Following motivation from Ruth I headed out on a cold, gray winter's day intent on getting some practice in. I have been meaning to test some multiple exposure techniques in a graveyard, and the dull, flat lighting of the day seemed appropriate for the subject.
This is the result of 28 exposures, taken circumventing the front of the monument and at differing focal lengths.
This follows a similar technique to my other ME shots, maintaining focus & position of a primary subject and selectively blending layers in Photoshop.
I think the rigid lines of headstones and monuments offers interesting compositional license, softened and manipulated by the overlay process.
I really enjoy the process. As I am still moving along a learning curve I'd be interested to hear how others feel about this image, the process in general and whether thy have any ideas on what/how things might be improved.
I realize this may not suit everyone's taste, and that is OK. I respect every opinion and treat every piece of feedback as a gift
Update 2/2/20;
Attached is the updated image. I did try converting as a further option but do prefer the muted color version - that seems more fitting to the subject.
As requested I have also included a further image. This is a combination of a number of images taken around the front of the monument and at varying distances/focal lengths. In this instance I wanted to see if facial detail could be preserved sufficiently while maintaining an impressionist effect otherwise.
Perhaps not the strongest of images but it certainly served its purpose and better prepares me for further outings. Hopefully others will get something out of this experiment.
Update 2/5/20;
And one more... in this one I attempted to keep the subject more in line with what was seen while allowing other elements to become more abstract. Having so many layers to work with allows a lot of freedom in the way the scene is presented.
Back to experimenting...……
Update 2/28/20
Just to complete the series the last image uses a slightly different technique for review. In this experiment a series of images were taken at varying focal lengths while moving toward the main subject - I tried to keep the subject position & size the same in each shot.
This results in an interesting 'zoom' effect. I'm not sure where this technique could be used to great advantage but another fun experiment and another tool in the bag.
Posting in the hope others can get something out of this.
Hi Alan, I like this process for the graveyard theme! It adds a mood that compliments the topic really well. Not creepy but a little ghostly. Overall I think this is a success. (Uh oh. Do you hear a 'but' coming?)
But .... The color ground at the base of the grave stone is the most eye-catching thing hear and it keeps pulling me out of the overall scene. I know the image is in color (perfectly saturated too by the way) except this one area could be desaturated a bit more. I'd be interested in seeing this as making this alteration could also reduce dimension which would be a reason to leave the color as is.
Just a thought. I hope there are others from this location. I am intrigued!
Thanks Ruth, I'm glad you commented on that. I questioned this myself also. I envisioned the scene in B&W but liked the subtle blue tone in processing.
Now looking back I think you are absolutely correct that the splash of color is not in fitting with the rest of the image, and I'll be toning down.
I broke my own rules on this one - I normally let sit for a least a few days after processing to allow re-evaluation before posting but was too eager to get out.
I do have a few others from the location to work on. These are in the same vein, and again part of the experimental/learning process.
In the interest of the group are you interested in images that don't really work also?
I am. I think it is helpful. That "Vast" scene I posted with wasn't something I was in a swoon over and the comments helped me figure it out so - yes, post anything you like. That is the 'experimental' aspect of the group for me anyway.
PS - I don't think you should go black and white on this. I like the blue tones and the earth color is not bad - I would just recommend cutting back the saturation in just this one spot. I think you need it in order to keep the surreal quality - ie if this is a color shot, this is one unique place!
As requested, let me know what you think. The experiment goes on, I'll post more when I get the chance to process.
There is something about the first one that works for me that is missing in the second two. It is that indescribable "story" element that is present in spades in the first one. Now, the second one has a fine art potential however i think you need to play with the composition - there is potential here. The third one is a great 'example' shot of the technique.
Keep it up Alan!
Yeah, I agree with all points Ruth. The intent of all was to experiment with different techniques so I am better prepared when finding a composition that works.
I may have one more example that uses a slightly different technique again so stay tuned........
Hey Ruth, I've added one more experimental image that tested a slightly different ('zooming') technique.
Just for technique comparison, if you have any feedback on the result let me know.