DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 
Challenge Entries
Portfolio Images
This image is not part of a public portfolio.
What We Bought
What We Bought
spiritualspatula


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Fine Arts: Exhibit II (Advanced Editing VII*)
Camera: Nikon D300
Lens: Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Nikon
Date: Apr 7, 2011
Aperture: F/7.1
ISO: 125
Shutter: 36
Date Uploaded: Apr 7, 2011

[Apr. 14th, 2011 11:49:58 PM]

The thought behind this one evolved as I went, as I neared to shooting it. Weather was not cooperative for several of the nights I intended to do this, so that was unfortunate. It got down to the final night I had at my disposal to shoot, so I had to turn out a product. I waffled on whether or not I was going to provide the impetus for this, but why not.

This area is deserted (the same place as my last FS), on a random dirt road on the plains of Colorado. It is presumably a failed homestead, as most of the random buildings out there are. For every failed homestead, there is a missile silo here. The title is taken from a collection of Robert Adams works. My intent was to show the subject as a businessman of sorts, with the dystopic landscape as his backdrop. This isn’t quite my original idea, which was precluded by lack of time and changing lighting, which made it impossible for me to do the light levels as I wanted (the sun was rising). I intended to have the elements sorta separate though, it’s an alien landscape, and he an intruder. Both are at odds with each other. What have we bought with our efforts? Is it something to be proud of? The figure is shamed, naked and alone left with what he’s bought. The usage of nudity was more for showing vulnerability, and keeping a peculiar modesty in spite of his obvious solitude.

All in all, I enjoyed shooting this. It was nice for it to not be windy (a bit of a rarity), but it was super cold, and my feet were numb for 40 minutes after doing this from running between the camera and the stool I stood upon.

To get this effect, I did a double exposure with an off camera flash, rotated my camera to show a different scene, and then light painted that scene. Nearly all editing was done as universal adjustments, with the exception of light burning in a couple places and the removal of some brakelights in the distance. I wasn’t too sure what voting would bring for this- watching it, it seems as though it’s a polarizing image, since the scores seemed to rise and drop suddenly. We’ll see how the breakdown is, it will be interesting. This shot isn’t really to be loved, or liked, or be aesthetically pleasing. I wanted it to be darker, brooding, and somewhat eerie. I entered it because I wanted to go wherever I wanted with a photo, delve into what I was thinking and considering about life, the area, myself, and unhindered expression. If it made you think at all, about what my intents were, about the scene, about anything, it was an overwhelming success. This area, this flat, rolling landscape, doesn’t really get thought about by anybody, it’s a lonely place, and the attention is welcomed. Thanks for all the comments, it was a very fun experiment and journey for me.

Statistics
Place: 68 out of 167
Avg (all users): 5.5276
Avg (commenters): 7.0909
Avg (participants): 5.7683
Avg (non-participants): 5.2840
Views since voting: 1011
Views during voting: 411
Votes: 163
Comments: 18
Favorites: 0


Please log in or register to add your comments!

AuthorThread
04/16/2011 04:42:58 AM
Like Michelle, I never thought this was yours. First, fantastic work, I think you have achieved exactly what you intended to and especially what the idea behind this challenge is (or as someone in the forums said, what it should be behind all challenges). I deeply admire the thought and effort you put in this image - compared to embarrassingly no effort I put in mine.
You certainly provoked reaction and divided opinions. I don't think the voters did this image the justice, not only in terms of placement but with all those 5s... I would expect more 1s and 10s :). Also - as inspiring this image is to me, so are the thoughts in the comments, especially Paul's. That is the direction I'd like to see DPC evolve in the future.
I hope you will share some more ideas at these fantastic locations you have at your disposal (we need more missile silos :))). Just please, wait till it gets a bit warmer :).
ETA: just realized that fotomann is right behind you with a good nakkie shot :)

Message edited by author 2011-04-16 04:44:49.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/15/2011 01:37:24 PM
lol ok first, I totally did not think this was your photo! Something very different about it compared to some of your other stuff. Second, you are a nut and have some crazy thing for extreme coldness and lol, what a way to do a nakkie SP. sorry can't stop laughing.

anywho, i like the symbolism and the deep thought that went into it. I did not catch that you were almost floating above the grass - very cool. I still don't think I get the gas mask, but it does stand out as a conversation piece.

