Western Tools

rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
edited January 2, 2009 in Other Cool Shots
Sorry about the watermark, but hey, it's the world we live in...


442422181_3q9xb-XL.jpg
Randy
«1

Comments

  • PantherPanther Registered Users Posts: 3,658 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    Howdy Randy,

    Oh my, what wonderful rich tones and beautiful details, you have really captured the essence of the West with this one.

    Very nicely done!!!
    Take care,

    Craig

    Burleson, Texas
  • clemensphoto'sclemensphoto's Registered Users Posts: 647 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    very nice job.clap.gifclap.gif
    Ryan Clemens
    www.clemensphotography.us
    Canon 7D w/BG-E7 Vertical Grip, Canon 50D w/ BG-E2N Vertical Grip, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, Canon 18-55mm, Canon 580EX II Flash and other goodies.
    Ignorance is no excuss, so lets DGrin!
  • jeffmeyersjeffmeyers Registered Users Posts: 1,535 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    Great tone and mood!
    More Photography . . . Less Photoshop [. . . except when I do it]
    Jeff Meyers
  • AzzaroAzzaro Registered Users Posts: 5,643 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    bowdown.gifbowbowdown.gif........azzaro
  • TangoTango Registered Users Posts: 4,592 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    very cool, great work!
    Aaron Nelson
  • EiaEia Registered Users Posts: 3,627 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    Different, really good detail, mood, and color!!! Send it to Cowboy magazine!

    What's the specs?
    ~AnnaMaria~ My little life in God's big universe
  • travelwaystravelways Registered Users Posts: 7,854 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    Sorry if I make an intervention here. I'm just a beginner in photography and I'd like to learn.

    I'm wondering if the photo is not a little too dark...

    On my screen in the right area I hardly see any detail... rolleyes1.gif
    Tatiana - Seeing the world through my camera
    TravelwaysPhotos.com ...... Facebook
    VegasGreatAttractions.com
    Travelways.com
  • TangoTango Registered Users Posts: 4,592 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    photo-bug wrote:
    Sorry if I make an intervention here. I'm just a beginner in photography and I'd like to learn.

    I'm wondering if the photo is not a little too dark...

    On my screen in the right area I hardly see any detail... rolleyes1.gif

    im putting my bet down that Mr.Wells wants to have your eyes drawn to the hand gun. hence the intent of dynamic range and guassian blur within this image...
    Aaron Nelson
  • travelwaystravelways Registered Users Posts: 7,854 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    AaronNelson wrote:
    im putting my bet down that Mr.Wells wants to have your eyes drawn to the hand gun. hence the intent of dynamic range and guassian blur within this image...


    Yes you are right - I see this now. Thanks
    Tatiana - Seeing the world through my camera
    TravelwaysPhotos.com ...... Facebook
    VegasGreatAttractions.com
    Travelways.com
  • TangoTango Registered Users Posts: 4,592 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    photo-bug wrote:
    Yes you are right - I see this now. Thanks

    once Mr. Wells weighs-in then we will know if i lost my bet or not...ne_nau.gif
    Aaron Nelson
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    Panther wrote:
    Howdy Randy,

    Oh my, what wonderful rich tones and beautiful details, you have really captured the essence of the West with this one.

    Very nicely done!!!

    Hey Craig,

    Thanks for the nice words. Glad you liked the shot. We Texas boys have to keep the Old West alive thumb.gif
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    clemensphoto's wrote:
    very nice job.clap.gifclap.gif

    Thanks Clemens,

    I appreciate your feedback.
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    jeffmeyers wrote:
    Great tone and mood!

    Jeff,

    Thanks for looking!
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    Azzaro wrote:
    bowdown.gifbowbowdown.gif........azzaro

    Azzaro,

    I take it you liked the shot rolleyes1.gif
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    AaronNelson wrote:
    very cool, great work!

    Thanks Aaron,

    I appreciate your taking the time to look and comment.
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    Eia wrote:
    Different, really good detail, mood, and color!!! Send it to Cowboy magazine!

    What's the specs?

    Hey Eia,

    Thanks for the compliment. thumb.gif

    I'm not sending the pic to any magazine's though, it's part of my "Southwest Gallery" that I am marketing.
    Randy
  • redleashredleash Registered Users Posts: 3,840 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    That is one terrific shot, Randy! Takes me back to 1880 or so . . . or, seeing as how we live in Texas, maybe it was last week. :D

    I would've said "magazine shot" also, but now I am much more interested to see/hear more about your Southwest Gallery.

    When are you coming over this way? I can't recall when you planned to shoot the missions.

