Maria Mazo, PPSA
January 2025 - The Fallen Angel
Original
Original 2
Original 3
About the Image(s)
For this month's image, I’ve put together some shots taken with my phone over the last month. As the base layer, I chose an image of the Palacio de Festivales in Santander. I duplicated and mirrored it to create a symmetrical view of the building.
Next, I added an image of a fallen angel sculpture I spotted in a shop window. I created the shadow by duplicating the figure, flipping it downward, and transforming it. I finished this effect with a layer of Gaussian blur to soften the shadow.
I also added a texture layer to create the cracks on the building and stairs. To complete the scene, I included an image of a cow’s skull.
Finally, I applied a Nik Analog Efex Pro filter to give the image a more dramatic look and added a vignette effect.
13 comments posted
Hi Maria, Oh my, this is quite a scene you have created! It reminds me of something out of a Greek mythology movie where a creature has escaped from a temple. The figure is incredible and the mask so well suits the scene. My favorite element is the crack texture in the stairs and building that you added, so terrific!
I like the sky but it seems a bit artificial which is odd to say in a scene like this one. Maybe it's the transition from the smooth sides to the top.
Overall, you've created a fantasy masterpiece! Posted: 01/09/2025 17:43:00
I like the sky but it seems a bit artificial which is odd to say in a scene like this one. Maybe it's the transition from the smooth sides to the top.
Overall, you've created a fantasy masterpiece! Posted: 01/09/2025 17:43:00
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your kind comment. I agree with you that some areas of the sky could be improved to create a more refined version. I'll take another look and see what I can do.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:00:48
Thank you for your kind comment. I agree with you that some areas of the sky could be improved to create a more refined version. I'll take another look and see what I can do.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:00:48
Your imagination is matched by your technical skills in this composite. The shadow on the left side of the original presents a problem, but you solved it beautifully. Using the mirror image technique works equally well with the building in the background and with the sky. The angel's shadow gives the angel 3-dimensionality, and putting the cracks in the stairs adds a Greek myth aspect to the overall scene. One almost feels sorry for the fallen angel's losing its head, a delightful imaginary touch. Very nice work. Posted: 01/11/2025 20:17:08
Hi Alan,
Thank you for your kind comment. I was struggling with another image that had a completely different story, so I decided to start fresh with entirely different files. From there, the path became much clearer, and I ended up finalising with this image.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:05:04
Thank you for your kind comment. I was struggling with another image that had a completely different story, so I decided to start fresh with entirely different files. From there, the path became much clearer, and I ended up finalising with this image.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:05:04
Wow, what a powerful image, Maria! The symmetry of the setting really makes the fallen angel stand out. All the textures - the cracks, the sky, the stone walls - are as turbulent as the texture of the fallen angel itself.
I really like how you kept the triangle of shadow at the top of the stairs, and how it leads into the shadowy triangular entrance.
All of your elements are beautifully integrated.
My one suggestion would be that you might consider doing a levels correction. Posted: 01/12/2025 19:02:23
I really like how you kept the triangle of shadow at the top of the stairs, and how it leads into the shadowy triangular entrance.
All of your elements are beautifully integrated.
My one suggestion would be that you might consider doing a levels correction. Posted: 01/12/2025 19:02:23
Hi Peggy,
Thank you for your kind comment. I agree, a level correction really enhances the image beautifully.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:07:00
The subject and the symmetry are the first thing that strikes you and draws you into the story.
Composition wise is very good, nice placements and details.
The cracked stairs are a good addition.
However the railings are a distraction and clutter, also their shadows are at conflicting with the angel's.
I am also confused with the side bits of sky above the walls.
The verticals are all bang on, the mirrored sky is a nice touch. In summary great composite, story, colour, lighting, interest. Maybe loose the railings and shadows ? Posted: 01/13/2025 17:09:18
Composition wise is very good, nice placements and details.
The cracked stairs are a good addition.
However the railings are a distraction and clutter, also their shadows are at conflicting with the angel's.
I am also confused with the side bits of sky above the walls.
The verticals are all bang on, the mirrored sky is a nice touch. In summary great composite, story, colour, lighting, interest. Maybe loose the railings and shadows ? Posted: 01/13/2025 17:09:18
Hi Bruce,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. You always have a keen eye for detail and offer the perfect suggestions for improvement. I agree that the sky could use a bit more work-it currently has a noticeable mirror symmetry that could easily be removed. I also agree that the mirror rail shadow creates a conflict with the direction of the overall shadows in the image.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:14:19
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. You always have a keen eye for detail and offer the perfect suggestions for improvement. I agree that the sky could use a bit more work-it currently has a noticeable mirror symmetry that could easily be removed. I also agree that the mirror rail shadow creates a conflict with the direction of the overall shadows in the image.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:14:19
Hi Maria! I am also totally fascinated. - I can see Bruce's point with the railings, but I think that they may actually add a lovely incongruent element, mixing the entrance of an ancient temple with an utilitarian structure from another era. I think that they may also compliment the diagonal lines of the wall, repeating the triangle theme? Posted: 01/14/2025 14:48:59
Hi Kirsti,
Thank you for your lovely comment. I'm glad you like the symmetry effect in the image! I agree with the overall feedback that the sky could benefit from some improvement. I also see the point about the rail shadow-it could introduce some confusion with the natural light. However, these images are meant to be imaginative, and I think they can carry a touch of unreality.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:18:48
Thank you for your lovely comment. I'm glad you like the symmetry effect in the image! I agree with the overall feedback that the sky could benefit from some improvement. I also see the point about the rail shadow-it could introduce some confusion with the natural light. However, these images are meant to be imaginative, and I think they can carry a touch of unreality.
Posted: 01/20/2025 13:18:48
Maria, What an interesting image you've created. I also find it quite enjoyable to allow my eyes to wander. I agree with Peggy's suggestion to add a levels correction and agree with Bruce with respect to the sky above the walls. I have no additional suggestions. I wonder if the image would be more powerful if you added a real sky with intense clouds, although I have to admit your handling creates some interesting animal and demonic faces centrally Posted: 01/16/2025 23:06:57
Hi Brad,
Thank you for your nice comment. I completely agree with everyone about the sky, but as you pointed out, what I really liked was the effect the clouds created-it gives the impression of a face looking at the fallen angel. Posted: 01/20/2025 13:32:15
Thank you for your nice comment. I completely agree with everyone about the sky, but as you pointed out, what I really liked was the effect the clouds created-it gives the impression of a face looking at the fallen angel. Posted: 01/20/2025 13:32:15
Just to add my opinion about the shadows of the rails - I noticed that they weren't realistic (only after looking at a lot of other aspects of the image first), but for me, it added to the surrealistic effect of the image. I know there are judges who would deduct points for that, but for me, the added strength of the leading lines and unworldliness more than overcome that insistence on reality. Posted: 01/20/2025 14:51:46