...the other evening, lying on the rug as one might do when one has ankylosing spondylitis and sitting for long periods of time is not usually a Good Idea, my eye was drawn to this lamp and the shadows it was casting. So after dark, when everyone else was in bed, I hunted around for a tripod and set up the 'Blad. I know 'real photographers' use tripods all the time - I see them doing it. But I'm not really a tripod sort of person (unless the Sinar is getting an airing), so I had to go up to the attic and hunt around a bit until it revealed itself to me.
Anyway, back to the lamp in question. I did a couple of prints of it, trying to get the subtlety of the lighting that my eyes saw. Not sure I captured it completely faithfully, but these were the best of the bunch.
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| First attempt, after sepia toning - too much, I thought. |
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| Second attempt - better? |
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| Second attempt after sepia toning. |
Been looking at them all now... back and forth, and back again... and you know the deal. Can't really make up my mind about them, but think I'd go for a combination of the first and third attemt, I think. The absolutely beautiful exposure of that last one, combined with the rather strict and a bit sterile composition of the one at the top. I might even have cropped it a tiny tad... without telling anyone, of course :))
ReplyDeleteNah, it's a difficult question but I really love the toning and the exposure of that last one.
Interesting, Roy - thanks for taking the time to look and comment. I liked the first one too and sat with it a day or two before deciding it was just too much - I wanted more detail in the actual lamp-shade and to tone the whole thing down a bit. I prefer the third one too in terms of exposure and toning. Composition is another question :)
DeleteI know, I know... you didn't ask for composition advices, but sometimes I just can't hold back, you know :))
DeleteAnyway, the last one is just perfect in balance and light and everything you asked for, and beautifully toned as well of course. I really really like the way the lamp-shade goes from more or less fully black to more or less paper white in a nice graduation. Great job done!