Once again, I’m having fun playing with older images that I’ve not spent enough time with. I don’t know about you, but, I find that I come back from a shoot, pick the “winners” or “keepers” and then move on to the next shoot leaving the last behind. And doesn’t that fit with the want it now, need it now, show me the next best picture now state of things? Here I am trying to be more mindful about my photography, yet oft times I am not mindful about the images I’ve captured. Rather, I feel compelled to run out and capture the next “keeper” when I likely already have one. I just haven’t taken the time, mindfully, to evaluate what I captured.
Both images are from the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. The lead image was duplicated then flipped and mirrored into a new image and then converted to b&w. I used the TKActionsv4 luminosity masking panel in Photoshop to fine tune the black & white conversation. Pretty powerful tool, but, there is a learning curve. I suggest Sean Bashaw’s excellent videos if you are interested in learning about them. The image below was fine tuned with my go to plugin, Topaz Clarity. Yes, there is a clarity slider in Lightroom but this is a much more powerful tool with so much more control.
Having just presented another webinar for Topaz, I am allowed to share my 25% discount code for any Topaz product good through March 27th. Just click this link and then use the code BARCLAYWEB18 at checkout to save 25%. This includes any upgrade path as well. So, if you own one or more Topaz products, just log into your Topaz account and look for the already discounted upgrade price and then ADD the 25% off. Makes for a very nice price!
[Tweet “What is it? Does it matter? Do you care?”]
I know exactly what you mean. I think that’s why Brooks Jensen’s philosophy of projects vs greatest hits is so powerful. I have recently been trying to focus more on that type of outlook. Though I have so many old shots I never did anything with that I could probably process, group, organize, and play with them for quite some time. And hopefully have some neat stuff come from it.
I’m sure you’d come up with neat stuff from old stuff Howard.
Thanks John!
It’s always amazing how one image can become another with a little creativity. I think we all should book some computer time, just as we do shooting time. I always go back in my old image files to find the one that got away. It’s amazing what you can find and even more amazing when you find a B shot that becomes an A shot with a little extra effort and your black and white image shows.
Thank you Rich
Your image reminds me of a Cathedral. Amazing!
Thank you Janet.
Hi John,
I have been there, I know what it is, and I don’t really care what it is. But I like the lines, the flow, and the contrasts. Great images from the past.
Hey Karl! Always great to hear from you!
That’s what some people in the north do during the winter season, pour over their inventory of photographs and see what else they can create.
That may be true Anna Jo but don’t you think those warm weather folks should be doing it too? 🙂
Isn’t that the definition of abstract art – what is it? does it matter? who cares? Nobody but the people who follow the rules and you know what I think about them!
Yup!
I’ve been doing the same thing. Left many images in a cloud of dust & moved on. These are great abstracts!
No you Barbara! I’m shocked! 🙂
Yes, I definitely do this, too. It’s fun to come back and discover something new from something old!
Yes it is! And I’m finding more “keepers” than ever. Always appreciate your stopping by.
Well done, and well said, John. Many of us, myself included, get caught in the ‘trap’ of the next best image out there, when we have jewels still sitting on our drives yet to be polished.