<<< o >>>Photo Friday: Distorted 23 comments + add yours
chromasia.com

I've missed the last couple of Photo Friday challenges, but really wanted to do something for this week's theme – Distorted. I did think about using the shot of the crumpled can I put the day before yesterday, but decided that I liked this one better.

Let me know what you think.

Oh, and I guess I don't need to tell most of you this but, other than the colourisation and a Curves adjustment, this is a straight shot.

Update: I'm inclined to agree with the initial comments that the original version I put up may have been a tad over-saturated, so the version that's up now is toned down somewhat. The original can be seen here.

capture date
camera
lens
aperture
shutter speed
shooting mode
exposure bias
metering mode
ISO
flash
image quality
RAW converter
cropped?
4.01pm on 5/2/05
Canon 20D
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
f/5.6
1/250
aperture priority
-1/3
evaluative
100
no
RAW
C1 Pro
rotated
 
3x2 + fylde coast [scenic] + photo friday
comment by matt at 08:25 PM (GMT) on 8 February, 2005

I think that this image fits the bill for Photo Firday's Challenge, but it is not my favorite. I think that the colorisation is a too strong and it would be a better image if the it was toned down.

comment by Andy at 08:41 PM (GMT) on 8 February, 2005

Looks like your new 100mm macro USM is your favorite lens at this point in time :)... I actually rented the non USM version (the older version) of this lens and can see why you like it. Now if I can only get some money to but the 100mm macro USM.
As for this shot I think is really interesting. Colorization might be a tad strong but it might fit this picture because I think it adds to distortion feel of this picture.

comment by VPra at 09:08 PM (GMT) on 8 February, 2005

It is a nice pic but I would've liked it better if the transition from top to bottom would've been a little smoother.

comment by frisky? at 09:23 PM (GMT) on 8 February, 2005

i really like this one. fits well with the theme IMO. what sort of x-processing did you do on this, if any?

comment by djn1 at 09:37 PM (GMT) on 8 February, 2005

matt and Andy: I've toned it down a bit.\

Vpra: there wasn't a lot I could do about the transition.

frisky: just a Curves adjustment – big increase in contrast and a small boost to the mid-tones in the red channel and a decrease to the mid-tones of the blue channel.

comment by matt at 09:52 PM (GMT) on 8 February, 2005

I do think this is better.

comment by dave::tsky at 11:26 PM (GMT) on 8 February, 2005

I've been looking at your site over the last couple of months and I have to say that your images are truly excellent. Not to mention your style of writing is so personal and well thought out for each entry. Thanks for being an inspiration while I've been working on my blog tSKY. I can only hope that over time my images progress to a stature nearing yours.

Congrats on the anniversary!

comment by Ray at 12:19 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

Like the less saturated version. Great shot. Keep the fantastic work coming!

comment by fernando at 02:05 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

I have to say your post-processing skills are really impressive.

comment by Fellow Eskimo at 02:42 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

Nice distortion.

comment by Ed Rayne at 03:01 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

Hi David, I've got to say that I actually prefer the original version. The slightly stronger colours and (I think) weaker contrast bring out mid tones that are missing in the updated version. I'd be keen to see a slightly less colourised version with the contrast set to bring out details in the sky.

comment by bob at 03:12 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

Uh ... one of your best? .. .that's what I'd say.... now you're moving into new territory... great stuff, Dave...

comment by bob at 03:14 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

I like the orginal better, too -- but it's not a whole lot different ... but I like it.... as they used to tell me in school, go with your FIRST instincts -- they are most likely right every time... great stuff, Dave!

comment by Ted Morrow at 04:15 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

Nice, is the distortion due to some exhaust fumes? I was also wondering what function the -1/3 in exposure bias does.
Cheers
Ted

comment by Jay at 11:39 AM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

It's a (rotated) reflection in water ....right?
Both versions work well with the dark theme, but the original does seem a little over-coloured with the lighter themes.
Very dreamy :-)

comment by pierre at 02:32 PM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

whoa, very nice David
Love the tones and dynamics

comment by tobias at 05:05 PM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

I love the blur affect. Ghostly image. The colour is great as well.

Can anyone give me some advice? I want to buy a photoshop cs guide. There are two choices, Photoshop CS For photographers and Photoshop CS for Digital Photographers. One or two opinions are that it is best to go for the former as it may give you a few more tips but then again the latter specialises in digital photogrphy and I own a digital camera.

Can anyone give me a recommendation as to which to go for? I would really appreciate it.

comment by steven at 06:25 PM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

such a ghostly image. nice grab

comment by Peter Stewart at 07:25 PM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

Good picture - the way the top is warped is sort of spooky. I like it. Probably something to do with the toning, too.

I'm also really impressed with your entire blog. Great design, good writing and loads of great photos to enjoy.

Cheers,
Peter

comment by btezra at 09:24 PM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

~xlnt choice for the theme; the color added works well!~

comment by djn1 at 11:31 PM (GMT) on 9 February, 2005

Thanks everyone.

And while this entry hasn't attracted a record amount of comments the more I've looked at it the more I like it so have decided to upgrade it to my portfolio category.

Ted: this was shot in a puddle on the beach and the distortions are a combination of water movement and sand near the surface.

tobias: I have both and they're both good books.

comment by Walker at 12:52 AM (GMT) on 10 February, 2005

I'm diggin' the original version.

comment by Crash at 11:47 AM (GMT) on 15 February, 2005

wow ... loved the warped/distorted building tops ... thought it was a photoshop treatment near the top, but to find out its au natural ,very cool!