February 21, 2005

06: Lady In Red

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I had hoped my trip to New Orleans would be good for taking photographs, and though I went though four rolls of film I only had a small amount of pictures I really liked. This one was my favourite, from wandering the streets in the French Quarter with Kerry on the Saturday afternoon. This woman, standing on a crate in the center of a street, was one of those human mannequin performers who spring to life when given a donation. I put a dollar in her hat, she blew some faerie sparkles on me, and I sat down in front of her to take this photo.

The picture didn't turn out so hot (top left) because of a number of variables, chief among them my plain-Jane point-and-click camera. I wanted to bring my nice camera but, it's Mardi Gras and I didn't want to be worrying about it.

With Photoshop, I was able to get a better result (top right) by making various corrections to the woman's costume and skin tones, the backdrop and the sky. I also saved an alternate black-and-white version (bottom left) and then went to town with this fantasy nighttime version (bottom right) with added high-contrast overlays and other effects.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Keep meaning to mention that I thoroughly enjoy your blog. Bravo. Love the fantasy nightime photo! I wonder if the lady in red was mildly concerned when you sat on the ground for your photo (that you were going to take a what's under the skirt shot). Hmm.

Jeope said...

No worries there, Missus. The dress was quite multi-layered. You couldn't even see her feet!

shannon said...

I thought the same thing! (giggle) "what was he really taking pictures of"

Mrs. Maria said...

Ah! I love redddddd :) But I like the dreamy fantasy feel of the bottom right one. You get to play too much! Jealous again! Keep it up I love looking at your "experiments" and beautiful work!

devon spec said...

the last one is really captivating! i feel like eating pizza and playing in photoshop now. QUIT influencing me! ;)

j/k.

looks like you havd too much fun.

Mary said...

Wow, that last one is awesome! I love it! It needs to be in a expensive perfume ad :) LOL I love!!!