'Midnight Cowboy'
Jul 7, 2018 10:57:04 #
A composite that came about just recently. While traveling in the western states last year I wanted to capture a silhouette of a cowboy with his horse but the opportunity didn't come about. However, while driving down the highway I just so happen to see a cowboy on his horse up on a cliff. I immediately pulled over to a safe place, since there was hardly any traffic, to capture what I saw, only to find out it was one of those life size metal cowboy silhouettes, I'm sure most have seen. I was a little disappointed, but yet satisfied. Now my concern is, since I'm so indecisive, to choose the color or the B&W. I know, the decision would be subjective, but an opinion would be appreciated. Then again, there may not be any interest in the composite in general at all, and that would be fine as well.
Dave
Dave
Jul 7, 2018 11:08:30 #
Jul 7, 2018 11:14:46 #
Dave, I'm going to go with the first one. Though it is is not strictly a black and white photo, the monochromatic appearance fits the mood really well. Very nice work.
(A metal statue, geez I just hate when that happens).
--Bob
(A metal statue, geez I just hate when that happens).
--Bob
Dave Chinn wrote:
A composite that came about just recently. While t... (show quote)
Jul 7, 2018 11:45:31 #
I like this creation very much! Especially the light around the hat, and the distant view of cowboy on bluff. The only thing that gives me pause is the smoke. Is it smoke? From fire or cigarette? It's a little too prominent for my not being able to puzzle its origin and because I'm not sure if it's actually meant to represent smoke.
For me, the color version makes it about sunrise or sunset - contemplating the day to come or the day that was. #1 is more about middle of the night, which says loneliness and reminds me of a line from Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys:
"...they're always alone, even with someone they love..."
Both are great, Dave!
For me, the color version makes it about sunrise or sunset - contemplating the day to come or the day that was. #1 is more about middle of the night, which says loneliness and reminds me of a line from Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys:
"...they're always alone, even with someone they love..."
Both are great, Dave!
Jul 7, 2018 13:43:07 #
Dave Chinn wrote:
A composite that came about just recently. While t... (show quote)
I'm going to assume that the light spilling over the edge of his hat is from the moon that his head is obscuring. It that is the case, and if, indeed, you want to depict midnight with the light of the moon, then it has to be black and white. The moon does not produce an orange glow in the midnight sky. This is moody and dark and sinister. The gunsmoke is indicative of a dastardly deed done clandestinely under the cover of night. Yet, as he turned around he found that his misdeed was noted by the sentinel on the cliff. Who was that man? I don't know, but he left a silver bullet!
A+ I just love it.
Erich
Jul 7, 2018 14:23:42 #
Dave Chinn wrote:
A composite that came about just recently. While t... (show quote)
It could be a scene from No Country for Old Men
Jul 7, 2018 19:41:52 #
Dave, I flipped flipped back and forth between these two images. Final vote is #1. I think the B/W adds to this moody photo. To my eyes I can not tell it is a composite. So for me i just say well done.
Jul 7, 2018 22:00:48 #
Jul 8, 2018 05:59:26 #
artBob wrote:
I like #1 for its believability, although the smoke distracts me.
I too like #1, the color in #2 is competitive with the mood. Strange effect, I had a strong urge to light up a Marlborough, and I never smoke !
Jul 8, 2018 06:46:17 #
The composite is fantastic, both work, but I think I prefer the hint of color in this case...great work!!
Jul 8, 2018 08:12:38 #
Dave Chinn wrote:
A composite that came about just recently. While t... (show quote)
I am leaning towards the color in that the color brings out a stronger relationship between the two cowboys. As for the smoke, the impression I have is of a dousing of the campfire with, maybe, the remains of the pot of coffee.
Jul 8, 2018 08:35:52 #
Dave, I’ve flipped back and forth with these two and simply cannot choose one above the other. Either way it’s superb - apart from what others seem to be referring to a smoke (?) - I think, whatever it is (I thought it looked like three blank faces wearing baseball caps backwards), it needs to go. A masterpiece in compositing once that’s done.
Jul 8, 2018 09:01:38 #
StevenG
Loc: Long Island, NY
Dave Chinn wrote:
A composite that came about just recently. While t... (show quote)
Dave, I really like this photo. And, I think you did a great job with the composite. For me, the color works best. I think it does a better job of highlighting both the man in the hat and the cowboy on the horse. And for me it provides a sense of anticipation: something will happen when the sun fully sets or rises (I can’t tell which). For me, the b&w suggests waiting, and lacks the sense of some immediately impending action. But as you say, this is purely a subjective (and personal) choice.
Steve
Jul 8, 2018 09:09:51 #
kenievans
Loc: Dallas
I prefer #1. It feels more menacing but I don’t care for the smoke. To me it seems artificial but a beautiful job nonetheless.
Jul 8, 2018 09:39:00 #
Dave, I’m a fan of both: good work there. But, since you asked for a choice, I’m going with the monochrome for all the above stated reasons--no need to be repetitive.
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