Lance Lewin
July 2024 - From Intimate with Nature Series: Yugen (Mysterious Beauty)
About the Image(s)
Digitally Registered w/5D Mark II 35mm Fine Art Photography
Post production to emphasize shadows.
PSCC and Silver Efex Pro-3 software.
This image is one of several new interpretations of nature I began last week while traveling in Xalapa, Mexico. I had time to reflect on my current Intimate with /nature series and after several days of contemplation decided a more mysterious vibe would be a welcomed change for some of my work.
(Note, best viewing on larger (bright) monitors or V-large TV screens).
This round’s discussion is now closed!
12 comments posted
My first impression was that this was an underwater shot! The brightness of the flowers and the upper part of the image in contrast with the darker, shadowy leaves is impressive. Posted: 07/03/2024 17:47:09
I am glad you are enjoying the scene. Thank you, Cindy. Posted: 07/03/2024 18:50:22
Looks sort of IR or UV. I like the processing. Would be tricky to print, no? Posted: 07/04/2024 12:45:16
Yes, the application of the polarizing filter and use of the Soft Contrast adjustment in Silver Efex Pro-3 will often illuminate this type of visual characteristics. They must be used with care as these tools can move beyond what is expected or determined as normal ... this defined within "classic tradition"; here, I am flirting near these boundaries.
Another, yes ... printing may prove difficult as this image also borders what I often term, "visual confusion", which Chan and me reflects on below. Thank you for these important questions. (see the DD-83 image using similar tools). Posted: 07/07/2024 10:47:52
Another, yes ... printing may prove difficult as this image also borders what I often term, "visual confusion", which Chan and me reflects on below. Thank you for these important questions. (see the DD-83 image using similar tools). Posted: 07/07/2024 10:47:52
Lance, there you go again! You trouble me. You confuse me. You excite me. You teach me. Thank you.
My first look at this image had me asking, "What is Lance doing now?" But then, I "cut my B&W teeth" on Ansel Adams and his dark blacks and bold whites. Therefore, at first glance your image looked muddy.
I then spent many minutes just looking at this image on my computer screen. Now I understand, I think, and appreciate what you are doing. You have created a very quiet, minimalistic piece of art. It is restful and contemplative. I compared this piece to the more energetic image you posted this month in your B&W group. The image you have presented here is restful with a minimum of digital information to deal with. The more energetic image in the B&W group now seems to overwhelm me with digital information overload. Posted: 07/05/2024 14:02:19
My first look at this image had me asking, "What is Lance doing now?" But then, I "cut my B&W teeth" on Ansel Adams and his dark blacks and bold whites. Therefore, at first glance your image looked muddy.
I then spent many minutes just looking at this image on my computer screen. Now I understand, I think, and appreciate what you are doing. You have created a very quiet, minimalistic piece of art. It is restful and contemplative. I compared this piece to the more energetic image you posted this month in your B&W group. The image you have presented here is restful with a minimum of digital information to deal with. The more energetic image in the B&W group now seems to overwhelm me with digital information overload. Posted: 07/05/2024 14:02:19
Chan, your evaluation hits the nail on the head between these two (DD-83 & DD-87) featured images. As always, thank you for your detailed analysis.
Indeed, the DD83 image is very involved or more structurally active than work I am beginning to create more often ... but I am hoping its energy translates well for a large, very large print.
On the other hand, the featured composition here is very much within the characteristics we find and learn to appreciate following oriental-based aesthetics, and this work is something I will begin to create more of going forward ... at least at different levels or intensities to one we see here. Thank you, Chan. Posted: 07/07/2024 10:39:04
Indeed, the DD83 image is very involved or more structurally active than work I am beginning to create more often ... but I am hoping its energy translates well for a large, very large print.
On the other hand, the featured composition here is very much within the characteristics we find and learn to appreciate following oriental-based aesthetics, and this work is something I will begin to create more of going forward ... at least at different levels or intensities to one we see here. Thank you, Chan. Posted: 07/07/2024 10:39:04
Interesting image/creative processing. My eyes go straight to the bright flowers . . . then wander around the frame - trying to understand the background and darker leaves at the bottom. The primary focus is the largest/brightest flower facing the camera - but the nearby smaller/darker flowers add to the scene without distracting. I wonder if the processed lighting is a bit over-done; trying to understand how this variation in lighting would exist in nature. You have an interesting series of images! Posted: 07/07/2024 09:20:23
Good questions Steve ... 'trying to understand how this variation in lighting would exist in nature' ... and as I spoke to Will (above), I am flirting with some of the normalities we expect with the "classic tradition" of manipulation: in this case, a careful eye may visualize this scene while sitting on the shore of this small lake ... and like Ansel Adams visualizations (and others'), also trying to maintain an authentic sense of reality with a creative hand can sometimes bring us into a new dimension if we are not careful, unless of course the artist is strictly looking for a new dimension.
I am very much flirting with this "line" between what we expect in interpreting the Real, and Fantasy. I hope we decide, especially in the Print version, the work imbues a Fine Art appearance but maintained inside the borders of the Real. Thank you, Steve. Posted: 07/07/2024 10:59:30
I am very much flirting with this "line" between what we expect in interpreting the Real, and Fantasy. I hope we decide, especially in the Print version, the work imbues a Fine Art appearance but maintained inside the borders of the Real. Thank you, Steve. Posted: 07/07/2024 10:59:30
This is an image that one wants to take the time to look and contemplate. The image as a whole is very relaxing and meditative. The tonal range here is fantastic. My eyes are drawn to the brighter flower petals at first, but then naturally graduates down to the darker stem and leaves. I really appreciate your "line" between fine art and the real. This image is a great example that this can be done as both are clearly shown here. Excellent...thanks for teaching us and stretching our boundaries! Posted: 07/08/2024 12:45:24
Dale, really appreciate your encouraging words ... and your focus about presenting photographic work that balances between Fine Art, but maintaining a sense of authenticity ... and how I hope my work is perceived. Thank you. Posted: 07/08/2024 17:24:25
The line between the real and fantasy - a very interesting place to explore! Some have characterized this as a peaceful or restful image, but to me there is some tension introduced by the darkness of the lower half. One almost has to struggle to extract the stem and leaves from the surrounding gloom. Yet the focus is perfect throughout. I get what Cindy said about being under water. Intriguing, yes. Restful, no. Posted: 07/09/2024 22:14:44
Indeed, "tension" is a viable interpretation or feeling held within this image/subject. I am glad you are intrigued.
Thank you for your thought provoking feedback, Jennifer. Posted: 07/11/2024 01:21:18
Thank you for your thought provoking feedback, Jennifer. Posted: 07/11/2024 01:21:18