Brad Becker
November 2023 - The Big Picture
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About the Image(s)
This month I am trying to pull together an image that has sat on my desktop for months. The original picture of the beach had a surfer added and then a canvas treatment of the surface to suggest a traditional oil painting. This led to me adding the bust. I then added some more clouds so the bust wouldn't just be floating in the sky. I'm not sure I am happy with the bust. I had started with a bird which looked fine but I was looking for something a bit more surreal. Suggestions on other subject matter for the sky or direction to take this image are welcome.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
This is a very good shot of a surfer even if he is added. I, too, have had an image of a surfer hanging around, but I haven't felt motivated to revisit as you can see below. I feel from your "About the Image" comments that you realize that the bust does not belong here. The cloud above the surfer is such an eye-catching cloud that perhaps you can have the surfer surfing out of the cloud in its present position over the crashing waves. The right 40% of this image really draws the attention of anyone looking at it. The mantra of the judges who judge my camera club's competitions is "crop!" You certainly have an image with great potential. Posted: 11/05/2023 21:02:33
Hi Brad, any painter would be proud of the scene with the translucent water on the sand, and the rich hues of green and blue of the water and the sky. I like Alan's idea of the surfer emerging from the clouds very much: they are all such powerful elements that nothing else would be needed. - I like the statue, too (is he George Washington?), who seems to be so satisfied with present the state of affairs he is calmly observing. It came to my mind that you might show him more as a part of the cloud formation, although that would take off some of the surreal twist? Posted: 11/06/2023 06:53:25
Thanks for the feedback so far. Here is a version I did trying to integrate the image better. Posted: 11/06/2023 16:24:53
Speaking of surreal elements! Posted: 11/07/2023 05:37:20
Is it too much of a cliche to have the surfer coming out of the pitcher? Posted: 11/14/2023 06:51:02
I love the version with the hand and the pitcher! The way the wave breaks only to the right of the pitcher is fabulous! Also, you've got a great flow from the upper left, going down the arm to the pitcher to the foam, with the surfer beautifully placed in the middle of the breaking wave. I love the clarity of the water so we can see the pitcher. Personally, I think you've really got a keeper there, Brad!
Before I read the comments, I came up with an idea of a fog bank rolling in. Posted: 11/08/2023 15:59:23
Before I read the comments, I came up with an idea of a fog bank rolling in. Posted: 11/08/2023 15:59:23
Maybe with something menacing coming out of the fog... I don't have one with a tiger facing right on hand, but here's the idea.
But I like your hand with the pitcher better. Posted: 11/08/2023 16:00:45
But I like your hand with the pitcher better. Posted: 11/08/2023 16:00:45
I would have placed the bust inside the big cloud and cropped the empty ocean and the small cloud on the left side. Right now it is a loose composition.
Posted: 11/10/2023 17:40:43
Posted: 11/10/2023 17:40:43
Hi Aavo, your image masterfully recreates the feel of an oil painting, with beautiful colours and textures.
Personally, I find it challenging to establish a connection between the bust, the surfer and the seascape. It seems unlikely that the surfer is contemplating the figure, given his intense focus on riding the waves.
I found the version with the pitcher more interesting, because it connects better the elements.
I particularly appreciate the transparency of the water in that version. Posted: 11/17/2023 23:20:05
Personally, I find it challenging to establish a connection between the bust, the surfer and the seascape. It seems unlikely that the surfer is contemplating the figure, given his intense focus on riding the waves.
I found the version with the pitcher more interesting, because it connects better the elements.
I particularly appreciate the transparency of the water in that version. Posted: 11/17/2023 23:20:05