Gondola abstract

[Autumn]

Could this be called "Abstract?" We have "Abstract" as a set subject next time at our Club. I realise (now that I have posted this) that it needs some pp work doing on it. I think the black is too black. Anyway, any comments would be very welcome.

[Pol]

Re: Gondola abstract

I agree with you that it's too black and it needs some processing.

The shapes kinda remind me of a Harp and I also hear a harp over the rippling water. how about something along those lines when you set about processing?

Have a look at listen to Catrin Finch on youtube and maybe you'll see what I mean. Just an idea.

Pol

[Gez]

Re: Gondola abstract

I don't know if it's my eyes, but the background looks sharper than the foreground. As if the camera has focused on the wall not the boats?

[Autumn]

Re: Gondola abstract

The gondolas were moving.

[Autumn]

Re: Gondola abstract

I agree with you that it's too black and it needs some processing.

The shapes kinda remind me of a Harp and I also hear a harp over the rippling water. how about something along those lines when you set about processing?

Have a look at listen to Catrin Finch on youtube and maybe you'll see what I mean. Just an idea.

Pol

You certainly have an imagination Pol. I did listen and there is a very good harpist. Actually, I am only scouting for a projected image - there will not be music attached. Anyway, thanks for your comments.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Gondola abstract

Hi,

I have a few ideas, so how do you feel about other people editing your work and re-posting it

[Autumn]

Re: Gondola abstract

Hi,

I have a few ideas, so how do you feel about other people editing your work and re-posting it

Very happy!


Can't wait.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Gondola abstract

The ideas are mostly based on the removal of distractions. Cropping the LHS of the image gets rid of the line of the corner of the wall. The rest was just cloning of elements that again I found distracting.

I tried Auto Levels & Auto Contrast but it made no difference so I guess you had already done that. So I manually adjusted the brightness and contrast to give just a little more lift to the shadows.

Please remember that this is all done on a web res image and I really didn't take my time over it so its far from a "fully processed" edit.

Hopefully you'll get a better idea of the way I'd edit the image, than if I'd written my ideas.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Autumn]

Re: Gondola abstract

Thanks Graham. I see what you mean and agree to some extent. I feel that the crop on the left is too tight, so I may try to extend the wall without the line of the corner, about a quarter of an inch.

I had a look at the original which was in colour. I think the mono suits it, but probably it is not good enough for a competition, but somehow I still like the composition.

There was a lot more light under the arch in the original - I think I just went in with all guns blazing and yanked down the curves to make more contrast without considering the shadow.

I might start again and spend a little more time with it. Of course, I still can't stop the movement of the front gondola.

Thanks for taking the time Graham.

It's our club meeting tonight and we have Bob Rowe from Nottingham talking about Lightroom and showing us an A/v with voiceover and music etc.together with his own digital images.

[Autumn]

Re: Gondola abstract

I have now adjusted the position of the gondolas and blurred the background. I feel the black are not black enough,and it has lost its punch, but I don't really know how to achieve this without losing the details. I also think that the pole might be a bit too light.

Comments would be appreciated.

[peter]

Re: Gondola abstract

I can see what you are aiming for but it all looks a little bit dark to me. I also think you could lose the pole full stop.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Gondola abstract

I think you have a real justification for a return trip, on the grounds of seeking perfection

[Autumn]

Re: Gondola abstract

I think you have a real justification for a return trip, on the grounds of seeking perfection

I've been 3 times Graham, but I wouldn't mind returning. I have to agree with Peter, that although the pole is an integral part of Venice, I think on this occasion that it could be cloned out.

I don't really think it was abstract at all, now. It was an interesting exercise, but I will have to find something else.

Thanks all, for your contributions.

[Pol]

Re: Gondola abstract

You certainly have an imagination Pol. I did listen and there is a very good harpist. Actually, I am only scouting for a projected image - there will not be music attached. Anyway, thanks for your comments.

Audrey, I wasn't thinking along the lines of including any music in the auditory sense. I was thinking more along the lines of doing something with shapes and maybe some of the colours of the photo. Something creative, artistic and abstract that might fire the imagination to see and 'hear' the sights and sounds of Venice in one's mind.

I always loved your 'My Venice' picture, despite the comment from that 'artistically challenged' judge fella.

I'm attaching a screenshot of one of Catrin Finch's videos where she's using 2 instruments - a Harp and a Harpsicle (?). It's a shabby screenshot but there's a full harp to the left of the screen behind the Harpsicle she's playing

It was that particular video I immediately thought of when I saw your gondolas. Note how the tops of the instruments overlap and resemble the gondolas - then think of her rippling music (as water). Also imagine colours and Venetian atmosphere and I still think you could get an interesting abstract from your picci.

How about 'My Venice' colours but with Gondola shapes - or perhaps a superimposed'rippling' background. JW does some interesting superimposed backgrounds to create the sort of atmosphere he wants (see his archives).

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

Pol

[Autumn]

Re: Gondola abstract

Thanks Pol. I see what you mean. I don't think I am in "Creative" mode atm. I enjoyed just cropping and converting it to mono, but I am not sure that it was any good as an abstract anyway.