About the Image(s)
We recently visited St Louis. My thanks go to Emil for his wonderful guiding of the beautiful city. Forrest Park is just an awesome place to visit with great photographic opportunities. The Jewel Box is a fairly ordinary looking building with a lovely reflection pool. I enjoyed showing the reflected building, but also was fascinated by the pond itself. I did want sharpness throughout.
I must admit to being partial to the color version, but am showing it in mono for the purists among us. After converting, I removed spots in the water. Then opened up the plant reflections. Contrast was the name of the game and I wanted the lily pads to show brightly on the dark water.
I look forward to your comments.
Sony AII F14, 70mm, 1/800, ISO 200
Henry Heerschap
This is beautiful, Melanie. Your processing was spot on for the subject. I have no suggestions. I prefer the black and white rendering, but I see a lot of possibilities with color here and would encourage you to explore them. Posted: 12/03/2024 22:06:23
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Henry Posted: 12/11/2024 22:01:58
Emil Davidzuk
Melanie,
I am so glad you were able to shoot at Forest Park.
In all the years I have photographed the Jewel Box I have not tried to focus solely on the reflection pond. Seeing your image this month, I am kicking myself.
Nicely done
Emil Posted: 12/03/2024 22:51:41
Melanie Hurwitz
Ah Emil, Thank goodness we all se differently. You have shown gorgeous images of this. Posted: 12/11/2024 22:03:15
Gary Potts
Hi Melanie,
Great subject for IR. My immediate first reaction is that I'm confused by the composition and the merge of the building reflection with the pads. Also, my eye is immediately drawn to the very bright highlight of the growth popping up in the lower left hand corner. This is a good location to really work the scene and see what emerges as the strongest image from many taken. Posted: 12/06/2024 13:25:52
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Gary, I thought the lower left would give balance. I should have at least removed the vertical stalk. Your critique is always appreciated. Posted: 12/11/2024 22:05:56
Arik Gorban
Nice scene for IR. I like the reflection of the building, but I agree with Gary that the bright object on the left is taking too much attention. I prefer the B&W version in this case. Your processing is great. Posted: 12/06/2024 21:25:11
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Arik, Please see my reply to Gary. Posted: 12/11/2024 22:06:30
Jack Florence Jr
I like the graphical qualities to this, Melanie; the circles on the pond, the squares of the reflections, the lines of the reeds; nice. You could finesse the crop at the top, to where it's all pond showing. I also found the water lilies etc left corner to be a distraction. If you had a few at right, that would balance it. I like the blue toned one just as much. Posted: 12/08/2024 23:05:17
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Jack, I do have other versions and will work on them. Posted: 12/11/2024 22:08:16
Charles Walker
Melanie, I too like the color version. It makes the reflection of the jewel box and the circular fountains. My eye wants to see more of the distant horizon, but I am sure you framed the photo this way for good reason. Posted: 12/10/2024 22:57:11
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Chuck, I will look a all the other versions I have. Posted: 12/11/2024 22:08:57
