Chan Garrett  


The Synagogue by Chan Garrett

April 2021 - The Synagogue

About the Image(s)

While looking back over images from my 2018 trip to Israel I ran across this image I had neglected. Our tour guide led us down stairs and through a hall to the entrance of this small synagogue. She assured us the people inside were used to tourists photographing and walking through.

This image is of two of my tour mates as they stopped to photograph the scene inside the room.

Canon EOS M50. EF-M 15-45mm fl3.5-6.3 lens at 33mm. 1/160 sec. @f/6.3. ISO 3200. Processed in LrC. Edited in Topaz De-noise to remove noise. Edited in PS to adjust White, Black and Neutral values.


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




Steven Jungerwirth   Steven Jungerwirth
Wow - this is a great image! So much going on . . . the two onlookers (one taking a picture and the other listening to something in his headphones), several people focused on prayer and one seated worshiper in the back corner holding his forehead/leaning back against the bookcase with a security camera overhead! The wall of old books is perfect and sets the tone. The B&W works well. Topaz did a great job removing the noise.

My only suggestion would be to darken the entryway (left wall/ceiling and tile floor) - to allow the light to guide you to the action. The current bright stone is a bit distracting. I tried this with a brush on the wall/ceiling and a gradient filter on the floor.

I wonder how many other unearthed gems you have in your digital archive?   Posted: 04/03/2021 09:38:00
Comment Image
Chan Garrett   Chan Garrett
Steven: Thanks for your comments. I like what you have done. I worked for a while trying to get the lighting right, but could never be fully satisficed. You have helped me.   Posted: 04/03/2021 10:03:27



Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
Happy you decided to bring this scene back to life: in my opinion, I like the foreground exposure. Your exposure reveals the beautiful texture in the the stone wall...I love that!

The shot is more of an editorial on 21st Century culture; as we continue to photograph everything we see (as we see with our two subjects, one engaged in "snapshots"). Instead of just listening and/or reading brochures to learn, the constant need to take a visual sample seems so clear here: this is different than trying to capture a fine art photograph, it is more about taking notes.

Technical: I would have like to see the photograph without taking out the Noise: Noise (like film grain) may have added to this particular scene. However, I am aware you used a APS-c sensor, so it may have been a bit much at ISO-3200. In any case, Well captured, Chan.

(I enjoyed a similar experience in the Jewish Quarters in Prague, a couple of years back).   Posted: 04/03/2021 13:36:14



Jennifer Marano   Jennifer Marano
Hi Chan!

Such an interesting picture within a picture! Watching people watching people. Not just a memory of your trip, but a commentary on travel and travelers!   Posted: 04/03/2021 18:01:14



Bev Caine   Bev Caine
(Groups 24 & 48 & 58)
I tried using a non-destructive layer mask to tone down the white wall but wasn't happy with the result so I toned it down with a very light gray paint at a very low opacity. What do you think?   Posted: 04/04/2021 12:17:11
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Chan Garrett   Chan Garrett
Very nice. That looks like an approach I need to learn. Thank you.   Posted: 04/04/2021 15:18:38
Steven Jungerwirth   Steven Jungerwirth
Well done - I like your effect . . . I'm always amazed that there are a dozen ways to do the same thing in Photoshop. Perhaps that contributes to both the interest and frustration.   Posted: 04/05/2021 05:43:32
Bev Caine   Bev Caine
(Groups 24 & 48 & 58)
So true and so much to learn   Posted: 04/05/2021 06:42:02



Dale Yates   Dale Yates
This is an excellent image! I really like the details throughout and the composition is excellent. I also think this photo is perfect for BW. The only suggestion to possibly consider is to darken the back wall and top of the bookcase slightly, either as a stand alone modification or in conjunction with the darkening of the archway and floor. Well done!   Posted: 04/07/2021 08:06:48