Monday 31 January, 2022

[dewarp]

For February the set subject at our camera club is “Silhouettes”. So, I have been working on silhouette images over the past couple of weeks.
 
Reading our set subject guidelines, I noted that silhouettes are supposed to have the dark portion being a flat homogeneous area without any detail. Looking on the web at many examples of artwork, I find that this is generally the case, and most definitions of silhouettes do mention a homogeneous flat area. However, my own work has led me to the conclusion that I far prefer photographic silhouettes to have some hint of texture in the dark area. Of course, it is much easier editing wise to stick to a flat dark area.
 
So, at the end of the day, all of the images that I plan to submit, have some hint of detail in the dark area. Attached is one of these titled “Photographer at Bogenfels Arch”.
 
The photo was taken at about 14:00 on a hazy day – there was no clear horizon line. I obviously enhanced the sky and darkened the arch. However, I found that it improved the image IMO to add back a hint of the arch’s texture, although the man and his immediate vicinity is certainly a flat dark area.
 
 
   


regards - Pete

[Luv2shoot]

Peter, I am excited to see this image that you speak of, however, so far no image can be seen!

[damar]

Beautiful composition and color, Pete!
Very nice!

Hi Lorell and all who follow.
The daffodils have been up for about a week.
This is a reduced size ipad photo. I have my camera with me, but I changed camera bags
and didn't have one single SD card in the bag or camera!

   

[Luv2shoot]

Patty, Daffodils…are you serious? Lucky you. Nothing better than to see signs of spring when so many are experiencing frigid weather conditions. It gives us something to look forward to. Nice to see bright yellow flowers early in the morning.

Peter, okay I can see your your spectacular silhouette. It was worth the wait. Oh my, Peter, It is another impressive, the tones, composition, detail, contrast, …, there is nothing that I would change. You may have another winner. Let us know.

[Rich]

Peter, WoW! Well done, the touch of detail does add to the interest. I am betting more of the detail is visible in a 300 dpi rendition too! Awesome looking sky and highlights too

Your research on silhouette definition is one of the reasons a painting usually doesn't look good. Way to much black which gives a deadening look. It just needs a little detail.

Patty, seriously??? WoW! Pretty sight to brighten the day!

[Dave]

That's a powerful and beautiful image, Peter. Of course the dark arch catches the eye, as does the figure. But the sky and water are rendered just as exceptionally well. I agree that a hint of detail in the darks of a silhouette adds lots of interest.

Hi Lorell. When do you start your drive to Florida?

damar, daffodils are always so pleasing. We usually have a few appear somewhere in the yard by this time, but I'm not seeing any yet.

Hi Rich. I agree with you about blacks ruining a painting. When I was doing watercolors I never used black, preferring to mix my own darks from various complementary colors for more interesting and sometimes even luminous near-blacks.

Another of the glorious sunrises that Mother Nature gifted me two mornings ago, taken right in front of my house...

   

[Adamphotoman]

I am Green with Envy
Good old fashioned Blizzard today.

   

[Rich]

Hi Rich. I agree with you about blacks ruining a painting. When I was doing watercolors I never used black, preferring to mix my own darks from various complementary colors for more interesting and sometimes even luminous near-blacks.

I have found that Ultra Marine Blue and Burnt Umber make a wonderful dark!

Keep the blizzards up there Grant. We are due for one but would like to wait until March or April!

[damar]

Yes, the daffodils are a few weeks early! No complaints!
Hi Rich! Do you have any snow on the ground?
Hi Dave! What a dramatic sky! Good capture of intense color.
Hi Grant…man, that’s near white-out conditions. I hope you are staying cozy and have a well stocked pantry. No fun going out in that.
But it is pretty!
Lorell, how’s it looking for your Florida trip?
Our little cold snap is moving out. It’s 52° here with an expected high of 56°. So maybe I can get some photos this week.
Been keeping busy in the kitchen. I love cooking when it’s cold outside.

[Adamphotoman]

The worst part is the snow drifts sabotage the puppy fence.

So I went out to shovel their Moat....

They didn't stay out long.