    Lauren
    "But ask the animals, and they will teach you." (Job 12:7)

    Lauren Blackwell
    www.redleashphoto.com
  • eL eSs VeeeL eSs Vee Registered Users Posts: 1,243 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    That is a beautiful shot, Randy! Flawless, in my opinion. thumb.gifclap.gif
    Lee
    __________________

    My SmugMug Gallery
    My Facebook

    "If you've found a magic that does something for you, honey, stick to it. Never change it." - Mae West, to Edith Head.
    "Every guy has to have one weakness - and it might as well be a good one." - Shell Scott: Dance With the Dead by Richard S. Prather
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    AaronNelson wrote:
    im putting my bet down that Mr.Wells wants to have your eyes drawn to the hand gun. hence the intent of dynamic range and guassian blur within this image...

    Hey photo-bug,

    Aaron is correct thumb.gif

    I normally think it's a bad idea/omen if one has to explain a photograph. Meaning; the photo does not relay the intent of the artist.

    I'll go into some details for your entertainment though...

    First: This explanation is of course my opinion. It could be wrong, but it is mine, for better or worse. :D

    I have been a working photog for some time now, mainly in the sports discipline. Due to reasons of overcrowding in that area of photography, I decided to diversify. I decided to delve into the "art" world. I don't fully understand it yet, but I do understand some aspects of art.

    That brings up the second point: Some might not categorize this work as art, but I do. What's the difference? For this explanation, lets say that to me, a lot of "photography" should be technically correct, but "art" is free to break all the rules.

    You have to find your own niche/look.

    I haven't been posting many "art" pictures on dgrin due to this being a "photography" board. Not knocking that one bit. I LIKE IT! -- But, what that simply translates to is this: Most viewers expect posted pics to fall within the confines of a "photograph". Technically correct. If it doesn't, then it is perceived by many to be fowled. It then requires "explanation".

    In this particular piece, my intent was to bring the modern day viewer back in time, to the Old West in particular. I also wanted to combine the (somewhat) look of a painting (on the right side of picture) with the more precise look of photography (on the left side of picture). The use of color, lighting, focus, texture, leading angles & rule of thirds hopefully gives the eye/brain different areas to explore. Not just to look at it quickly, and everything taken in with one swoop of the picture.

    Can't believe I just spewed all that out eek7.gif I'm sooo mis-understood rolleyes1.gif

    Anyway, hope that helps answer your question.

    BTW: Aaron wins the bet thumb.gif
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    redleash wrote:
    That is one terrific shot, Randy! Takes me back to 1880 or so . . . or, seeing as how we live in Texas, maybe it was last week. :D

    I would've said "magazine shot" also, but now I am much more interested to see/hear more about your Southwest Gallery.

    When are you coming over this way? I can't recall when you planned to shoot the missions.

    Lauren

    Lauren,

    Those are very nice words, & I'm very glad the piece accomplished it's mission to you.

    I'm presently negotiating with a couple of galleries for my art work. (Going back to Santa Fe also) I've not come to a decision yet on which one, if either. I'm trying to decide the best marketing path for my work. (gallery, INTERNET, commercial) So, it's pretty much under wraps right now.

    I'm not sure when I'll schedule a mission shoot down your way, but will ask for some info (if that's OK) before I come down.

    Thanks again
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2008
    eL eSs Vee wrote:
    That is a beautiful shot, Randy! Flawless, in my opinion. thumb.gifclap.gif

    Lee,

    I do appreciate your looking and commenting on my work.

    Thank you
    Randy
  • TangoTango Registered Users Posts: 4,592 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    hey Randy,


    you have been holding out on us?
    there are more than you think that enjoy your work here.... its just the naysayers might over-talk us... get posting mister.
    Aaron Nelson
  • Jack'll doJack'll do Registered Users Posts: 2,977 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    Great shot Randy! Looks like it should be on the cover of "Guns of the Old West" magazine, or as an advertisement for the firearm. As a longtime SASS member and CAS shooter I really love this image.
    jrg.smugmug.com

    Jack
    (My real name is John but Jack'll do)
  • redleashredleash Registered Users Posts: 3,840 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    Randy,
    I understand you keeping your plan under wraps--I'd just like to see more of your work. As Aaron says, "get posting." I've been going for some more artistic looks in some of my shots, partly because I'm trying to let out my creative side that's been hiding for too long, and partly because I'm too inexperienced in the technical aspects of photography. I've been shooting since I was a kid, but largely for my own enjoyment. Only recently have I been sharing outside my family, including posting stuff on here.

    Sorry, this is your thread so that's 'nuff about me. I just want to encourage you like Aaron and others did--don't hesitate to post your shots if you want to share and if you want feedback. I will most definitely enjoy it!

    Best of luck with your efforts. And by all means, I will send you the missions info soon.

    Cheers, and Happy New Year!

