Ch 83: ...all things come to light...

Trasmc

A different take on Numbers.



Yeah, subject matter is dark (dark as in foreboding, not as in underexposed), but I thought why not try someting different.

Thoughts?

Swartzy

Well, so much for that idea
That's exactly what I've been working on.....I think you've got it. Light the candles, do a custom white balance and use the shadows to enhance to feel. Good going.

Trasmc

Here's one with the candles that are lit - I thought the lit candles were too distracting and went with the darker route. Which do you prefer?



Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

JWilbur26

lit candles did the trick. Beautiful shot. I love the interpretation.

Flyinggina

Very good take on the subject. You do lose something with the candles (focus on the subject matter), but overall having them lit makes it a better photograph. Is there any way to lessen the brightness of the candles just a bit? Even if you don't, I really, really like this photo in both its iterations. clap

Virginia

Swartzy

Now....
Create a layer (Control J) from the original layer (in layers palette), then create a mask.....fill with black.....then lower the opacity and paint in the candles so it doesn't overpower the shot...you want them there but only to add to the overall mood. If you want, PM me and I'll walk you through it if you need help (you probably know how to do this anyway but thought I'd offer). You're on the right track.

Trasmc

Thanks for the suggestions - believe it or not I'm still using PSE 2.0!!!! (Don't get me started - it's not the cost of CS2 (soon to be CS3), but rather the cost of a new computer to run it on - what I'm using is ancient by today's standards).

Anyway, I know how to do this in 2.0, and will give a try!

Thanks again.

Flyinggina

Trasmc wrote:

(Don't get me started - it's not the cost of CS2 (soon to be CS3), but rather the cost of a new computer to run it on - what I'm using is ancient by today's standards).

Boy do I understand that problem!! I have put off not only buying CS2 but the 5D for the same reason. Good luck softening the light from the candles! That may turn your shot from a good one into a potential winner!

Virginia

LiquidAir

I don't know how much control you have over your light, but if you can boost the light power in the foreground by a stop and correspondingly adjust the camera exposure, that'll bring down the candles more where you'd like them.

To darken the candles in Photoshop, I'd put the camera on a tripod and take two identical shots: one with the candles lit, the other without. Then you can blend those two shots and adjust the candle lightness to your liking.

douglas

Great idea, love the lighting.

S_Leeper

Love the concept... & in some ways think the candles really add conceptionally, but as others noted their light become overpowering...
maybe you could slightly change the angle/composition (I can't make any valid suggestions as to how) to include the passage & candles where they are more of a compliment to the theme of providing the light...

However, even as is I like... I suspect you will be hard pressed to improve.

Bassett1976

Not that I should be giving a lot of advice but what if you turned it into black and white? The brightness of the candles is minimized and Numbers 34:18 tends to pop a bit more.

Also, love the light mark in the form of a cross!!!

photocat

The brighter one surely appeals a lot to me. I love candles, so it is hard for me to see candle light as disturbing. I find it ads to the overal athmosphere of the photograph. Very creative thinking! Love it...

evoryware

I love the candlelit one. The cross of light on the numbers pulled me right back to the subject.