BROKEN WINDOWS AND FLAT WALLS

A SMALL SHED AT PORTOLA, 2012

I am learning to not print a photograph without first giving it a day or two to "simmer" on the back burner. I like the idea of coming back to the image later to see if I can improve it any more. I oftentimes do make changes that I think will lead to a stronger image.

The above image is a case-in-point. I thought I it was complete, but I just now made the following changes in my cropping. Now, I am unsure as to which to print.

Suggestions are welcome.

A SMALL SHED AT PORTOLA II, 2012

SHADES OF BLUE AND GREEN WITH SOME RUST IN THE MIX

DABS OF RUST ON A GREEN RAIL CAR,  OCTOBER 2012

I printed two copies of this image this morning. The print from the first attempt is where I had my first problem ever with my printer. There were a couple of blue splatters in the sky and on the margin. I did a thorough printer cleaning, and the second print came out clean. The sky in the first variation of this image was more violet. I made some changes to go more toward blue.

MY FIRST INTERPRETATION OF THIS PHOTOGRAPH

Lisa likes the violet sky more than the blue. I have to sit with them for awhile for me to know.

I usually process and print much like I take the images. That is, I tend to work the image in a routine that I have established up to a certain point. I sometimes then make a copy or two. I then compare the "proofs" in the "print" module. I much prefer looking at a possible print from that view. I can see the image as it will sit on the paper. I cannot explain why I prefer previewing the images in this manner, but it really help me determine what I will print. Thank goodness that I have a calibrated monitor.

I JUST CANNOT HELP BUT MAKE THEM THIS WAY

TRIBUTE TO AN EARLIER PERIOD OF RAILROADING, OCTOBER 2012

I spent several days at Portola, Ca. last week. I intended on spending a day there, but because of car trouble, I was compelled to spend the weekend. It was my original intention to go to the Western Pacific Railroad Museum once, but because I was limited to going everywhere on foot, I visited the museum at least four times, and at various times of the day.

My old 4-Runner was repaired Monday, and I drove home Tuesday. I started reviewing my images and the highlights come from the series that the above image comes from. I will include several more variations on this old passenger car over the next few days. I took 420 images on my little outing, and I suppose that in having six or eight images that I think really meet my expectations  is what I call a successful outing.

Eureka Theater Number 22 or Wired

An Oblique Look at the Eureka Theater, 2012

Here is another image from the other morning. I am considering working it more, and I am considering removing the wires. Back when I used film I never had the option, and so I incorporated them into the composition. I attempt to do that now, but there are times...

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN?

SAINT BERNARD'S CHURCH, EUREKA, OCTOBER 2012

This is another photograph that I took and processed last Sunday morning. I printed and framed it today, and I intend to have it be a part of my upcoming exhibition Doorways, Stairs, and Widows to the Soul. I may revise the title as I continue producing the images.

BACK IN ACTION

EYE CANDY, EUREKA, OCTOBER 2012

I took this photograph yesterday morning. I spent a lot of time working this and other images from the day's shooting. I have two variations on this image, and I cannot decide which one to print. I removed the wires from the second image. I would love to hear any opinions on your preference.

OFF LINE FOR AWHILE

AT THE FISH MARKET, BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA, 2008

When I was in Korea several years ago, I took the bullet train to Busan (Pusan). I met a young Korean service man on the train. He was fluent in English, and we decided to go to the huge fish market in Busan for sashimi. The lady in the photograph with me was the fish vendor we picked. She kept live fish, and my new friend picked out two for our meal. The fish were butchered on the spot, and we went upstairs to feast.

I am busy dealing with some family issues, and will remaing off line for several more days.

ANOTHER WORK IN PROGRESS

SUNSET ON THE BALD HILLS, 2012

I took this last night, and worked on it just now. I think it is close, but not quite the cigar-worthy image that I think it can become. I say that because I have seen demonstrations in Photoshop where that bit of "magic" could bring out the sky's colors just a bit more. I think I would like to take care of that magenta fringe in the open area of the sky on the left. Otherwise, I think it works.

PINKISH SKIES AT THE MARSH

CALM WATERS AND A PALE SKY CREATE A PLACE AND TIME OF PEACE

I do not print everything I work on, but I want to do so. What you and I can see in this image on our LCD screens is but a representation of what the print would look like. The print would just downright be much more pleasurable to look at. The same holds true for the actual scene that occurred on February 27th (the day I took the photograph)at the marsh. The real-time experience was completely different. It was organic, the air was fresh and cool, and my vision was not limited to the format of the camera. Non-the-less, I like the image for what it is - a representational recording of an event.

WITCHCRAFT

WITCHCRAFT, ARCATA, 2012

This image differs from the one I posted last time in numerous but subtle ways. I did just now print this variation. I find that when I am working on images that it almost always serves me best to walk away from the image for a day or so. I think it is essential that I do a "mind-set" data dump of sorts. I think this allows me to let go of my tendency of following a particular train of thought too far. In returning to work on this image I realized that the foreground was too dark. I lightened it, and I think that improves the "view flow", and it helps to frame the aircraft. In the prior version the dark foreground did not help define the primary subject. 

WHAT I WAS WORKING ON THIS MORNING

SUNRISE ON AN OLD BIRD, 2012

I spent some time on this today. I think I depicted the war-bird in a manner that satisfies what I wished to portray.

ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW

A CLEAR MORNING'S SUNRISE OVER FICKLE HILL, 2012

Some of what I share here are examples of my process, and often the images are far from complete. This photograph is one that I worked (with some help) today. The black and white image that I shared in this space a few days ago can give you an idea of how far this image has come along. Gone is the nuclear sunrise.