Nancy Armstrong
November 2023 - Bars
About the Image(s)
This is a window in a Mexican Restaurant in Paola, Kansas, probably looking into a kitchen or a storage room in the basement. I think I grow fonder of it each time I look at it because it seems a little mysterious. There is a shadow inside that looks like it could be a person.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
The first thing I noticed was the figure behind the window. It gives the image an additional punch to see that almost ghostly figure there. I felt like the perspective was off so I played with it in Lightroom. Hope you don't mind. I just thought my adjustment made it a stronger image. What do you think? Posted: 11/14/2023 09:01:23
Joan - I'm not sure what you were trying to do, but I don't care for the change you made. It takes the window, which is parallel to the side and makes it crooked. I do like the closer crop on the left-hand side and was going to suggest that to Nancy. Posted: 11/17/2023 16:34:10
Thanks Joan. I'm happy to hear you noticed the figure in the window early; I'm going to work on the light in that area of the photo based on the feedback I've gotten, and hopefully bring more attention to that figure. Getting things to look straight in these old building photos is a challenge, I am going to work on the crop as you and LeeAnn suggested, then reassess the straightening. Posted: 11/18/2023 19:24:33
You captured one of Kansas's interesting windows. I've seen them in the little towns all around here. The first thing I noticed was the color combination. The browns and yellows. Usually, I see old red brick or stone, so this was more interesting for me. My eye went to the lightest place, which is the light area above the window. And then to the lighter brown area to the right of the window. I find those light areas distracting. That's not the most interesting part of the picture. My suggestion would be to make the window show up as the main point of interest for the eye. I'd probably tone down those light areas and bring out a little detail in the window area, which is the primary area of interest for me. Post-editing can make a big difference when you alter the lights and darks to make the eye go to where you want it to go. Posted: 11/15/2023 13:22:28
Thanks Carole - I like your suggestions about the light and dark areas; I'm going to work on it and repost the edited photo. Posted: 11/18/2023 19:28:05
Hi Nancy: The color contrast in this image is wonderful. What's nicer than yellow on brown? I agree that you could darken down some of the yellow and brown on the right side. However, I think there is too much dark on the left brown side. In other words, there is too much contrast from side to side. I think if you even out the contrast, the window will stand out more. It is an interesting subject with the dark, hooded creature standing at the window. Can you say "Ghost?"
You fulfilled this assignment with both bars at the windows and the bars created by the yellow brick. This is an interesting picture, and I think with just a little more work, it will be a winner.
Nancy - I want you to know that this month will be my last one.
I have contemplated leaving for a while because of time constraints, but I love this Group 12 so much, it's hard to go. Thank you for all your participation and interesting images like this one. Good luck in obtaining all your photography dreams. Posted: 11/17/2023 16:44:29
You fulfilled this assignment with both bars at the windows and the bars created by the yellow brick. This is an interesting picture, and I think with just a little more work, it will be a winner.
Nancy - I want you to know that this month will be my last one.
I have contemplated leaving for a while because of time constraints, but I love this Group 12 so much, it's hard to go. Thank you for all your participation and interesting images like this one. Good luck in obtaining all your photography dreams. Posted: 11/17/2023 16:44:29
Thank you LeeAnn, great suggestions and I plan to incorporate them into a new edit. I'm sorry that I didn't have a chance to get to know you a little better, but I understand the time constraints. It's so easy to get over committed when it comes to photography. Best of luck to you. Posted: 11/18/2023 19:33:03
Some additional editing based on suggestions, thank you everyone.
Posted: 11/22/2023 18:41:05
Posted: 11/22/2023 18:41:05
This is a powerful image. The person inside seems like a prisoner behind two layers of bars. The low key lighting adds mystery. The interesting textures on the wall of the building adds to the mood created by the lighting. I tried reversing the image just because 'they' say that we notice the light areas first, and that dark areas block the path of the eye. So, should the image show darkness leading to hope for the person inside or hope fading away for him? Posted: 11/26/2023 14:26:43