I like the direction you are taking with putting in work to evoke emotion and commentary. Nice job :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/15/2011 10:46:04 AM
Thanks for sharing how you shot this - very eerie, very unsettling and disassociated, and the way you shot it really contributes to that very well. I like the thought that went into this as well. This location has such amazing possibilities! Just read Paul's comments - in a way the "unrealness" is what caught my attention. His suggestion would probably make for an equally interesting version of your vision.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/15/2011 07:16:50 AM
OK - I really should make a comment here. First of all, let me say that I liked this enough to give it an 8.....

I think this is 'over-made'. There's no way I'd have thought this was a live scene. I had it down as novel use of a data projector, that shadow behind the case transecting the torso, letting the background show through created that impression. I read from your notes that you wanted create a disconnect between the figure and the scene - you've achieved that, no question, but I think it has been your undoing, the image ceases to offer a feeling of authenticity. This is a shame because, the scene, the idea, the message and the choices with coloration are all bang on.

Had you chosen to stand in the scene, without the camera rotation, I suspect you'd have had an different reception entirely. Your vision, commitment and talent are unquestionable; but you made a key choice here that has cost you much higher score overall.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/15/2011 01:37:46 AM
This was one of my top votes. Very nicely done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/15/2011 12:06:43 AM
Originally posted by Dennisheckman:

Wow, what appears to be yet another composite image. I guess I could be wrong though, no don't think so.


Unfortunately for your pompous wording, yes, you are indeed wrong. My image was submitted and validated. Perhaps consider how shots of this sort are done- expanding your horizons may be well worth your time. I’m not particularly concerned with if people like my work, and I relish critical comments, but this is just obtuse.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
04/14/2011 05:19:36 PM
Like a composite. Gasmasks + nudes = old hat, but this is still fun and intriguing, with color and interest to please, so... a high score from me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/12/2011 09:10:38 PM
Well... now this is weird. *sigh* I suppose then... it fits the challenge. LOL! (not voting)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/12/2011 10:35:12 AM
Good buy, thought provoking entry.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/11/2011 02:54:04 PM
I have an odd affinity for images that make me wonder WTF is going on here, and this one qualifies. I like the Andrew Wyeth-like dry brush look of the scene. My one issue is the amount of flash on the figure, it seems a bit too bright, making the already alien presence seem pasted in, as if he is not really part of the image. His posture, nakedness and gas mask already did the job of making him stand out, making him so bright was not really needed.

That said the potential story lines this brings up put it near the top at this point in the first pass of voting.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/10/2011 09:55:49 PM
Wow, what appears to be yet another composite image. I guess I could be wrong though, no don't think so.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/10/2011 07:10:40 PM
Wonderful imagery, I like how it seems like he was cut and pasted into the scene. 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/10/2011 03:59:32 PM
Saying this is imaginative is an understatement of unforgivable proportions. Crazy good. Or just crazy.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/10/2011 02:06:32 PM
There has been quite a run on gas masks lately.... :-)

I'm not sure how I feel about this image. It is for sure, very artsy, and the separate elements are all well done - the cabin and the lighting in the bg are very ominous and portentous. The figure with the strategically placed case is mysterious and a bit alarming. But the pp'ing doesn't help me feel that they are connected in any way. On the contrary, it feels arbitrary to me.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/10/2011 11:02:40 AM
Such a bizarre image!! Reminds me of something out of Monty Python!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/09/2011 11:11:56 AM
Quite avant garde. He almost appears to be floating on that grass. Interesting and thoughtful take on the challenge. :) Coming back. I'm having a hard time with this voting thing. Maybe I am trying way too hard. Is this more contemporary art or fine art? It is quite thought provoking and executed in a way to make us take more than one look. For that, I'm upping the score.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/08/2011 08:34:30 PM
Back to comment... Very surreal! Love the muted tones of the background and the brightness of the fellow getting ready to time travel. ;D
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/08/2011 03:30:42 PM
I LOVE this...but I'm partial to gas masks haha. - 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/29/2024 04:45:20 AM EDT.