Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

This image is running concurrently in the Photo Gallery forum in a Topic titled "A Chattering of Starlings Against White Clouds in a Blue Sky." It may be seen at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-322637-1.html

This seemed like a good place to speak of motivation. I often drive around the countryside, shooting many, many unrelated images which I then take home for review on a large screen monitor. I noticed this image of a group of starlings on a wire, thought they had some nice even spacing, noted the alternating looks to the left and to the right, and was enthralled with the white clouds in the skies. You can see from the original photo however, that there really wasn't much going for it as a photo-realistic image. As a matter of fact, when i first looked at it, I was vastly underwhelmed. It represented a challenge ..... I wanted to see if I could create a work of art that might draw a person's interest. The two main effects I employed were adding layers of AKVIS Neon (a Glow effect), and a canvas texture overlay. I then adjusted the white balance in the clouds so I added structure but prevented blowouts.

So, does manipulating an image in Post Processing rise to the level of art? That's yet to be determined ..... but it definitely looked a whole lot better than the original. And I was satisfied with that.

Original SOOC

(Download)

A Chattering of Starlings Against White Clouds in a Blue Sky

(Download)

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

When I read this two thoughts came to mind, to ask you, 'What inspires you to stop and take an image?' and 'That the first image looks like something on a magazine cover.'

Then I scrolled down and was intrigued by the texture you've added to the second. The sky and the clouds are obviously more pronounced, but the texture is what does it for me, giving it a canvas feel to the image. I think it's wonderful, and while I'm one to typically not process too much, I'm intrigued and a convert for texture!

Welcome, and thank you for sharing! S-

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Actually Bob your original image is not without merit and well spotted as a subject. But like you Im intrigued with textures and blend modes so have to say you made a good improvement on a fine shot.

Glad to see you on board Bob. Your knowledge and skill with help many of us here to improve.

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Shame on me, I was on Bob orgingal posting making my comments. http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-322637-1.html#5416174. Oh well. I'm sure Bob read my comments. LOL

Time for me to put the computer away for a few hours.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Step Away From The Keyboard - Step Away...

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

As to inspiration, birds have always been a powerful attractant, especially if there is a lot of action. Numbers of starlings were flying up from a cornfield to land on the wire, and I shot off a few, trying to get some with outstretched wings or open mouths. Then I did the smart thing, took another look at the background, and widened out to include more of the clouds. It turn out the clouds "probably" were more interesting than the birds, but the silhouettes added a nice tonal difference to highlight the clouds.

I usually don't aspire to the Magazine Cover look, so that assuredly was not my intent. But I have mastered probably 10 processing styles, and one or another of them can usually be applied to great effect.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

It's great to learn how another sees. Thank you for sharing! S-

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Thanks Billy. I look forward to some intelligent conversations about the art aspects of photography. And not all of that will be done in PP. DOF and Lighting can create art as assuredly as software.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Yes, this is a short journey from mundane to art, but the trick is the seeing. Had you been blinded by the mundane nature of birds sitting on an electric wire you would not have captured the raw materials to do the art part with. So much of what we do, as we grow in this vocation/avocation is learn to see potential. Many folks do not live in well known scenic locations, but the art is all around us, waiting to be discovered and brought to life, as you did here. Textures are a great way to bring a photo into art. We have all been conditioned by exposure to traditional paintings to associate texture with art.

Finding inspiration in the mundane (and what to do next) is, I hope a theme we will see more discussion of here. Others have found the birds-on-a-wire concept artistic too - just google it! Here's my favorite - watch the video to see how a photo of birds on a wire was converted into music. https://vimeo.com/6428069

Thanks for sharing.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Wise words and beautiful video! S-

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

I guess I'm a little different. While I like the textures you have mastered the original is just fine with me. With their right to left looks back and forth I can hear them discussing amongst themselves whether those sliding glass doors below are open or just really clean.lol (windex commercial)

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Yes, PP is just one more tool to use on the journey. Light may be the most important tool in the kit though. (PP sure is fun though!)

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The photo SOOC is simplicity itself. The birds on a wire, so to speak, jump right out at us....as they should since they are the subject. As Frank2013 pointed out, it is up to each of us to pontificate upon what each of them is "saying" or thinking. The sky does not need to be brightened or masked as severely as in the edit. It does need a little brightening, but just a tad....not so much as to keep the birds from being a stark contrast to the background.

jwt Loc: Texas Hill Country

I've noticed that in the past few years some really great photographs are being framed and put up for sale at art shows here in Florida--sooooo- me thinks the world is ready for a new genre called photographic art. Any way I still like the picture and its pp Bob. :-D :-D

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Thank you Minniev. I identify completely with your point that we don't all live in the most scenic parts of the country, but that is no reason to be dissuaded from looking for beauty. I am reminded of a series of photos you have done of something you call "the drainage ditch", but if you hadn't named it, I never would have guessed. In most of those images I was drawn most to the quality of the light in the swamp as it interacted with the trees and an occasional heron or egret.