My wife and I were ask by the DAV office to photograph the local Veterans parade. We, took over a thousand images of the Veterans Day Parade, San Angelo, Texas. As I do all the PP work I jumped right in and was able to send 30 images Monday. As my wife was looking through them she commented that it seemed I have settled into a post-processing style that differs from the norm... We like it, BUT, Are these bad? Do I, in your opinion, have an effective result, or should I try for a more traditional look? As this is purely subjective, as personal taste differs dramatically, tell me what you think... Jim

These look very contrasty. If that's the look you want, it worked.

Actually they are more than contrasty.
They have a hyper-real, heavily detailed HDR-ish look. A matter of taste.
For that style they look good. No significant haloing issue although perhaps ab it around the legs of the soldier in the last image. The colors are quite intense, the blues appear off in hue and too intense for my taste. Sharpness, detail are, as I said, hyper-real but well done.
Bottom line: I think the style was executed well.
Scott

When we put up images on FM, they’re available (and copyable) to the entire internet world, thousands, if not, millions of people. In my opinion, we should never present our nation, our military men and women, in an unflattering manner, no matter the photographic process. We should show the respect due our wonderful country.

In my opinion, your photographic depiction of boy scouts laughing and cavorting in what I assume is a tribute parade to Veteran’s day, is not in good taste. The showing of a serviceman, with his gut hanging out (like a woman on the sidewalk) and his eyes shut, is also not respectful.

Shot VA-13 shows a respect for veterans and our country. I think the tonal range is a tad overdone.

ben egbert wrote:
These look very contrasty. If that's the look you want, it worked.

Thanks Ben. So cut back on the contrast. Got you, Jim

sbeme wrote:
Actually they are more than contrasty.
They have a hyper-real, heavily detailed HDR-ish look. A matter of taste.
For that style they look good. No significant haloing issue although perhaps ab it around the legs of the soldier in the last image. The colors are quite intense, the blues appear off in hue and too intense for my taste. Sharpness, detail are, as I said, hyper-real but well done.
Bottom line: I think the style was executed well.
Scott

Thanks Scott. Less contrast, less detailing, less saturation. Got it, Jim

Bert DeMars wrote:
When we put up images on FM, they’re available (and copyable) to the entire internet world, thousands, if not, millions of people. In my opinion, we should never present our nation, our military men and women, in an unflattering manner, no matter the photographic process. We should show the respect due our wonderful country.

In my opinion, your photographic depiction of boy scouts laughing and cavorting in what I assume is a tribute parade to Veteran’s day, is not in good taste. The showing of a serviceman, with his gut hanging out (like a woman on the sidewalk) and his eyes shut, is also not respectful.

Shot VA-13 shows a respect for veterans and our country. I think the tonal range is a tad overdone.


Bert, The good thing is that you are entitled to your opinion. What you consider disrespectful I view as what freedom means. Due to the men & women that serve, or have served, children can laugh & have fun without fear of being shot in the streets. For point of reference, My grandfather fought in WWI & WWII. My Father fought in WWII & Korea. I served in Vietnam. My younger brother did 3 tours of Vietnam & served in the first desert storm. My son-in-law is 100% disabled after 2 tours of Iraq and 1 in Afghanistan. I have 2 nephews and a niece there now and another leaving next month for his forth tour. I believe I have an idea of what honor is. As I said you are entitled to your opinion in America, after all that's what we fought for... Jim

Bert DeMars wrote:
In my opinion, your photographic depiction of boy scouts laughing and cavorting in what I assume is a tribute parade to Veteran’s day, is not in good taste. The showing of a serviceman, with his gut hanging out (like a woman on the sidewalk) and his eyes shut, is also not respectful.



Bert, as a veteran, I do not feel this at all. I see no disrespect what so ever. Just my opinion.

I and the country are grateful for you and family's service. And sir, I did not question your honor. What I questioned was the way in which we honor our vets. If you think showing boy scouts jumping around in a parade meant to honor living and fallen vets that’s up to you. If you think you would like to be shown in uniform the way in which you photographed the marching serviceman then that’s your call.

Bert DeMars wrote:
I and the country are grateful for you and family's service. And sir, I did not question your honor. What I questioned was the way in which we honor our vets. If you think showing boy scouts jumping around in a parade meant to honor living and fallen vets that’s up to you. If you think you would like to be shown in uniform the way in which you photographed the marching serviceman then that’s your call.


Thanks Bert... Your opinion is always welcome, but it is "your" opinion... I disagree. Jim

As a VN vet, I'll stay out of the side discussion - many varied opinions and sensitivities. I choose to keep mine private and quietly respect those of others, whether I agree or not...simply how I deal with the topic and collateral discussion.

To the subject/question at hand, #1 works for me because of the "Rockwell" look, whose work I thoroughly enjoy. The remainder not so - perhaps because one HDR image more than satisfies my visual appetite for that particular style - others are overload.

Don't know whether I've made any sense but there it is

Bob

Bob Jarman wrote:
As a VN vet, I'll stay out of the side discussion - many varied opinions and sensitivities. I choose to keep mine private and quietly respect those of others, whether I agree or not...simply how I deal with the topic and collateral discussion.

