Terry Palmer
January 2025 - Untitled
Original
About the Image(s)
I've been seeing some Adamski effect images recently and although I don't do a lot of "creative" processing, I decided to try the effect on one of my images. The original image was made with the Nikon Z7, 24-120 f/4.0 at 24 mm, ISO 1250, F/7.1, 1/800 sec. Minimal processing before making two copies of the background layer, blurring one vertically for the balloons, one horizontally for the grass, buildings and people. I then addied back the individual from another image to "ground" the image. Although the un-blurred background image is still in the layer stack, none of it is visible in this image.
10 comments posted
Hi Terry! I love the bright fantasy world you created. I think that the placement of the observer is perfect. He offers a sharp focus for the viewer, and the scene with the wild movement and color opens in front of him. It is like we are watching the scene through his eyes. - Thank you very much for introducing the technique! IŽll definitely try it out. Posted: 01/06/2025 20:17:38
Thanks Kirsti. My first version did not have the person. These images seem to need at least one non-blurred element and I thought an observer would be best. Posted: 01/06/2025 21:50:04
I like this technique. Have you tried putting a mask on it, and just painting back in with very low brush settings, some of the detail and texture of the balloons? (Not a lot, just enough to bring back a small amount in the center of each.) Posted: 01/06/2025 21:42:26
Thanks Bob. Good idea. I did brush some of the background horizontal on the left and vertical on the right, and I still have the non-blur layer. I'll give your idea a try. I agree that the balloons need "something" Posted: 01/06/2025 21:51:55
Well done on experimenting and trying something new.
I find the balloon on the right to be too bright and spoils the subtle effect of the rest of the image. Posted: 01/08/2025 21:39:22
I find the balloon on the right to be too bright and spoils the subtle effect of the rest of the image. Posted: 01/08/2025 21:39:22
Good point Mervyn. Thanks Posted: 01/09/2025 11:52:36
It's the first time I've seen a combined vertical and horizontal blurring, and it works very well, at least in this image. The strong colors help the viewer know what the subject is. The addition of the sharp person gives some sense of reality. The only problem I found was that the right balloon is cut at the edge (it was in the original image, too). It should not be so difficult to add some space there and clone some elements to have a full subject. You can also add some extra space on the left. Posted: 01/09/2025 23:31:52
The original image is already a beautiful one. You have successfully created an intriguing effect for us to see. To me it looks surreal. Regarding the position of the observer I wonder if placing him one third from the left side would improve the composition, though this is my personal opinion. Posted: 01/20/2025 16:03:42
Tony, I wanted to put the observer more to the right, but then I felt he wouldn't be looking at the first balloon on the left. This image was a trial for this effect and I probably could have picked a better original. Thanks Posted: 01/20/2025 17:01:21
It's the first time for me as well to see an image which is post processed like this. I agree with the suggestions of Bob and Mervyn though. Also about placing the person a bit more to the right would be more pleasing in my opinion. But certainly something to try again in future! Thanks for showing us something new. Posted: 01/22/2025 04:40:21