neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

While working on a rather mundane shot I discovered a rather unusual method to produce unusual results. While there are other titles that could be used, I settled on the simple "Fantasy".
FYC

(Download)

Stephan G

Nothing like a comfortable "crow's nest".

The result is evoking the sense of an early morning before the arrival of the crew for the sailing vessel.

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

Thanks for the thumbs up, Stephan. Your observation is reinforced by the people milling about on the pier, many with their hoods up against a morning chill. However, the local time of this shot was 09:59 PDT, or mid-morning.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

The sky looks spectacular. I'm not so sure about the diffuse halo round the pier and masts. If it was mine I'd either try to get rid of it or perhaps work with it and give it an appropriate colour tint (not sure which colour would work best, but definitely not white).

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

Thanks for weighing in, R.G. The white halo is a major part of the effects that elicited the title. I rather liked the way it brings into stark relief the figures in the tower and the masts and rigging of the ship, and serves as a counterpoint to the sky colours. Bear in mind, there was NO planning involved in this production.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

The haloing effect works, except that it is everywhere. perhaps varying it in some ways would make for a better photo. In my experience, the first shot at something unique is always exciting, but needs development for others to get the kick it gave the maker.

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

I think you may be right, artBob. Just the tower and ship might be better. Perhaps I should explain the process that produced this. In order to alleviate a painful condition of my feet where surgery and spinal injections have failed I'm trying out a pharmaceutical that deadens the nerve endings. An unwanted, but present, side-effect is drowsiness with sleep periods of several seconds to a few hours. While working on this photo in Lightroom I dozed off briefly, and when I woke up discovered my uncontrolled hand had moved slider(s). I liked the result enough that I didn't want to touch it further, and went directly to print (which to my mind is spectacular). The end of this lengthy explanation is - I have no idea how that halo was produced. Another title could be "Dream Works".
BTW, I do not take the capsules if I plan to drive in the near future, and try to avoid driving by myself.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I think I see why you like it Neil, but it doesn’t really look natural. The backlighting to the figures on the tower is certainly attractive though. Could you include a bit of mist perhaps?

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

"...but it doesn't really look natural." Well, gee mm, that's why I called it "Fantasy". (Sorry about that, just couldn't resist.) Seriously, a bit of mist would. Haze I think I could handle, but mist is beyond me at this time. Mist looks nice, while haze has no beginning or end (in my view). Feel free to show what you have in mind, and tell how please.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Away from base this week Neil so no Ps I’m afraid (and limited internet connection to boot). Haze would do the job just as well I reckon - that might be possible with a simple Lr brush?

neilds37 Loc: Port Angeles, WA

I'm starting to get an idea on "how". Just not sure on "where" and "how much". I've always had an interest in being an artist, but have never developed the talent. Thank you for your input on this. Gives me something to chew on.