magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Processed in Photoshop but with very little compositing, the twenty or so layers were mainly to get to the 'Modified' stage - and more or less a finished photographic representation. A final layer takes it to the 'Painted' stage using Degas Dancers option in Topaz Impressionist (old version) set around 85% and blending away the effect as required - particularly the facial areas in order that the models can easily recognise themselves. The stages are shown in reverse order.
The original image was taken on a group shoot with a bunch that call themselves The Ragged Victorians - all of whom have a full history on their particular character and go to great lengths to portray themselves accurately. Fabulous folk to work with. The setting is the Transfer Shed at Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire, U.K. The 'transfer shed' refers to transferring Broadgauge passengers to Standard gauge trains and we see the Broadgauge loco Iron Duke in the background manned by its engineer and fireman. Your comments and critique regarding both end result and the means to achieve it are very welcome.

'Painted'

(Download)

Modified

(Download)

Original

(Download)

Soul Dr. Loc: Beautiful Shenandoah Valley

All versions look great. I prefer the modified version best, although I do like the painted version also.
I do like that in the modified and painted versions, you toned down the colors of the background people to to make the three women in front be the focal point.
Really nice work!

will

joehel2 Loc: Cherry Hill, NJ

Wow, what a beautiful set and wonderful processing exercise. The composition of the scene and the setting are awesome. Love the addition of the steam in the modified image. Especially love the color and texture in the painted image. Thanks for sharing the process story also.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks will, glad you like it.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks joehel2. The composition was set up by the lady running the shoot, it was just a matter of jostling my way to where I wanted to be! Although inside the shed, the skylights afforded a lot of overhead light, which is very nice but a little difficult to master, and the Canon produced a very saturated image but Photoshop can deal with it all of course. Glad you like it.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Very engaging work, Dave. Thanks for the time you invested in presenting and explaining.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Hi Linda, you’re very welcome.

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

I like the painted and modified versions best. With the smoke and sun rays there is a much better atmosphear making the finished picture more believable as if they were pictures taken at the time they represent. The original picture while very good in the setting and costumes looks like what it is, a posed picture but giving scope to work on..

SoHillGuy Loc: Washington

The painted version reminds me of some old post cards I have seen in the past.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

A good composite starts with a good original and you certainly achieved that. After looking at Nos. 1 and 2, 3 looks sterile and posed. I like them in order posted 1,2,3. Your skill is amazing and I like you included the genesis of the project.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks for your thoughts Val, I agree, the original is there for the modifying - just like any raw shot really.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Me too SHG! Thanks for commenting.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thanks Curmudgeon, it’s all down to the power of Photoshop.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Really nice work on your part.
--Bob

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

What you have added to the original image has taken it to fine art, IMO. Like a painting master you’ve added atmosphere, drama, and a story to the original image. You amaze me, Dave.

Stan