To the subject/question at hand, #1 works for me because of the "Rockwell" look, whose work I thoroughly enjoy. The remainder not so - perhaps because one HDR image more than satisfies my visual appetite for that particular style - others are overload.

Don't know whether I've made any sense but there it is

Bob

Thank you Bob... I respect your opinion on both issues. On HDR overload I know what you are saying. After-all, that's why I am here. I had no intent on a HDR look. I was after the "Norman Rockwell" feeling in the boy scout images, and one thing lead to another. I am modifying my PP process as I respond to these post.. Jim

oldrattler wrote:
[

Thank you Bob... I respect your opinion on both issues. On HDR overload I know what you are saying. After-all, that's why I am here. I had no intent on a HDR look. I was after the "Norman Rockwell" feeling in the boy scout images, and one thing lead to another. I am modifying my PP process as I respond to these post.. Jim

Well #1 hit the mark And I know about getting swept away with the pp - often a problem of mine don't know when to stop.

Bob

Bob Jarman wrote:
oldrattler wrote:
[

Thank you Bob... I respect your opinion on both issues. On HDR overload I know what you are saying. After-all, that's why I am here. I had no intent on a HDR look. I was after the "Norman Rockwell" feeling in the boy scout images, and one thing lead to another. I am modifying my PP process as I respond to these post.. Jim

Well #1 hit the mark And I know about getting swept away with the pp - often a problem of mine don't know when to stop.

Bob



Amen, brother...

You inspired a new essay which I just posted to my blog.

http://ben-egbert-photo.com/?page_id=1293

ben egbert wrote:
You inspired a new essay which I just posted to my blog.

http://ben-egbert-photo.com/?page_id=1293


Ben, I commented on your blog post. By the way, I agree with what you said. My wife says I am a man that pleases everybody; Some when I show up, the rest when I leave. Jim

oldrattler wrote:
ben egbert wrote:
You inspired a new essay which I just posted to my blog.

http://ben-egbert-photo.com/?page_id=1293


Ben, I commented on your blog post. By the way, I agree with what you said. My wife says I am a man that pleases everybody; Some when I show up, the rest when I leave. Jim

Good one, I need to remember that one.

I tell people that now that I am retired I have nobody I must please. I am not looking for a job, a new wife or friends. For the first time I don't have to kiss up to anyone. Not that I did before, but now there are fewer consequences.

And thanks for the reply. I get lots of hits but not many replies.

ben egbert wrote:
oldrattler wrote:
ben egbert wrote:
You inspired a new essay which I just posted to my blog.

http://ben-egbert-photo.com/?page_id=1293


Ben, I commented on your blog post. By the way, I agree with what you said. My wife says I am a man that pleases everybody; Some when I show up, the rest when I leave. Jim

Good one, I need to remember that one.

I tell people that now that I am retired I have nobody I must please. I am not looking for a job, a new wife or friends. For the first time I don't have to kiss up to anyone. Not that I did before, but now there are fewer consequences.

And thanks for the reply. I get lots of hits but not many replies.


Hi,

I am new here... just wanted to say I read your blog and enjoyed the bunch of postings I've read so far. I look forward to reading more that you have there. Thanks for taking the time to post it all.

Jenn

oldrattler wrote:
My wife says I am a man that pleases everybody; Some when I show up, the rest when I leave.

Ain't that the truth. Guilty as charged over here as well.

BTW .. the pic style (first three in particular) has a kinda retro, gritty, Norman Rockwell, (but not) vibe to it. Not a mainstay style for sure, but it takes me to a different sense of time & place. Still not quite sure @ where that is, but for me, it is kind of surreal and familiar at the same time ... if that makes any sense.

I realize that others have seen it as a bit "unorthodox" for the subject matter (how's that for political correctness ). As an "artform" it reminds me of a time and place with a bit more innocence and carefree aspect to a society that no longer is prevalent in America.

I didn't take it as a form of disrespect (I am DAV), but just a different rendering. I can understand how some feel it to be not properly presented ... but seeing happy boys, and knowing that it is the sacrifices we service members have made that allows them to be free-spirited as they are learning to grow into patriotic men ... well, I'm good with that. After all, a celebration is not exactly the same as a memorial ... they both have their place.

BTW ... I was med (DAV) discharged on 11/11 ... I got to choose the date.

JennyG wrote:
ben egbert wrote:
oldrattler wrote:
ben egbert wrote:
You inspired a new essay which I just posted to my blog.

http://ben-egbert-photo.com/?page_id=1293


Ben, I commented on your blog post. By the way, I agree with what you said. My wife says I am a man that pleases everybody; Some when I show up, the rest when I leave. Jim

Good one, I need to remember that one.

I tell people that now that I am retired I have nobody I must please. I am not looking for a job, a new wife or friends. For the first time I don't have to kiss up to anyone. Not that I did before, but now there are fewer consequences.

And thanks for the reply. I get lots of hits but not many replies.


Hi,

I am new here... just wanted to say I read your blog and enjoyed the bunch of postings I've read so far. I look forward to reading more that you have there. Thanks for taking the time to post it all.

Jenn

Thanks for reading it, feedback is very helpful.