Well I finally got out to do a little shooting this past weekend. The main subject I came across was an old dilapidated truck. Great subject for some nitty-gritty HDR images. While there were other vehicles, I choose to really work this vehicle. I have included three of the images here in the blog. As usual these have all been processed in Photomatix (grunge look) and processed further in Photoshop using Nik Software pluggins. The top blog image is a bit different in that it is composed of a multiply blend of a high structure BW image (ala SilvreEfx Pro) and the color image – gives it a real gritty look. Also note that I chose to break a rule and let the horizon line in the background be tilted. Keeping the background out of focus made this less of an issue so I could add the dynamic tilt to the truck.
Which one do you like best?
3 Comments
ive never really liked hdr. it doesnt have any emotional connection to me. however the last image is insane. the rusty truck is otherworldly in contrast with the green fields. the realism, or likeness to how our mind sees those fields, gives the picture a reference of place and time for me. the pic reminds me of the generations of farmers that have tilled the land. the old truck once a workhorse, now a ghost, still out there amongst the green fields in spirit. im reminded of all the character that comes along with leading a farmers life
and the children of that life growing up with character. im reminded of all those endangered small town values. i can almost see somebody from another time driving the truck. perhaps a farmer, a father or mother, someone who goes to church every sunday. hes smiling at the camera from another dimension satisfied the fields are still being tilled and that hes still with those who inherited his hard and simple life. wonderful composition!!
Kalani, glad you liked the last one. I think I understand what you mean about HDR seeming emotionless. But don't through the baby out with the bath water. Most of what I put on the blog is processed for the grunge or illustrative look. "Natural HDR" enhances an image but in a way the viewer doesn't even realize. I will have to do a blog of just natural HDR sometime.
For me when I shoot old decaying machines grunge HDR is a great way to catch that fascinating detail that comes with decay. That triggers an emotion in me that I can't describe well yet. Take care.
#1 and #3 are my faves. Hard to pick between the two. #1 is kind of a classic Topaz sort of look (I realize you used other tools). But I love the subject/composition in #3. It's different. So I pick that one.