Lance Lewin
March 2023 - Lost Beauty on Long boat Key
About the Image(s)
This image is part of a multi-image photo-essay I am preparing on the slow erosion and eventual demise of a once intricate and beautiful beach landscape on the northern end of Long Boat Key, Florida.
Manatee and Sarasota counties have just finished a large project to stymie further progress in the unfortunate erosion of the beach: later in March I will be photographing this progress and what the new landscape looks like. My plans will juxtapose images, like the featured one, along with the more barren and the less aesthetic appeal of the current beach-scape. (A full text will accompany the photographs).
Featured image c.2013 Digital Exposure; Monochrome conversion
This round’s discussion is now closed!
15 comments posted
Mark Holbrook
Lance, very nice mood setting photo. The softness in the background really gives the photo a truly ethereal feel to it, and that, contrasting with the sharpness of the two driftwood pieces, really sets the mood. Separate the foreground from the background, and you have a very different and much more stark feel to the photo. Posted: 03/02/2023 12:17:07
Appreciate your encouraging critique. Thank you, Mark! Posted: 03/02/2023 15:59:43
Lance, Can you share your thought what led you choose Sepia ?
you managed well to hide the third stump behind the second and by doing so, you encapsulated the the sun on the left third to counter balance the while the other two stumps on the right side. Nicely done
Posted: 03/05/2023 20:09:26
you managed well to hide the third stump behind the second and by doing so, you encapsulated the the sun on the left third to counter balance the while the other two stumps on the right side. Nicely done
Posted: 03/05/2023 20:09:26
Good day! So, the color is actually a custom Silver-Copper tone that emulates the very unusual sunset via heavy fog on this particular evening in 2013.
However, this particular image was exposed while the fog was shifting: I needed a Monochrome for this DD group, and currently working on a photo essay with this series of images decided to alter this (2013) image that otherwise did not imbue the same Fog embraced aesthetic as the others.
See the original color version (featured work) as the Fog was lifting. Also, see one other original color frames that captures the actual event on this amazing evening.
Thank you for your positive critique!
Posted: 03/06/2023 06:54:54
However, this particular image was exposed while the fog was shifting: I needed a Monochrome for this DD group, and currently working on a photo essay with this series of images decided to alter this (2013) image that otherwise did not imbue the same Fog embraced aesthetic as the others.
See the original color version (featured work) as the Fog was lifting. Also, see one other original color frames that captures the actual event on this amazing evening.
Thank you for your positive critique!
Posted: 03/06/2023 06:54:54
Just as the Sun went below the horizon. (Could not find the original frame ... there is so many, but you get the idea). Posted: 03/06/2023 06:55:26
Posted: 03/06/2023 06:55:47
Lance, I must admit you are a challenge for me. in the most positive way. Seriously. As a photographer I was taught that my language is the picture and not the words around. You have a much more poetic, holistic philosophic approach to the medium that adds an entire layer that is foreign to me yet very compelling.I much appreciate admire and learn.
back to the picture:
1. The lower frame on a vertical crop is outstanding
2. Comparing the Sepia ( yes sepia :) ) to B&W ; the color version below - both are better in my view than the Sepia and convey your story better. Posted: 03/06/2023 10:01:51
back to the picture:
1. The lower frame on a vertical crop is outstanding
2. Comparing the Sepia ( yes sepia :) ) to B&W ; the color version below - both are better in my view than the Sepia and convey your story better. Posted: 03/06/2023 10:01:51
Indeed, there was never any question the originals are far more expressive ... and will be used in the essay.
"Points to Ponder" .. hope the following addresses your inquisition ...
Visual Expression Variables: 1. in a critique room setting it is vital and (expected) for participants to share the entire structure of how they came to a final piece. 2. Within an exhibition setting many (not all) artists include a very shallow description beyond a title/category and signature, and 3. alternatively, other artists (or by choice of the gallery or museum curator) add detailed information about the artist and the project before patrons view the work.
For many patrons of the arts, and artists, articulating the background on how/why an image was designed and presented can only improve the over all "appreciation" of the work. Within the context of 21st century photography compared/viewed against the backdrop of "classic tradition" based photography, makes such background information even more relevant for the modern spectator. Posted: 03/06/2023 14:39:41
"Points to Ponder" .. hope the following addresses your inquisition ...
Visual Expression Variables: 1. in a critique room setting it is vital and (expected) for participants to share the entire structure of how they came to a final piece. 2. Within an exhibition setting many (not all) artists include a very shallow description beyond a title/category and signature, and 3. alternatively, other artists (or by choice of the gallery or museum curator) add detailed information about the artist and the project before patrons view the work.
For many patrons of the arts, and artists, articulating the background on how/why an image was designed and presented can only improve the over all "appreciation" of the work. Within the context of 21st century photography compared/viewed against the backdrop of "classic tradition" based photography, makes such background information even more relevant for the modern spectator. Posted: 03/06/2023 14:39:41
(Groups 12 & 37)
Hi Lance: Thank you doing this important project. I would love to see all your final comparative images. I prefer color to B&W although I have started to experiment with some of my images. That being said I prefer your second image, but I think that sepia was an excellent choice for the conversion. Exceptional image. Posted: 03/11/2023 12:45:33
Lee Anne ... I will likely use all the original color images registered the past few decades for the actual publication of the essay... it would seem more appropriate.
Yes, I will share the final work in the near future.
Also, you may be interested in reading my article in the March PSA Journal; available Free online of course. Look forward to your comments/questions. Thank you, Lee Ann. Posted: 03/11/2023 17:30:48
Yes, I will share the final work in the near future.
Also, you may be interested in reading my article in the March PSA Journal; available Free online of course. Look forward to your comments/questions. Thank you, Lee Ann. Posted: 03/11/2023 17:30:48
Great photos, but sad project Lance. It must break your heart to record this event. Posted: 03/16/2023 06:33:14
Hi Lance, the photo tells a great story about erosion and reminded me of a beach in India I used to visit where I saw similar erosion happened. It is very sad to see such destruction of Nature. I am glad you are doing a project for documenting it. Posted: 03/18/2023 09:05:16
(Groups 50 & 92)
To my eye the sepia is a little artsy-craftsy for documentary work. The sepia treatment seems unnecessary. I like your "original" composition best. It tells more of a story. Suggest making it BW. Posted: 03/21/2023 15:41:46
Hi Chuck!! So glad you stopped by....yes, I totally agree with your assessment.
For exhibition and/or publication, the original color versions will be used.
Posted: 03/21/2023 16:35:16
For exhibition and/or publication, the original color versions will be used.
Posted: 03/21/2023 16:35:16
Hi, Lance. I like this image a lot. The fog and diffuse light lend a great atmosphere to the image. As composed, you have cut off the tree's branches and thus created leading lines to bring me to the root balls, which mimic sea stacks in other geographies. Not including the branches simplifies the image in a very considered way. The toning to me evokes the very early pre-sunrise pink light that you can see on the Florida coast. Very beautiful and yet haunting. Posted: 03/28/2023 08:22:13