Kirsti Näntö-Salonen
January 2025 - Homecoming
Original
Original 2
Original 3
About the Image(s)
I started with the background that is the view inside the ornate horn of an antique gramophone (Orig.1). I had a vague idea of an opera-related scene, and pasted on the mannequin (Orig. 2). I added a Levels layer on her, and started to move her into the right spot, and then things got out of my hands. Accidentally, I grabbed only the Levels layer, and realized that I had created a movable transparent ghost whose tones I was able to freely adjust. I gave her a companion by flipping the image horizontally, and then cut off the original pixel layers. I added a starry sky at the end of the tunnel (how I wish I?d had one of Brad?s glorious Milky Ways). I quite liked the golden colors a lot but started to worry if the clear textures made the image too restless. I finally turned the lot into BW with a bluish moonlit tint.. - I?ll post the color version in as a comment. Which one do you prefer? I am so looking forward to all and any improvements.
Best wishes, and a wonderful New Year!
17 comments posted
Hi, - I am sorry about the white column at the right edge - it was not on purpose. Here is the proper image. Posted: 01/02/2025 18:44:09
Kirsti, The simplicity and direct approach of the black & white image focuses the viewer on the "ghosts" in their environment. The sharp tones in the color version focus attention away from the mannequins and, as you say, are too restless. The gramophone is a terrific background on which to place your transparent "ghosts." There are alternatives to Brad's Milky Way. I placed a Radial Gradient in the center of the gramophone to see what it would look like. There are many options with Gradients, and this one is not the best, but it's a solution to explore. You have a good composite here. Posted: 01/02/2025 19:26:57
Thank you so much, Alan! The Gradient makes a very fine and versatile solution, and I like the three-dimensional illusion your version gives to the tunnel. - I would love to have stars, though, for something in the spirit of "Ad Astra" by the 19th century Finnish artist Axel Gallen-Kallela. The painting is said to explore what is beyond Death, and I think that is what my two ghosts might be doing. - I guess I'll have to spend the next clear night star-hunting. Posted: 01/06/2025 09:55:38
I hope what is beyond death is as comforting as your image. I find "Ad Astra" a bit harsh. Posted: 01/06/2025 15:26:34
Alan, I agree! Posted: 01/06/2025 16:33:53
And here is the color version. Posted: 01/02/2025 18:47:12
Hi Kirsti, I enjoyed reading how your image came into being, and it's a fascinating one. Thanks for showing the color version, though the B&W is more pleasing to my eye. I really like the placement and how you sized the forms relative to the background. Your stars work just fine for me.
I might have toned down the opacity of the background (or darkened it) within the 'ghosts' to emphasize them a bit more. Either way, it's a real pleasure to view. Posted: 01/08/2025 17:56:27
I might have toned down the opacity of the background (or darkened it) within the 'ghosts' to emphasize them a bit more. Either way, it's a real pleasure to view. Posted: 01/08/2025 17:56:27
Thank you, Matt, I am so glad you like it! Darkening the background sounds good! Posted: 01/08/2025 18:19:17
I think this is a very striking image, Kirsti! I love the pattern on the background. I think the figures look very futuristic, and I really like how you have one further away than the other.
It is interesting to see the color version; my preference is your moonlight version.
I really like the stars. It might be interesting to accentuate that opening. I did it here by copying one of the circular patterns from your gramophone (linear dodge/add mode at 16%, then removing the center). Posted: 01/12/2025 18:06:10
It is interesting to see the color version; my preference is your moonlight version.
I really like the stars. It might be interesting to accentuate that opening. I did it here by copying one of the circular patterns from your gramophone (linear dodge/add mode at 16%, then removing the center). Posted: 01/12/2025 18:06:10
What you did with the Gramphone trumpet is right in vogue the now for Compositors. They use items like this to creat vast futuristic places with minute figures placed inside them like vast tunnels. The capture of the trumpet details and the POV help the basis for this composite, and also the stars at the centre. All providing the tunnel effect.
The ghosts for me let the side down, there is no form to them, they just look like cutouts. Ghosts are fuzzy creatures so I have done a mock up of what you could do. 1. Apply vertical motion blur to ghosts only (layer) Copy the base layer and motion blut that too only under the ghosts. The effect is more real I feel and has some form and shape albeit fuzzy, Cheers. Posted: 01/13/2025 16:35:13
The ghosts for me let the side down, there is no form to them, they just look like cutouts. Ghosts are fuzzy creatures so I have done a mock up of what you could do. 1. Apply vertical motion blur to ghosts only (layer) Copy the base layer and motion blut that too only under the ghosts. The effect is more real I feel and has some form and shape albeit fuzzy, Cheers. Posted: 01/13/2025 16:35:13
Thank you very much, Bruce! I can see the problem, and I love the beautiful solution. The treatment makes them definitely more ghostly - however, I would like to retain their transparency, at least to some degree. I wonder about applying the effect only to the edges might work? I'll start experimenting. Posted: 01/13/2025 18:09:54
Kirsti, I love the variety of versions of this image. I'd be happy to share a milky way image if you want to play with it in your composite. I find mannequins so interesting. While in Vietnam with my family a few years ago I amused myself taking pictures of mannequins while my family shopped. The ladies working in the shops thought I was an odd character (maybe they are right!) Posted: 01/16/2025 23:01:16
Thank you, Brad, I may take up your generous offer! - I am looking forward to see your mannequins in action. I think that it may be the anonymous core that allows endless variations that makes them so fascinating. Posted: 01/19/2025 16:31:23
Here is one I made several years ago with a mannequin that I like very much Posted: 01/19/2025 20:31:25
Brad, I think that it is fantastic! Posted: 01/19/2025 20:35:30
Hi Kirsti,
I absolutely love the futuristic feel of this image! The use of the gramophone texture works so well, adding an intriguing point of interest to the background. The transparency of the mannequins creates a unique effect and complements the story, especially with the tunnel at the end.
I also really like Alan's suggestion to add the gradient-it gives me the impression of an interstellar planet or the moon. As for the "gosh," it feels more like inhabitants of other planets to me, but I also like Bruce's version where the "gosh" are left with a more blurred look.
Really great work! Posted: 01/20/2025 10:55:35
I absolutely love the futuristic feel of this image! The use of the gramophone texture works so well, adding an intriguing point of interest to the background. The transparency of the mannequins creates a unique effect and complements the story, especially with the tunnel at the end.
I also really like Alan's suggestion to add the gradient-it gives me the impression of an interstellar planet or the moon. As for the "gosh," it feels more like inhabitants of other planets to me, but I also like Bruce's version where the "gosh" are left with a more blurred look.
Really great work! Posted: 01/20/2025 10:55:35
Thank you, Maria! I am so glad that you think that it works! Posted: 01/20/2025 11:19:52