    Lauren
    "But ask the animals, and they will teach you." (Job 12:7)

    Lauren Blackwell
    www.redleashphoto.com
  • travelwaystravelways Registered Users Posts: 7,854 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    rwells wrote:
    Hey photo-bug,

    Aaron is correct thumb.gif

    I normally think it's a bad idea/omen if one has to explain a photograph. Meaning; the photo does not relay the intent of the artist.

    I'll go into some details for your entertainment though...

    First: This explanation is of course my opinion. It could be wrong, but it is mine, for better or worse. :D

    I have been a working photog for some time now, mainly in the sports discipline. Due to reasons of overcrowding in that area of photography, I decided to diversify. I decided to delve into the "art" world. I don't fully understand it yet, but I do understand some aspects of art.

    That brings up the second point: Some might not categorize this work as art, but I do. What's the difference? For this explanation, lets say that to me, a lot of "photography" should be technically correct, but "art" is free to break all the rules.

    You have to find your own niche/look.

    I haven't been posting many "art" pictures on dgrin due to this being a "photography" board. Not knocking that one bit. I LIKE IT! -- But, what that simply translates to is this: Most viewers expect posted pics to fall within the confines of a "photograph". Technically correct. If it doesn't, then it is perceived by many to be fowled. It then requires "explanation".

    In this particular piece, my intent was to bring the modern day viewer back in time, to the Old West in particular. I also wanted to combine the (somewhat) look of a painting (on the right side of picture) with the more precise look of photography (on the left side of picture). The use of color, lighting, focus, texture, leading angles & rule of thirds hopefully gives the eye/brain different areas to explore. Not just to look at it quickly, and everything taken in with one swoop of the picture.

    Can't believe I just spewed all that out eek7.gif I'm sooo mis-understood rolleyes1.gif

    Anyway, hope that helps answer your question.

    BTW: Aaron wins the bet thumb.gif

    Thank you very much for all your explanation.

    I had no doubt that Aaron will win the bet - that's why I didn't bet...:nono

    I'd like to assure you that I do look at your photo as to a piece of art, because it is a beautiful one iloveyou.gif

    - I was wondering about a little bit of light, just point of view photo "rules", that I'm starting to understand...
    However more and more I understand that there are no rules :giggle

    Beautiful artwork anyway clap.gif
    Tatiana - Seeing the world through my camera
    TravelwaysPhotos.com ...... Facebook
    VegasGreatAttractions.com
    Travelways.com
  • SamSam Registered Users Posts: 7,419 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    Randy,

    This image is absolutely superb!!!!! And yes I would call it art.

    How do you plan to have this printed? The reason I ask is I think an image like this will look fantastic on a textured fine art paper. A fine art paper will add to the rustic, historic painterly look, warm tones, and feel.

    Please keep posting!!!

    Sam
    www.samlinvillephotography.com
  • jstpeterjstpeter Registered Users Posts: 143 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    Randy,

    Great image, did you use some HDR techniques on this?

    Jason
    Would love to hear from you on my blog, or website!
    www.fiftypercentchanceofrain.com
    www.mjsphotographyonline.com
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    AaronNelson wrote:
    hey Randy,


    you have been holding out on us?
    there are more than you think that enjoy your work here.... its just the naysayers might over-talk us... get posting mister.

    I don't think there are naysayers here about my work, just people trying to help out on a particular photo. How would they know that a photo was supposed to look like it does? That's not an issue for me.

    I've spent the last 4 months creating the look that I'm after for my artwork, and building a gallery deep enough to market. It's kind of a gamble you know, creating work with a different look to it, then hoping other people like it enough that they are willing to spend their money on it.

    My gamble is creating artwork that is a far departure from traditional photography. (NOTE: the photo in this thread is not the particular look of my gallery. This photo is more traditional) There are literally thousands of great photographers out there producing exceptional photographs. That's a lot of competition. If you produce a different look/product, and people like it, well...you've substantially raised your chances of making a living from your work.


    Thanks for your support...
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    Sam wrote:
    Randy,

    This image is absolutely superb!!!!! And yes I would call it art.

    How do you plan to have this printed? The reason I ask is I think an image like this will look fantastic on a textured fine art paper. A fine art paper will add to the rustic, historic painterly look, warm tones, and feel.

    Please keep posting!!!

    Sam

    Sam,

    I appreciate your support & I agree with your reasoning.

    I plan on printing this on fine art paper if I can get it done gallery wrapped, otherwise I'll print it on canvas. I'll print up the first one 24x36. This will go on my living room wall. I used to build rustic furniture and our house is a rustic western motif.

    BTW, what do you think about the brushed on clear coating applied to fine art paper/canvas? Like it, hate it? - Who produces prints with it applied?
    Randy
  • rwellsrwells Registered Users Posts: 6,084 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2009
    jstpeter wrote:
    Randy,

    Great image, did you use some HDR techniques on this?

    Jason


    You wouldn't ask the cook what he put in his chili, would you rolleyes1.gif
    Randy
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