Perspective © 2008 Bo Mackison
My first dip into ‘real’ post-processing, or at least post-processing as more than a corrected exposure or a heightened saturation. This is a first, tentative step into manipulation of a photograph, not to fix it, but to actually make it speak a statement.
I have mined this photo several times – first for a study of composition and contrast, then from a story-telling focus. This third attempt – this third perspective – takes me towards a different place.
I did not think I would try this type of post-processing. I thought it more important to work on very basics, and stubbornly to figure it out on my own. Why I insist on re-inventing the wheel, I’m not quite certain.
When I was faced with one of those ‘life-changing experiences’ last fall, I could no longer do the type of visual arts work I had done for the past 25 years. I tip-toed my way into photography, not willing to entirely delete ‘meaning-making’ from my life. Thus far I’ve been ‘taking pictures’ and creating them by eye. This is a foray into the territory of making a photograph by feel.
I cannot pull myself away from the many textures and layers of this photograph. I feel as if I am taking a class on capturing the nuances of this shot. I once considered doing a 100 photo challenge using a single subject. I don’t think the project’s conceiver meant to take a single photograph and work it a hundred ways, but sometimes I see so many ways I want to experiment with this one image. Not a hundred, but more than one or two.
I have no idea where this leads – I think it’s just another avenue to explore and maybe learn something while enjoying the walk.
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About Bo Mackison
Barbara, I have to say, I like where you are going and exploring with this. I resonate with the ‘life-changing experiences’ as I am plunging more and more into photography and what it says.
Now, that is something to think about doing a 100 photo challenge using a single subject. I’ve been playing around with post-processing too as in a single image. I’ll pull out one aspect, highlight it with the curves, and then study it. Hmm…
I appreciate that you are sharing this perspective in your experimentation. What I like about the Pink Perspective III is that the photo looks like it went back in time. This reminds me of the Depression times in the 1930s… Why, I don’t know. Hmm… Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I love these guys & the first stab at post processing. Can you put snow in the next picture?
That may turn out to be an interesting pursuit. It will certainly be a learning experience. Enjoy the ride!
i ilike the texture on the window. sounds like you are having fun. nice job.
i really like this picture. it has lots of texture and color. i also really like how the color at the top draws you in, and then the vertical line next to the standing guy draws your eye down thepicture. it’s almost like two different pictures – one in color and the other black and white. 🙂
i also like the choice of font – it doesn’t stand out from thepicture, so it’s not the thing you focus on. i don’t know if you cantweak the signature at all, but is there any way to make it a little smaller? it works fine in this picture and in your duck picture too, but i can see it overwhelming something that is more delicate… 😀
all in all, nice job with the post-processing process. i think you dida great job for a first attempt!
Girl!! You have been busy…I got way behind. All the photos are wonderful, but I have to say..when this one finished loading I gasped..min you, a good gasp.
I love it! Love it!
I say your experiment was very sucessful!
“I have no idea where this leads – I think it’s just another avenue to explore and maybe learn something while enjoying the walk.”
And that’s what art is really all about.
I love what you’ve been doing with this one picture — exploring it and finding stories within stories.
🙂
awesome photo! very interesting composition
I think it’s really interesting, both to see the results, and read your thoughts behind this new kind of exploration.
I’ve been thinking for a couple months now that you have the skill to be ‘meaning-making’ in more than just a photographic medium.
You have a way with words, as well.
I wonder what both men in the photo are thinking. I wonder if they know each other. I wonder what the history is behind the peeling paint…and the building itself. I wonder what this building looked like in full color long ago. What caused some paint to remain? What stories would the building tell? I see what looks like a styrofoam take out box in the window frame…and perhaps other trash…does someone live there? on that chair?
Beautiful and haunting stories…thanks for sharing your work.
Susan
http://www.organicsyes.wordpress.com
Wow.
anna, montucky ~ I think the exploration is one of the best parts.
j and jpt ~ thanks for stopping by, thanks.
gypsy ~ your words are too nice!
jules ~ you are right. exploring is good art.
thanks, robin ~ Funny how one photo can grab you.
ankush ~ thank you for your comment
amuirin ~ ah, yes. that meaning-making stuff. As for my writing, nice of you to say so.
susan ~ see. you ask the same questions I ask. I thought maybe I was the only one…
nouveau ~ yeah, thanks.
Isn’t it odd how things change when you get closer? (I also marveled at Ankush saying he liked this version better.) Subjectivity at it’s finest. I keep wondering (inwardly) why I like your other one better – tho make no mistake I love this as well… but why one more than the other? Was it the distance? I think so. I also think you just taught me something so important today. This one comes across as “invasive” and I find that sometimes that the emotion of that is overwhelming. Beautiful lesson. Beautiful shots. Both beyond what I could (or should) do but gorgeous none the less.
This is a great photo, and it definitely has texture. Are you using a photo editor, or your camera to manipulate the photo?
Aiyana
I am finally using Picnick from Flickr, and am considering the soon to be released Photo Elements 6 for the Mac. Never thought I’d take the plunge, but I know enough now to see the difference in the photos. barbara
An amazing photo and an amazing result. Thank you.
aullori ~ perhaps invasive isn’t the right term for me, but it does make a point.
shady ~ appreciate the comment.
what a gorgeous picture. i like the idea of making a photograph by feel. your writing’s great. i would def. publish your poems if that day ever does come. :]