Alan Kaplan
November 2023 - Colonial Store Customer
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About the Image(s)
There’s a lot of Tone Mapping in this composite. Tone Mapping is a technique that approximates HDR processing in a single photo. I use a combination of Adobe Camera Raw and Nik software’s Color Efex Pro to achieve my Tone Mapping effect. Each person in this image was photographed at Colonial Williamsburg and was then Tone Mapped individually. I took 3 quick bracketed, hand-held photos of the general store and processed them in the HDR program Photomatix. Neither of the 2 people in the general store was present when I took the picture of the store, nor was the man outside present. I placed the man outside the window because I felt the scene was too static. SPOILER ALERT: The general store, itself, is not in the United States. It is part of a replication of an old west town in Punta Arenas, Chili.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
15 comments posted
Hi Alan, a travel back in time with exquisite detail. The interaction between the salesperson and the customer looks so natural that it is hard to think that they were not in the same room together to begin with, and the action outside the window does add to a lively scene. I love the unsaturated faded color scheme, and the lights and shadows fall perfectly, as always. - About Tone Mapping: did you create some sort of common preset that you applied to all the individual images, or are all of them processed separately? Posted: 11/05/2023 13:32:46
There is not a common preset because each image requires different treatment. I call my method my "witch's brew." I start by sharpening the image before using a complicated sequence in Adobe Camera Raw to make adjustments. Once I've accepted ACR's adjustments, I apply Nik Software's Color Efex Pro 5's "Detail Extractor," "Tonal Contrast," and "Pro Contrast" in that order. I once wrote down my Witch's Brew. I'll see if I can find it and email it to you if you like. Posted: 11/05/2023 21:13:17
Thank you, Ihat would be great! - This is a very suitable name for the magic you are making with the treatment. Posted: 11/05/2023 22:42:09
I'll look for it today. Posted: 11/07/2023 06:54:49
Thank you so much, Alan, for sharing the recipe! I have the new Nik bundle and we share a Photomatix license, but so far I have wandered rather aimlessly among the features, just trying out what might look good. Cannot wait to start experimenting! Posted: 11/08/2023 00:20:22
Thank you so much, Alan, for sharing the recipe! I have the new Nik bundle and we share a Photomatix license, but so far I have wandered rather aimlessly among the features, just trying out what might look good. Cannot wait to start experimenting! Posted: 11/09/2023 06:51:06
Alan, This is a masterfully done image. I have no suggestions as it feels complete as is. Posted: 11/06/2023 18:20:39
Thank you! Posted: 11/06/2023 19:04:05
This is beautifully executed, Alan. All the components fit seamlessly together. The colors are from a pleasing palette. There's enough shadow to give depth and definition, while plenty of light to see all the delightful details. I love how you can see the view through the window, which is appropriately bright but not distracting. The leading line of the counter brings my eye straight to the transaction between the store clerk and the customer.
The only thing that distracts me a little is the ceiling - it takes up a fair bit of the image and is somewhat bright, leading my eye out the window when I want to look at the people inside. I might consider reducing it just a bit.
Posted: 11/08/2023 15:26:35
The only thing that distracts me a little is the ceiling - it takes up a fair bit of the image and is somewhat bright, leading my eye out the window when I want to look at the people inside. I might consider reducing it just a bit.
Posted: 11/08/2023 15:26:35
Thank you for taking the time to provide so much feedback. I looked at the ceiling and saw that on my computer that it is not too bright. If I cropped the ceiling, I would come dangerously close to the hanging light. The people who judge competitions for my camera club emphasize "cropping" ad nauseum. I always wrestle with the idea of cropping and how much a part adds to the overall image, especially in landscapes. It is probably an age-old discussion, and we'll just have to learn from it as we go. Posted: 11/08/2023 16:02:01
I totally agree. Posted: 11/08/2023 16:25:29
At first look I assumed the store was in Williamsburg. I was happy to find that at least the people were in Williamsburg.
This again proves that you cannot trust everything you see in a photograph. But on the other hand this is what makes photography an art form.
Beautiful sharp image. Great composition. Especially leaving both windows in the image. Some photographers would have cropped the right side. Posted: 11/10/2023 17:25:45
This again proves that you cannot trust everything you see in a photograph. But on the other hand this is what makes photography an art form.
Beautiful sharp image. Great composition. Especially leaving both windows in the image. Some photographers would have cropped the right side. Posted: 11/10/2023 17:25:45
Hi Alan, your image is truly excellent, and your tone mapping technique is executed so well that it resembles an old stamp or photograph.
The composition. is also impressive, and the placement of your characters works seamlessly. The character outside of the room complements the scene in a fantastic way.
I understand Peggy's point about the ceiling and the attention it draws from the scene. I agree that a bit of darkening could help to reduce its prominence.
Overall, I really appreciate this image and the skilful technique required to bring it all together. Posted: 11/17/2023 23:02:36
The composition. is also impressive, and the placement of your characters works seamlessly. The character outside of the room complements the scene in a fantastic way.
I understand Peggy's point about the ceiling and the attention it draws from the scene. I agree that a bit of darkening could help to reduce its prominence.
Overall, I really appreciate this image and the skilful technique required to bring it all together. Posted: 11/17/2023 23:02:36
Thank you for your positive feedback. Posted: 11/18/2023 08:44:36