Soldiers at Peace Photo

Photographer’s Note

This shot was taken at the Houston Memorial Cemetery on Veterans Memorial Drive. I know I probably over-processed the shot, but I thought it increased the somber mood. This is only a small section of the enormous cemetery. In the distance to the right of the image, you can see two flags. There is a large memorial and bell tower near the flags. The bells softly chime throughout the cemetery most of the time. The grounds are so beautiful and peaceful. Windchimes in the trees, small lakes, etc.

You can view the original here.

Heavy post-processing: PSP 8.0 - fade correction, clarify (several times); adjusted Hue/Sat.; USM; salt&pepper filter; NeatImage; more clarify and one more salt&pepper

nwoehnl, jrj, digi-mom, alejandroguzman has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

strangiato (76) 2004-10-11 11:50

No matter how much post processing you did, the result is what counts. And the result is excellent. The headstones are very well portrayed. There are various different lines and patterns. Thanks to your PP there is indeed a certain mood which reflects this scene. I like it a lot.

mikhalych (1311) 2004-10-11 11:52

Maybe it's because of heavy PP, but the sky looks absolutely artifical, though its heaviness is very appropriate to the theme. Therefore I'd sugest to convert it to B&W.
See WS.

[workshop] [compare] +

TheG1 (1461) 2004-10-11 13:20

It’s a beautiful image, but the heavy PP makes it unreal (there's a big debate about that issue).
Anyway, you did a great job in PP and in the composition.

Btw, I wonder what was the result without the salt@pepper?

Ebbe (9571) 2004-10-11 15:39

It is only overprocessing if the result is not suitable for the subject. I think with this one you manged that very well, the feeling of endless numbers of victims under a doomsday sky is very well conveyed. Good job!

softflower (0) 2004-10-11 15:48

Très belle photo Stephen, les couleurs sont très belles, le contraste très bon.
Felicitations !

Bluejeans (32517) 2004-10-11 16:31

muito bela a foto, tem umas cores muito interessantes parabens

nwoehnl (120) 2004-10-11 16:47

I think Ebbe put it very well - of course it is very visibly post-processed, but it results in a mood and look that goes together well with the subject. The linear alignment of the headstones looks to pin sharp now that it makes this shot even harder to bear. The saturated greens in between seem to carry a signal of hope. Well done, Stephen. I also like the WS proposed by Dmitry a lot.

Roly (1960) 2004-10-11 17:27

I am not a fan of extensive post-processing but the result here is fantastic. The clouds in particular look great. Very well chosen angle for the shot. I would like to see the unprocessed image as a workshop, in order to be able to asses the extent of post-processing as well as its advantages.

avigur_11 (21301) 2004-10-11 23:35

Hi Stephen, nice to see you on TE again. The heavy PP is very effective and the result is increddible. I like the sky very much. C;arity and sharpnss are great. A very good shot.

jrj (34779) 2004-10-12 3:52

Congrate Stephen with this very succeded shot, quite ordinaire in the original but after the post process a very attractive and strong presentation. Very good indeed..

RGatward (19747) 2004-10-12 11:12

Effective PP, giving a slightly otherworldly effect. Good strong compo, and an appropriate sky for the subject.

zto (292) 2004-10-20 16:44

This reminds me of a simular picture i took at Arlngton in Washington. I like the symetire of the repetetive pattern.

njcooper5 (0) 2005-01-05 10:36

Absolutely beautiful picture. A great feel to it.

Suh (10) 2005-04-27 8:54 [Comment]

Show Comment

alejandroguzman (4672) 2007-02-23 23:21

Hello Stephen !
That's a nice shot !
I really liked the process on this photograph, you got a nice compo.

TFS
Hugs
Edgar.