Forgotten music

This was taken in the school house in Ruby, Arizona - an old "ghost town" - an abandoned mining town. The lighting in the room was awful. Bright mid-day sunlight in the window at the far end of the room, but very dark at the end where i was standing. I used the flash to illuminate the piano and violin. But I don't often use artificial lighting, and didn't like the result. So I over-processed and added some texture. Is it over done?

Please read my comment about why I processed this image as I did. Any

comments or ratings are appreciated! :-)

Hi Lou Ann, I really like the title and the components of the photo. Did you have an acceptable way to bounce the flash off of the ceiling?

 

I agree that the light might be a bit harsh. I like the photo-editing that you've done and think you are on the right track but the title, the title really evokes a lot of contemplation and feeling - that's where you nailed it. Perhaps a composite with text and graphics will allow the photo to convey its message even better.

 

Best regards,

 

~Sky

Thanks, Sky - a composite might be nice, you're right! :-) As far as bouncing the flash, I don't have a "removable" flash - only the in-camera one. I don't see purchasing an external flash as a justifiable expense, as I use artificial lighting SO rarely!

Under the circumstances you have described I'd say you did a very fine job with the image. However, now you have me salivating with the idea of me visiting the old town of Ruby.

Shawn - you'll LOVE Ruby!!!!

Nicely done Lou Ann. What I like mostly about your work is your description of what you felt and seen as you took the shot, then your attempt to present that to us as it was for you.

Well photographed, titled, and presented.

I understand about the investment. How 'bout a compromise?

 

If you at least have a flashlight, you could try a long exposure. Find a way to make your camera stationary, (e.g. jacket, pack, tripod or solid surface, etc.) and since light was coming in the room a little, you could try perhaps f22 and a shutter speed, maybe a second and shine the flashlight on the objects you want to capture (like a paint brush). If there's enough natural light to see, you will need to work quickly. If you wait until very dim or dark you'd have the length of time your shutter was set for. (You'd need to experiment with the exact settings depending on the available light.)

 

Additionally as an alternative:

Since they are still objects, a small aperture and a long exposure could capture all you want, even without a flashlight. Also, opening the doorway to allow more light to enter for a moment can make an interesting if not successful longer exposure for you. Good luck with any future opportunities such as this.

 

Nice capture in this image, though. You had a winning idea. ~Sky

 

P.S. if an assistant is available with a compact mirror or the like, they can often direct light to your subject from outdoors...

Very nice and particular...Treatment!...Ciaomau!

 

 

 

You're SO right with all of your ideas, Sky! Thank you. The problem with this shot was ... I was lazy. :-( The tripod: down the hill in my car. Hot day. Lou Ann didn't want to walk down and back up the hill again. Another solution: change the ISO settings. (DOH!) The exif on this says that I left the ISO at 100. WHY??? I can't believe it didn't occur to me. The way the room was set up - it was sort of like a closet, the window just past the top of the frame, me with my camera standing in the hallway looking into the room. So, there was no door to open. ALL of your suggestions make a lot of sense. And, of course, there's no cure for the lazy photographer syndrome. :-) I'll have to go back there some day........

I'm not a fan of artificial light, either; however, I discovered a flash softbox. Works great and doesn't look fake. It fits over a portable flash (not the in-camera one) and it will make you LOVE flash photography. Just did a search online and you can get them for in-camera flash, too. I'll attach a picture. They are CHEAP at $10!

SO cool!! Thanks, Kim - I'll have to look into that. :-)

It was just some things to add to your bag of tricks. I never fail to upload a batch of photos that I don't find at least one image that I was sorry I didn't do more of what I already knew and failed.

 

I know the "Lazy Photographer Syndrome" as well. I try to fight against it in little ways. Carry my little tripod in my pocket when I can't bring myself to carry the big one. Extra batteries if I might be out extra time, charged batteries (that's always a plus , If I anticipate something unique, I try to at least carry my small pack with camera goodies. I know too much stuff can be just as much a detriment as too little.

 

We just do the best we can at the time and our photo results teach us what to change and how to improve. I like that attachment that Kim has. Wax paper will work in a pinch, too ( you can fold that up in your pocket)

 

Happy shooting, ~Sky