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Alan Brown's picture

Night diners - help requested

I have most recently been inspired by the work of Jim Kasson, specifically his 'Staccato' series. Here Jim takes a series of night images and blends them in Photoshop mush in the same way as other work I have been doing.

I personally find this type of work both appealing and fulfilling, but as always regard the final product as highly subjective.

This image was captured on a popular dining street in Boston, resulting from a series of 21 shots, layered and blended in Photoshop.

Feedback and suggestions for improvement are always welcomed, if you want to see Jim's work you can visit his site or see examples from his Staccato series on my website blog; https://www.alanbrownphotography.com/blog/2021/4/21/the-influencers-jim-...

UPDATE 5/2/21
On reflection and due to the lack of feedback I feel this image may be a little dark and have included an updated version for review. Please let me know if you prefer the updated version, and if you have thoughts on how this might be improved otherwise.

I understand this might not appeal to many, so all feedback (whether positive or negative. from newcomer or veteran) is respectfully appreciated.

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9 Comments

Oh wow! I really love this, Alan! Even though the repeating vertical lines are in the background they still seem to direct the eye to the subject, granted his shirt does a good job of that.

I hope you plan on printing this. Very impressive.

Thanks for your kind feedback Bruce!

For me the tones are reminiscent of an illustration. Really dig the light play and echo Bruce on the print potential particularly on metal. Having said this, recommend revisiting with your own models or camping and waiting for serendipitous subject(s) who match the mood (unless you have a personal connection to this couple of course).

Thanks for offering your viewpoint Robert. Although having models at hand would certainly help this is a pure 'as found' street shot. Luckily in this instance the subjects were more or less just waiting around so I had time to get a number of shots before thy moved position

Models would make it so much easier to control, but I do prefer images having a more 'natural' feel (not that the techniques/processing is natural at all!).

Thanks for your input George. This was my first time out at night experimenting with this technique so lots of trial and error.
If I revisit I’ll keep your series comment in mind.

I'm liking the straightening that you did on the second version, but I do think that it's a little bright for my tastes. Perhaps a third version between the two in exposure would be best.

I totally agree Matthew, and thanks for your comment. I think I may have done that already but not posted.

Still liking the 1st better. I feel conveys a sense of mystery that the brightened one lacks.

Yes, I tend to agree with that myself Bruce. The second was a test to see if being brighter would more engagement (which it didn't....).