Tom Brassil  

Silo by Tom Brassil

November 2020 - Silo

November 2020 - Tom Brassil

Original

About the Image(s)

In Australia's rural areas there has been a massive decline in income and changes to the wealth of the regional areas. This is due to changes in the use of the land, droughts, climate change et cetera. In several areas, the locals have turned to tourism as an additional form of income and to that end, they are hiring an artist to paint the old silos, usually depicting something relevant to the area. This started with only a few silos painted a few years ago now there are quite a few and when going on a road trip it is not hard to find one. This one is from our little regional town in NSW, Merriwa.

The image: F8, 1/160, ISO 200, centre-weighted exposure shot in portrait mode. Processing involved a fair bit of colour work using contrast and blurring to draw to attention to the main sheep on the silo. I left a fair bit of the support factory infrastructure in the shot to further tell the story of the installation, I did consider cropping this out. Original included for comparison

This round’s discussion is now closed!
7 comments posted

 
There are just SO MANY things to like about this image. The subject itself, the rendition and especially the composition with the main subject -the silos-being eccentrically placed in the scene and the factory infrastructure acting as a leading line to the main subject. The exposure and focus are also well done. Where this image becomes problematic for me is the foreground which to my eye does not add anything to the image. And if it doesn't add to the image it detracts from it. I would consider cropping out the foreground so as to make the silos the unequivocal center of visual interest. You might also consider increasing the shadows slider so as to bring out more detail at the base of the silo. (See thumbnail) As an aside, you might consider taking about 10-12 more different images of these silos, printing them to 16x20 (or more) and then having an exhibition. VERY WELL DONE!!!   Posted: 11/01/2020 09:14:38
Comment Image
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thanks John, the foreground was an attempt yo provide a leading line into the image (light and dark) also to provide a sense of elevation. Unless the viewer sees it, it obviously was not achieved. we learn by trying, Thanks for the input   Posted: 11/04/2020 00:37:20
Quang Phan   Quang Phan
(Group 88)
I like the sky color after post processing, it matched the blue color of the silos. The picture on the silos is very attracted to viewer. On your 1st version after post process I could see many black or dark areas on grass. I would love the even color of grass and just increase the shadow. Thank you for showing this picture and the place you took.   Posted: 11/01/2020 16:59:11
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thanks for that input Quang, I will have an attempt to balace that a bit more   Posted: 11/04/2020 00:38:19
Gregory Waldron   Gregory Waldron
Hi Tom,
What a nice image with a great back story. The artwork on the silo is amazing and you did a really nice job in post to bring out the color. I do agree with that the foreground could be cropped in closer.
Best regards,
Greg   Posted: 11/02/2020 09:56:17
Tom Brassil   Tom Brassil
Thanks Greg I appreciate the input   Posted: 11/04/2020 00:38:45
Darcy Johnson   Darcy Johnson
Hi Tom - This is a really wonderful photograph. I particularly like your processing to soften the grasses and bring out the colors successfully creating a mood or feeling that enhances the photograph's story. Even after the crop you provided, the softening is effective. I agree with everyone else's comments and see nothing beyond them to critique . . . it's a lovely image. Good job!   Posted: 11/07/2020 16:29:16