Brad Becker
July 2021 - unsafe
Original
Original 2
Original 3
About the Image(s)
This image started with a beautiful image of cherry blossoms and slowly became very dark. Technically it was one of my most challenging images to work with in a long time as it is nearly impossible to select edges of overlapping trees. I really liked the juxtaposition of the waves at the base of the trees but it took me weeks to figure out how to handle the sky. Stars, sunsets, birds were very disappointing. When I overlaid this cloud image it was clear it was meant to be paired.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
As I was born and raised in South Carolina, my first impression of this image was a cotton field. I didn't see the ocean as I was fixed on cotton. Original 2 is an example of "if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it," but has potential for future blending. I'm not sure where you're going with this composite. It's a little busy for the "less is more" side of me. Posted: 07/05/2021 09:14:42
Alan, I ran out of time this month and didn't want to not contribute. I liked the direction this was going but ran into technical problems with integrating the sky and the trees. If they were just dead trees without so many branches I think it could have worked. I do strive for "less is more" but don't always succeed, especially on group 54 as many of my images work nicely with 2 photos. Posted: 07/07/2021 21:17:52
I appreciate the amount of work that went into creating this images. The composition of trees and water is well done but some of the front trees seem somewhat pasted on. The problem I have struggled on some of my entries. Posted: 07/06/2021 13:59:29
Aavo, Yes, I got in over my head with these trees. It took a lot of time to blend the waves but they worked. The sky was too complicated but I liked the direction it was going. I may try using the new sky substitution feature of photoshop to see if it works better. Posted: 07/07/2021 21:19:46
Yikes, you definitely accomplished the "dark" here Brad. Considering what we're facing with drought, high temps and possible fires, it really speaks to me.
Posted: 07/06/2021 14:14:12
Posted: 07/06/2021 14:14:12
Kathy, I know what you mean. I wasn't thinking about climate change when playing with this image but I suspect it was working at an unconscious level. Based on your comments I may go back and add fire to the tops of the trees. It may solve my transition issue and may create a powerful splash of color. Posted: 07/07/2021 21:22:15
Glad to help, lol! Posted: 07/07/2021 21:45:00
(Group 41)
I think Kathy has a good idea about adding fire to the tops of the trees. Good work on creating a moody image. Posted: 07/08/2021 13:38:41
This is a very cool image, Brad!
The sky was definitely an inspired addition. The b&w works extremely well.
This is one of those images that is so suggestive I keep thinking of what else could be done. I thought it might be interesting to have the trees extend more into the clouds, perhaps using the smudge tool, or have the clouds extend further down to make the trees more transparent as they extend upwards. But those ideas seemed to muddy the image, so I have no suggestions for you.
I really like how the darkness of the rocks and the tree trunks anchor the image, and the turbulence of the water is reflected in an airy sort of way in the clouds.
In short, well done Brad!
Posted: 07/16/2021 16:24:10
The sky was definitely an inspired addition. The b&w works extremely well.
This is one of those images that is so suggestive I keep thinking of what else could be done. I thought it might be interesting to have the trees extend more into the clouds, perhaps using the smudge tool, or have the clouds extend further down to make the trees more transparent as they extend upwards. But those ideas seemed to muddy the image, so I have no suggestions for you.
I really like how the darkness of the rocks and the tree trunks anchor the image, and the turbulence of the water is reflected in an airy sort of way in the clouds.
In short, well done Brad!
Posted: 07/16/2021 16:24:10