Piers Blackett
February 2025 - Crystal Bridge
Original
About the Image(s)
On a recent visit downtown I was in the Crystal Bridge tropical conservatory a change from the outside cold. By standing at the far end it's possible to view the the extent of the garden and structure. I shot at 1/400 sec, f/8, ISO 400. I used minimal tonal adjustments and converted to black and white including the negative which I have cropped (supportive image). I tried an infrared simulation but prefer the negative.
6 comments posted
It really looks like an infrared photograph Posted: 02/04/2025 13:01:16
Greetings! I have always thought infrared is a fascinating way to go but with a separate camera which I don't have. I tried infrared simulation by going to adjustments in photoshop to use the color panel to bring down the greens and yellows and increase the blues, however the black and white invert option was much more impressive after flattening and then going to CR for minor adjustments. Posted: 02/04/2025 16:13:57
Wow!
The "negative" version really works well.
It is a stunning image.
I like the horizontal leading lines that connect the curves of the structure and the way these are separated from the black vertical stakes in the foreground (I have probably just insulted some artist's prize sculpture) that are surrounded by the white foliage.
All these lines lead the eye to the solitary person high up in the background and contrasted against the black background.
A great image and nicely worked in post production.
Posted: 02/05/2025 05:05:11
The "negative" version really works well.
It is a stunning image.
I like the horizontal leading lines that connect the curves of the structure and the way these are separated from the black vertical stakes in the foreground (I have probably just insulted some artist's prize sculpture) that are surrounded by the white foliage.
All these lines lead the eye to the solitary person high up in the background and contrasted against the black background.
A great image and nicely worked in post production.
Posted: 02/05/2025 05:05:11
Your image does look a lot like infrared. If you really like that look, you can get a camera converted to full spectrum and thereby use it for both infrared and normal shooting with attached filters. I like how the building structure looks in B&W but I'm not sure about the foliage. To my eye, it's almost too stark, especially around areas at the bottom. Maybe paint in some shadows to make the detail a bit more definable. Your editing skills always amaze me. Posted: 02/07/2025 13:53:44
Piers, before seeing your original, I thought this was ice. I have no idea how to make a "negative." What program? There is so much to see in this image--the contrast of the "stems" in the center, the curved and contrasting lines of the roof, the steps. And I love that it took me a while to see that man on the catwalk. There may be different adjustments that can be made to please someone's eyes, but I think for your intent it's great! Posted: 02/15/2025 18:14:53
Piers,
I first though the image was IR but then realized some of the items in there would not be like shown in the image. I have shot IR before with an add-on filter over the lens, but the exposure time is very long. The person walking would not be seen using that method.
Great Combination of organic shapes with both straight and, of course, the dramatic curved lines that really make the composition. Looks like you really had fun playing with this. Posted: 02/18/2025 02:41:34
I first though the image was IR but then realized some of the items in there would not be like shown in the image. I have shot IR before with an add-on filter over the lens, but the exposure time is very long. The person walking would not be seen using that method.
Great Combination of organic shapes with both straight and, of course, the dramatic curved lines that really make the composition. Looks like you really had fun playing with this. Posted: 02/18/2025 02:41:34