I'm afraid that back problems are still stopping me getting out to take pictures, so it's back to the archives again this month. This was shot in the City of Arts and How I Did It:
Sciences in the Spanish city of Valencia. There are several modern buildings there and this is the Palace of Arts which houses a theatre. I decided to emphasise the shape by using a wide angle lens and getting as close as I could. Camera details were Lumix G9 with Leica 12-60 lens at 12 mm. Exposure 1/1000 at f/10 and ISO 200. Back home it was opened in ON1 RAW and perspective correction was applied to correct converging verticals. Unfortunately I could not completely restore the verticals without losing valuable picture content. Contrast was increased using Curves. B/W filter then applied and the blue & Aqua sliders were pulled fully to the left to darken the sky. Dynamic Contrast was then added to restore sharpness.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 8 comments posted
Erik Rosengren
You have captured an unusual building Guy, the image is sharp, Good technicals and well placed on your canvas. Although you didn't include the color version, I think this offering screams Mono. Your PP is icing on the cake. Posted: 11/06/2023 11:33:28
Guy Davies
Thanks for you comments Erik. Here is the original. Posted: 11/07/2023 04:36:50
R Gary Butler
The first question I have is, is this a distance shot of an arena, or a close-up shot of a bikers helmet. Lol
Guy, I really like the idea of a Monochrome Image here. Shape dominates the image in my mind. And for me like any good monochrome image when you first look at it, it takes you a second to figure out exactly what it is. I am pretty sure you are not competing anymore, but if you were the only adjustments, I might suggest are to remove a few of the bright spots. Very Nice! Posted: 11/07/2023 17:40:47
Ian Chantler
Hi Guy
This so suits black and white and your pp has made it into an exceptional image,for me you were stood in the perfect position to make the most of this amazing looking building.
The image has immediate impact and some wonderful shapes within the building. Posted: 11/11/2023 08:07:26
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Guy, the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (In Catalan) is another architectural masterpiece designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, internationally known. The image shows a lot of detail on the building being very sharp. I also like the B&W interpretation since it has more drama. The highlight reflection of the sun in the white structure is impossible to avoid, depending on the time of the day the image is created. Posted: 11/12/2023 16:43:36
Guy Davies
Isaac, thanks for the Catalan version! The highlight reflection gave me a lot of problems. It was very difficult to tone it down without it going muddy so in the end I think I lowered the whites slightly and then just left it. Cloning was difficult as the compound curvature means that there is nowhere else to clone from with the same curvature. Posted: 11/13/2023 08:34:12
Vella Kendall
Agree with other reviewers that it is a wonderful image. I especially like the textures on the building. Dark sky is a perfect addition. My first thought was of a spaceship. I was in Valencia in 58 years ago and was in a tent on the beach till the mosquitoes got too bad, then we got an apartment. I remember shacks on the beach selling prawns and how salty the sea was. Posted: 11/13/2023 12:29:14
Bill Buchanan
What a great image. The monochrome creates a dramatic presentation. One minor suggestion would be to use Adobe Generative Fill to eliminate that pesky little hot spot in the roof. Posted: 11/29/2023 15:31:12
