Peter Newman
January 2022 - Salute to Lady Liberty
About the Image(s)
I went on an evening harbor cruise for photographers, sponsored by B & H, and spotted this scene. Shot with my D800 with my Nikkor 28-300, 1/400 @ f13, ISO 2000, just about sunset. The clouds and spray covered the hot spot from the sun. The image was made in camera, with some cropping, and some small adjustments for contrast. When I started this series the helicopter was there, but it was not present in this image. I put it back in, to restore the original scene, by adding the balance that I originally saw. (I doubt if any judge in Landscape or travel will agree, but that is what happened.) As usual all constructive comments are appreciated.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
5 comments posted
Hi Peter, I agree the helicopter needs to be in there, but you need to make it less sharp. It would not be so clear in the midst of all that cloud cover, and it is sharper than the atatue of liberty. Wonderful colors! Posted: 01/06/2022 23:28:21
Hi Peter, The helicopter definitely balances the composition. I found a sinister quality in that one water spray seems to be extinguishing Liberty's torch. The reddish darkness seems to say we are in a fiery situation. Is this a statement on contemporary America? Great photo op. Wish I was there. Karl Posted: 01/07/2022 10:54:26
Fascinating image rich in possible interpretations. On first view I was struck by the color, curved shapes, stark simplicity and otherworldliness reminiscent of the final scene in one of "Planet of the Apes" films. For realism I agree with Lauren that the helicopter should be hazed. However, as presented the helicopter offers escape from the otherworld. A crop generates an ominous scene of the flag struggling against looming perils -- in agreement with Karl's suggestion of a statement on contemporary America. Can you post the originals you used, and describe the details of your postprocessing? Posted: 01/10/2022 12:18:14
Hi Judith, I inadvertently emailed my reply, instead of posting it here. I did not do much in post. Just made some obvious changes to the overall color, and decreased contrast. Of course, I added the copter. I agree that the copter should have less presence. Posted: 01/15/2022 21:50:17
This beautiful image feels Japanese, despite the presence of the Statue of Liberty. I agree with Karl and Judith about the sinister quality, with both the statue and the flag being endangered. The image certainly gives us plenty to think about, especially -as already said, in this day and age. Posted: 01/17/2022 17:54:13