<<< o >>>Buzludzha #9 11 comments + add yours
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This is the last of the shots I'll be posting from my recent trip to the Buzludzha monument: a closer view of the text on the left side of the building, just visible on the left of this shot. If our research is accurate the text is a verse from either "The International" or "The Worker's March".

I've also used this image as this week's Mini-PSD as the processing was quite interesting. If you've taken a look at the original you'll see that the sky is mostly blown out. To correct this I blended three exposures: the metered exposure (which is the one you can see if you hover your mouse over the 'show the original' link beneath the image), the -2EV exposure (for the sky), and the +1EV exposure to lighten some of the darker areas of the building. From there I used a variety of masked curves and other adjustments to boost both the contrast and saturation.

It's not my favourite shot of the monument (I still think that this one will take some beating), but I am pleased with how it turned out.

In other news, all my one-to-one training days in September are now booked, but there are still places available on both my Blackpool workshops: The Art of Black and White Photography (September 16th) and Creating Dramatic Images (September 17th & 18th). There are plenty of places available for the black and white workshop but not quite so many for Creating Dramatic Images. So, if you think you will be interested in attending, book fairly soon. Oh, and you can get a 10% early-bird discount if you book before the 31st.

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12.29pm on 15/5/11
Canon 5D Mark II
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3x2 + travel [Bulgaria] + show the original
comment by Carlos Garcia at 10:19 AM (GMT) on 23 May, 2011

I like the composition of this image. The processing results are dramatic when compared to the original. Love this series David.

comment by Dan Kaufman at 03:38 PM (GMT) on 23 May, 2011

I can't wait to study the mini-PSD. I love the lighting effect you placed. who needs strobes when you're a Photoshop wiz?

comment by Jon at 05:42 PM (GMT) on 23 May, 2011

I find the cool tones of the concrete with the wording contrasts nicely with the warmer tones of the top rounded concrete. 

I am intrigued with the words, did you take any close up details ?

My vote is still for the b&w image you posted a couple of days ago :)

comment by John at 12:20 AM (GMT) on 24 May, 2011

This is amazing. Love the colors and the angle you've chosen to view the type. Great shot!

comment by one way photo / Mark at 06:08 AM (GMT) on 24 May, 2011

Very strong graphic image... love it! And I much prefer this one to the other one that you reference.

comment by Christiane Nicely at 02:31 PM (GMT) on 24 May, 2011

Brilliant, David, absolutely brilliant!

comment by Michelle at 05:01 PM (GMT) on 24 May, 2011

I like this for the angle and the processing makes lettering remind me of printing press block letters.

comment by Frank S. at 04:29 PM (GMT) on 25 May, 2011

Great shot and processing !!!

comment by January Roads at 02:38 AM (GMT) on 26 May, 2011

The graffiti contrast makes the block letters stand out. Also, the brown wood grain balances the cool colors of the sky and the letters. Nice.

comment by web designer bangalore at 10:31 AM (GMT) on 26 May, 2011

Very nice picture and creative processing.

comment by digital anomaly at 10:45 PM (GMT) on 30 May, 2011

beautiful shot, lovely tones and composition. well done !