magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

This composite represents several weeks of my spare time! It includes all the steampunk and Victorian folk I managed to photograph over the past year, set in a 'constructed' background. The houses are a photo but the Loco superstructure (a previously unknown double-boilered Brunel design that came to him one day whilst pheasant shooting and nicknamed the 'Over and Under'), carriage, lamp standards, platform etc are all photoshop creations achieved by filling small selections of the right form with colour. Yes, I'm sure there is an easier way, I'm just not familiar with it!
Along the way I learned or improved upon several techniques and also came to terms with large files and their effect upon Ps performance. Hence, I'm not one hundred percent sure of the number of layers involved as I had to flatten some along the way and used smaller files to create some images before flattening and importing into the main image. Of course I created stuff that ended up not being used, but thats the nature of the game. At times my machine gave up and had to be nurtured, cared for and kicked. Eventually I got there, flattened the lot and added a gentle Topaz Degas II filter. So what do you reckon, worth it or a waste of time? Photography, pp, art or what? Your thoughts and critique would be most welcome - and there's no need to pull your punches, I can take it.

(Download)

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Creative image.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

A display of photographic and digital art mastery.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Love it!

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

...this is fantastic...beautifully composed...the lighting and mood is excellent...I like what you were able to create...!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Spectacular result, Dave. I hope you are feeling good about it and not second-guessing yourself! Obviously, only you can say whether it was a waste of time since it was your time, i.e. did you postpone any important chores to finish this?

Most of us on UHH are going to have a fairly immediate impression. It's usually quite simple: we like it or we don't. The time the creator spent is important only if we want to learn about process. Or if we already dabble, then we will examine the individual parts more closely looking for flaws or inspiration.

What is art? UHH has a wide variety of talent, experience, backgrounds and education. On this site, one person's art is another's trash...blah blah blah. As I said recently in another topic, my opinion is that people should be encouraged to express why they like or dislike a post - as feedback for the creator. Definitions are not really what we're about.

Specifically what I like is the feeling of energy, partly due to your great colors. Why are they gathered? Are they all going to get on that train, and where are they going dressed so elegantly?

I personally don't care for the moon. For me it draws attention away from what I like best. I think a bit of empty space in that area would better serve the composition.

Many thanks for posting!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Great result!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

I like it. Very nice work.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks for looking.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Richard.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you SkyKing, glad you like it.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Well, I think one naturally starts to doubt the end results having put the effort in, but then a bit of analysis helps. For me, critique from a trusted source is essential, whether good or bad, for or against, it gets you thinking rationally!
I categorise the image as Conceptual Photo Art - and that’s what I’ve studied online from various sources. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea I know but we do have a few exponents here on UHH. Over the last two or three years I’ve tried to find my style and think this is probably it. I don’t really go for the fairy/fantasy stuff but it is probably quite a lot more popular. The whole process is fun for me - taking the shots, processing them, and then building something with them in Ps. This time adding stuff I didn’t have as a photo doubled the fun.
I did wonder about the moon and still can’t make my mind up. Let’s see if anyone else mentions it. Thanks for your critique, it is appreciated.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Mike.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Glad you like it, many thanks.