Porta 160 VC preset from Color Efex plus a twist
One of my goals for 2010, photographically-speaking, was to stretch. I mean, just simply the process of shooting and processing and working with new equipment and such-like results in growth. But I am all too well aware of my foibles, and now that I’m home and my life is more stable than it was in 2009 I wanted to really stretch my abilities. Go into areas, photographically, that were outside my comfort zone. One these areas was color.
In the old days I was a Kodachrome guy. Bright, saturated, in your face. That’s how I was in the b&w world as well, contrast ruled. Subtle gradations just didn’t appeal to me. I recently read a post on APUG that alluded to a phenomena a teacher of photography had observed in young students, that they tended to be attracted to the bold statement, and dramatic contrast was attractive to them. Only later did more subtle gradations enter their toolkit.
When I read that post, I kinda looked in the mirror wondered whether that described me to a degree. Regardless, I knew that I needed to work in that arena a bit. So I ordered some Portra 160, a Kodak color film with a more pastel palette. Many modern wedding photographers work in this kind of palette (examples are here and here); lower contrast, stylized color. using color as a tool to evoke a feeling. Many of these photographers use film to get this look.
I was out today (the first day in a very long time for the sun here in Pittsburgh) and took this image and played a bit with it, looking to use color in the way I might use brightness in a b&w image.
The first in many experiments, I’m sure.
Interesting, an adventure into color. I know what you mean, though. Sometimes you just want to try other areas. I, too, love contrast and on occasion will want to try subtlety, but that doesn’t last long.
I do like the different color values here, in particular the warmth of the scoop displayed prominently in the front here.
Hi Chris,
Great photo, I love it. The details and colors are awesome. There’s something about construction vehicles that I love. Nice job. Thank you,
Alan
The post and image made me think about Jay Maisel and his words on gesture.
Thanks, Paul. I mean, I think I went a little far with this experiment, but I wanted to play a little.
Thanks, Alan. I haver a history of shooting construction sites, and I didn’t even play much with trucks when I was a kid.
In a good way, I hope. Gosh, Ray, John Alton and Jay Maisel in two consecutive comments!