Misty Baltic Morning Photo

Photographer’s Note

On my trips at this time of year I often get to see scenes like this, since I'm often on stations in the early morning. I'm also usually with a compact.

I liked the way the signal lights appeared out of the mist here, but the scene seemed to ask for B&W, so I desaturated most of it. Pushed grain and levels, to bring out the industrial building looming out of the backgound.

PixelTerror, eleparc, ktanska has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

princejee (196) 2007-10-07 2:53

in spite of being black and white but it,s preseving its originality and depicting the very romantic atmosphere here.

ben4321 (9795) 2007-10-07 3:09

I don't normally go for these partial (or in this case almost total) desaturation effects, but it works really well here, and together with the heavy grain makes for a superbly atmospheric image.
I think it would benefit from a bit of a crop to tighten up the framing (I took the liberty of doing a quick WS), and I'd have preferred a bit more space to the right of the woman.
Even so, I think is very well taken, and your PP has really added to the effectiveness of the shot.
Good work Richard.

Cheers,
Ben

[workshop] [compare]

MiguelP (14324) 2007-10-07 3:09

There is a fantastic film from the sovietic times not very well know but very interesting "Check-up on the roads" I think it was the english title, nontheless you have some information here... The mood of this photo reminds me to this film, the grain specially, it is fantastic here, Richard, everything has a potential use and grain is not an exception. Beside the tiny, little, shy touch of red... Just good, quite dramatic, it could be the first image, or the last, of a fantastic film. Take care.

PixelTerror (86124) 2007-10-07 3:50

Hi Richard,
You should get a Fuji, your photo is very noisy ;-)
I find this PP works quite well here, the red lights are catching my eye and the fact they are around the well placed person is visually very effective. I see some halos on the right, probably resulting from PP.
Have a nice sunday JY

faubry (32299) 2007-10-07 5:38

the desaturation and noise is very effectiv here; like a old time, i like a lot because i know this country, bravo
francine

partha (13657) 2007-10-07 5:56

What a great shot. Excellent mood and atmosphere. the grainy look suited so well here.
regards.
partha

eleparc (24059) 2007-10-07 6:04

there is a special mood in this shot for sure! It is misty and heavy at the same time! The red lights give it a strange feeling too!

Where have you been?

Eric

Davidh34 (838) 2007-10-07 13:41

Hi Richard

It's been a while it seems? Back though with a beaut! I love the grain, the placement of the person, the POV generally. Not 100% with the desaturation, but a lovely moody, timeless shot to warm the cockles of an old melancholic!

Regards

David

ktanska (16581) 2007-10-08 2:12

Hi Richard,
Grain and bad weather work really well. Up to date weather report of this autumn. I like the umbrella too, a pity about the plastic bag. Like usually with my critiques, pale green goes to a picture which I like but there's something that bothers. And this time there's something that makes me see red...
Kari

Furachan (0) 2007-10-08 2:18

Very nice, professor! Cinematic, moody, sad, grainy, all that god stuff is there in spades, plus... you've got the train theme going as well. Outstanding (and I've just noticed the tiny PINK lights thrown in... were they reallly "pink"?)
Cheers,
Francis

Spoony (3539) 2007-10-09 4:56

Idea it´s fantastic. Final result, amazing. Color, perfect. Environment, strong.
What can I say more?

KevRyan (22378) 2007-10-09 11:33

I like the gritty graphite feel of this Richard - not so sure about the red lights - I kind of agree with Ben's comments otherwise and would only repeat them.......

Will we ever get to meet up? I'm off again soon - Belfast, Derry and then Istanbul........pre Christmas drinK!!??

bw kev

Isabelle (9014) 2009-04-14 15:18

Oh, how the heck i did not see this photo of yours before, Richard?
Excellent work, very inspiring. The partial dessaturation is judicous and well conceived.
Goes to my favs, of course!