Sylvia Williams
October 2026 - Hit A Wall
Original
About the Image(s)
I took the original image, duplicated it, removed "Marty' and put him in his own layer, and filled in his space in the duplicate of the original. I also took a copy of the bottom of the original photo below the steps, and removed Marty's feet.
I then used motion blur on the duplicate. I think I did a path blur on the bottom (not sure I fully understand what I was doing). I duplicated Marty, made him black and turned him upside down to create a shadow, added a mask and gradient.
I arranged all the layers - duplicate on bottom, then the bottom with the path blur, then the Marties. I also added a texture for fun. After putting all that together I played with the color sliders.
5 comments posted
I think this has been really well done and I like the effect a lot. Using path blur etc for the building really alters it beyond recognition but the colours work well. I like that you have kept all of the "pavement" as this helps with Marty hitting the wall! His shadow has been done really well. Posted: 10/01/2026 15:11:14
You see a man looking at a wall. I see a man looking over the edge. The shadow is a bit stronger at the base, making it seem reflective. The ambiguity gives it considerably more interest. Posted: 10/03/2026 01:36:10
I really like this! The whole sense of movement and repetition works beautifully, and the upside-down shadow adds another layer that makes the image feel almost dreamlike. I especially like the way the motion blur carries the eye through the frame while Marty remains the focal point. This is very much a style I'm drawn to. I do a lot of ICM and the motion blur is reminiscent of that. You've also given me some ideas to try with layers and blur myself! I think the texture and colour treatment finish it off nicely. Posted: 10/03/2026 02:34:08
Hi Sylvia,
This is a great vision, and you've done an incredible job of telling your story through the image. I'm not sure I completely understand your processing, but whatever you did, the result is terrific. It really works! Posted: 10/07/2026 20:56:57
This is a great vision, and you've done an incredible job of telling your story through the image. I'm not sure I completely understand your processing, but whatever you did, the result is terrific. It really works! Posted: 10/07/2026 20:56:57
I love this Sylvia! Great colors and textures. Motion blur is a favorite filter for me too. It sounds like you employed a combination of intention and experimentation which produced a very creative result. My only suggestion would be to ratchet down the bright white area on the upper edge; my eye keeps getting drawn there, away from Marty and the other great aspects of the image. Nicely done! Posted: 10/10/2026 18:38:41