Barbara Asacker
August 2026 - Chief Massasoit
About the Image(s)
This grand statue of the Native American leader Massasoit stands majestically on a hill overlooking Plymouth harbor. Directly below the statue is the portico that houses Plymouth Rock. Massasoit was the leader who helped the Pilgrims settlers in 1620. Processed in Photoshop and Nik Silver Efex.
Nikon Z611; f/8; 24-70 lens @ 24mm; 1/500 sec; ISO 250
6 comments posted
This commanding composition conveys the chief's confidence and authority. There is no doubt who is in charge here. It is a truly impressive image.
I'm curious whether you selectively brightened the clouds surrounding the upper body to further emphasize the subject. If so, I would love to know how you achieved that effect-it adds a striking sense of presence to the sculpture. Posted: 08/01/2026 17:33:26
I'm curious whether you selectively brightened the clouds surrounding the upper body to further emphasize the subject. If so, I would love to know how you achieved that effect-it adds a striking sense of presence to the sculpture. Posted: 08/01/2026 17:33:26
Thank you, Chris.
I attached the original unedited version. The upper part of the sky was already bright. In Lightroom I applied a radial gradient mask around the upper part of the statue, inverted the mask and decreased the exposure. The sky was darkened and the light remained around the subject. Posted: 08/02/2026 00:42:24
I attached the original unedited version. The upper part of the sky was already bright. In Lightroom I applied a radial gradient mask around the upper part of the statue, inverted the mask and decreased the exposure. The sky was darkened and the light remained around the subject. Posted: 08/02/2026 00:42:24
A commanding statue which is given presence by the silhouette. I actually prefer the original because I feel the tree coming in from the top right somehow balances the picture. The dramatic way you have presented the picture makes it your own, even though the artwork is someone else's. Good to know who he was. Posted: 08/17/2026 08:33:20
Thank you, Robin. Posted: 08/17/2026 13:04:05
Barbara -- The thing I like best about this image is the moccasins; they are evocative of the native culture represented by the statue and they provide context. Overall, I like the image but wish the interesting details of his gear was a little easier to read. I confess I am woefully ignorant about many of the colonial-era notables; it comes from living in the west my whole life. Thanks for showcasing this native icon. Posted: 08/22/2026 16:29:32
Thank you, Kathleen. Posted: 08/22/2026 17:12:11