Henry Roberts
October 2020 - Rio de Janeiro Favala
Original
About the Image(s)
In 2003 I spent 10 days or so in Rio de Janeiro photographing about the city getting scenic, street, and flower shots. Recently I have been organizing my files and sorted out some Rio files to work on. This file I took into PS CC and played with the filters following ideas from a book Best Photoshop Filters by Susannah Hall, copyright 2012. A lot of playing and trial and error did not generate any really useful results.
Then I turned to Topaz Studio plug-in filters and again did a lot of trial and error to move away from a straight photograph towards something more artistic. I finally settled on the filter Impression>Surat afternoon I>Color Dodge filter to produce Rio de Janeiro Favela. .
What do you think?
Equipment:
Nikon D1
1/180 @ f7
24-120 zoom lens @63mm
Hand held
This round’s discussion is now closed!
10 comments posted
Henry, I too am enjoying the topaz filters. Although your image has a little more punch with the bright red tones I personally don't feel it adds much to the original image. I try to use filters to create a mood or tie themes together rather than just make things different. I did a quick black/white color adjustment to help focus on the clothing as that grabbed my attention in the original just as an example. Posted: 10/10/2020 12:02:13
(Group 40)
Brad, your black and white adjustment does focus on the clothing in a subtle way and also accentuates the jumble of transmission lines.
You have given me a new way to look at filters as creating a mood or tying things together. Currently I seem to be in a mood to use splashy colors, to posterize if you will and change, emphasize the original colors. Thanks for the new insights. Posted: 10/12/2020 10:20:24
You have given me a new way to look at filters as creating a mood or tying things together. Currently I seem to be in a mood to use splashy colors, to posterize if you will and change, emphasize the original colors. Thanks for the new insights. Posted: 10/12/2020 10:20:24
Henry, Don't let me discourage you from exploring your splashy color mood. I believe the main reason to do art is to express what's inside you, not to please your audience. I always hesitate to share suggestions for fear of offending. I joined this group to learn from other photography enthusiasts and hope my suggestions are received in that light. Posted: 10/12/2020 10:26:30
(Group 40)
Hi Brad, your suggestions do not discourage me and in fact I enjoy truthful comments for it opens me to new ways of looking and thinking. What is so enjoyable about a creative group is that we try new things to please ourselves and to see what the response of others is. Posted: 10/12/2020 11:00:57
(Group 32)
Your subject matter is very interesting, and I like what your colleague, Brad, suggested about minimizing the color treatment.
I see that this favala has electricity. The jumble of wires running into it is a good social commentary. Do you know if there was good water and sewage? Posted: 10/12/2020 00:25:33
I see that this favala has electricity. The jumble of wires running into it is a good social commentary. Do you know if there was good water and sewage? Posted: 10/12/2020 00:25:33
(Group 40)
Steve, thanks for your comments. In answer to your questions I blew up the original taken in 2003 which appears to show some pvc pipes here and there. Whether they are water or sewer pipes I do not know and at the time I did not ask if there were water or sewer lines.
As background I hired a cab to take me about for the day and one of the things I wanted to see was a favala. I was on one side of a steep open ravine or valley with this image showing the opposite side. I do not recall seeing wells or water pumps nor do I recall seeing open sewage runs so my guess is that there were some sort of water and sewage lines. When the pandemic quarantine is lifted, I would like to do a return trip. Posted: 10/12/2020 10:36:50
As background I hired a cab to take me about for the day and one of the things I wanted to see was a favala. I was on one side of a steep open ravine or valley with this image showing the opposite side. I do not recall seeing wells or water pumps nor do I recall seeing open sewage runs so my guess is that there were some sort of water and sewage lines. When the pandemic quarantine is lifted, I would like to do a return trip. Posted: 10/12/2020 10:36:50
(Group 32)
Hi Henry, thanks for visiting my group 32. I admire your vigor in making sure as a tourist that you see everything when you travel. I like very much the stories about getting to the places as well as how the photos were shot.
My wife and I visited Rio a couple of years ago. She was invited by one of her senior citizen students who has a home there. My wife just retired from teaching Philosophy at the local community college.
I looked at your bio. I lived outside of Minneapolis when I was in 6th and 7th grade, and studied state history at that time. I used to know the names of all five iron ore ranges. Posted: 10/12/2020 13:01:23
My wife and I visited Rio a couple of years ago. She was invited by one of her senior citizen students who has a home there. My wife just retired from teaching Philosophy at the local community college.
I looked at your bio. I lived outside of Minneapolis when I was in 6th and 7th grade, and studied state history at that time. I used to know the names of all five iron ore ranges. Posted: 10/12/2020 13:01:23
Wow!! I'm attracted to bright colorful photos. I haven't tried the Topaz filters. It's fun to experiment. I've been doing a lot of experimentation myself......staying close to home. Posted: 10/30/2020 11:08:26
I commend you for traveling this way, to see what life really looks like, not just your resort. I never thought of hiring a cab for the day.
I love the colors and the way the reds pop out in the image! But there is a lot going on, like the far left car be cropped to eliminate the tan building
perhaps desaturate the yellows and green and simplify a tad. Posted: 10/31/2020 14:29:11
I love the colors and the way the reds pop out in the image! But there is a lot going on, like the far left car be cropped to eliminate the tan building
perhaps desaturate the yellows and green and simplify a tad. Posted: 10/31/2020 14:29:11
I like some of the things going on here Henry. I like what you've done with the colors. They really speak to the theme you're going for. The composition itself has some great diagonal lines which give the scene more intensity. Would I like it to be a little more creative? Perhaps. I would have to give more thought to that.. Posted: 10/31/2020 22:26:05