Brian Swinyard, PPSA
June 2018 - Youth Springs Eternal
About the Image(s)
For this image, I used a tried and tested technique of setting a slow shutter speed and moving the camera while the shutter was open; 1/3 second, f2.8, focal length 55mm. The original subject was a group of hosta leaves. The colour was removed in Photoshop via the Hue/Saturation slider. I quite like the end result as it stretches the composition norms and has bright areas on the edge of the frame which attract the attention and take the eye out of the frame.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
I like what you've done here, Brian. I've heard of this technique before but have never tried it myself. It might be a great way to make textures to use with other photos.
The only suggestion I'd make is to clone out the tiny, pointy, white spot at the top center edge of the image which I find distracting.
Posted: 06/11/2018 20:45:07
The only suggestion I'd make is to clone out the tiny, pointy, white spot at the top center edge of the image which I find distracting.
Posted: 06/11/2018 20:45:07
(Group 41)
Marie, Thank you for your kind words. I quite like this technique as you can photograph the same subject one hundred times and each time the result will be different. I totally agree with your comment about the distraction at the top centre of the image which does tend to draw the eye. I have attached an alternative version where this has been removed. I must also say that I am saddened that you are leaving Study Group 21. I will miss your creative critiques and your insightful comments. I wish you well in your future endeavours. Posted: 06/15/2018 07:28:19
Lots of movement and energy in this photo. And an interesting technique. Your curved lines in the center create a center of interest for the viewer to focus on. I would darken the top left corner a bit to keep the eyes from wandering off the top. I wonder what this looked like in color! Posted: 06/11/2018 23:44:22
(Group 41)
Susan, Welcome to Study Group 21. I hope you enjoy your time with us and I look forward to seeing your images and reading your comments. Thank you for your kind words. I agree that the brightness in the top left corner is a little distracting and draws the eye. I have attached an alternative version where I have cloned out these bright areas and darkened the top left quadrant. Posted: 06/17/2018 05:26:55
(Group 41)
Susan, I meant to include the original colour image in my previous comments which is attached this time. Posted: 06/17/2018 05:30:22
(Groups 3 & 18)
I love in camera effects, so natural, as opposed to our many filters that change the looks of the image. You are very creative, Brian, and, in general, your result of moving the camera works very well, producing an intriguing and mysterious outcome. I would suggest cropping the top of the image down to just above where the white lines on the upper left begin as the upper part is a bit spotty for my taste. We all should try camera motion more than we do. One of the many in camera effects is multiple exposure, which can go up to at least 9 exposures with camera rotation or motion, also a fun capture. Posted: 06/14/2018 12:11:01
(Group 41)
Joan, Thank you for your kind words. I have attached a cropped version as you suggested, into a square format which has a much stronger visual story than the original. Posted: 06/17/2018 05:34:32
Love the color version Brian! Its got a different emotionalism for me. Very expressive and makes the three prominent arcs work better. I think they talk to each other more in color. Of course, this is my favorite palette!! Yummy.
Posted: 06/17/2018 10:23:31
Posted: 06/17/2018 10:23:31
(Group 41)
Susan, Thank you for your kind words. I can see why you favour the colour over the monochrome version. Interesting that you find the colour version more expressive and that there is a human resonance in the way that the three arcs talk to each other. Posted: 06/17/2018 14:32:58