Wynwood is a fabulous area in Miami. It is filled with exciting galleries, restaurants and lots of commissioned graffiti art. It's a great place for photography with many opportunities for street photography, On this day there were a group of dancers practicing in front of the graffiti. They were happy to pose, but the more interesting captures were those where they were not aware of the camera.
I loved the lines that this young dancer created. I know that the graffiti behind her may be overpowering, but thought that the contrast of her simplicity against the busy background worked here.
After a Lifepixel action to convert, I noticed that her hair rendered a beautiful red. The soft skin tones also seemed to work. Leaving the dancer alone, converted the rest to black in Photoshop. Using select color, I created stark black and white tones. Sharpened and de-noised in Topas AI. Looking forward to your comments.
Sony ARII 200 ISO, F8, 1/800, 28mm
12 comments posted
Arik Gorban
My first reaction was Ouch. Interesting capture. I like the red hair. Maybe lighten up the middle section of the dancer. The original shows more details. Posted: 02/01/2025 19:58:17
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Arik. Your comment certainly made me think as I purposely darkened her leotard. I will revisit. Posted: 02/11/2025 15:42:29
Henry Heerschap
Arik's "Ouch" comment mirrors my own first thought. My second thought is that this is terrific street photography. I like everything about it.
Posted: 02/04/2025 22:41:21
Melanie Hurwitz
Much appreciated Henry Posted: 02/11/2025 15:42:57
Jack Florence Jr
I think the infrared black and white neutralizes the graffiti to some extent, Melanie, turning it all into a busy background which works really well. She stands out from the busy-ness, helped by leaving some color in her hair. I wish the background extended all the way to the left, but otherwise, it's edgy, dynamic, and compelling. Posted: 02/04/2025 23:52:36
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Jack. You make a good point which is easily fixed. Posted: 02/11/2025 15:44:16
Emil Davidzuk
Melanie
Amazing core strength.
What if you darkened the background and lightened the dancer?
Emil Posted: 02/05/2025 00:30:57
Melanie Hurwitz
You may well have found the answer to the busy background. Thank you Emil. Posted: 02/11/2025 15:46:01
Charles Walker
Melanie, I can see why you left the dancer alone. Why not? The hair color is attractive. Perhaps lightening the dancer might help, but overall, it's a great capture. Posted: 02/05/2025 01:07:52
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Chuck. I know it needs some more work. Posted: 02/11/2025 15:46:37
Gary Potts
Hi Melanie,
What a unique candid...good catch. The colored hair in an otherwise monochromatic image doesn't work for me, but it appears my peers would disagree. I do think you can add some detail to the torso. The pose is simply one we would virtually never see...and that gives it impact. Posted: 02/05/2025 12:35:07
Melanie Hurwitz
Thanks Gary, I thought I needed to do something to separate her from that busy background Every did have an idea and I will work to find the balance. Posted: 02/11/2025 15:48:57
