty piece of newspaper litter. 10
I really like this, the compilation of the 3 shots really makes this! That is truely a harsh way to live. He looks like a nice guy too, or was this staged
I am getting a kindof "Joey" vibe off this shot, take that as a compliment if it isn´t but if it is you, not as good as your usual work but good enough for a 7 from me and you know I am particular.
This is very well done! The processing is so fantastic! I love how the environment does in fact look very harsh -- yet -- he looks so at peace and content.
Add photograph to your favorites
Add photographer to your favorites
Photographer found comment helpful.
