A little gritty

zombiemann · Aug 28, 2012

I know the composition is a bit wonky. I know the lights are blown out a bit. During post processing I was going for a cooked, somewhat dirty feel. For me, this is more than just a photograph, it is an expression of anger bordering on rage.

I went for a walkabout this evening around the downtown area figuring I would play around with some ideas I had. I've done this many times in the past with no issue. Tonight was an exception to the rule. I was wandering around, doing my thing, when this guy comes out of nowhere and demands (not asks) for a cigarette. I never smoke when I'm shooting because all it takes is one wind shift to ruin a shot (been there done that). I told the guy I didn't have any on me, so he asks me "How much cash you got?". My response was again: none. He then asked me how much my camera was worth..... I don't think he liked my response "For my it cost a good amount of money, for you it will cost 6 months physical therapy". At the risk of coming off sounding like an "internet tough guy", I am fairly sizable, I maintain a relatively good physical health, and I grew up fighting a brother who literally has twice my mass. There was simply no way I was going to give up what is arguably one of my most personally valued possessions without a fight. I might have lost, we'll never know, but by I was NOT going to just hand it over. To bring an already long story to a brief end, I came home with my camera. But tonight served to remind me, as much as I like my hometown, it does have a darker, grittier side.

This is the only set of exposures that I am anywhere close to happy with. On an interesting side note, behind the tiled upper area (above "The Brass Horn") is what used to be a prohibition era speakeasy.

Bynx · Aug 28, 2012

Great job Zombie. Really clear with brick details even in the dark shadows. Your exposures are spot on. I wonder what causes the blue glow above the street lamps. Do they have a blue transparent top?

zombiemann · Aug 28, 2012

Yea, they have these weird blue lights on them. It actually makes shooting a pain in the butt because they are all over the place and they are really bright and blow out really easy. Here is an underexposed shot just to show what they actually look like. I should note that the "yellow" lights going down the street are actually the same red as the one in the foreground. No idea why they show up yellow, but I know that others have the same issue.

FanBoy · Aug 28, 2012

The HDR work is done well; the lighted shop windows turned out perfect. I think it captures a different feel than your intention. Your town's chamber of commerce might like the dirty, angry feel.

(Maybe that was your mood at the time.)

Bynx · Aug 28, 2012

Is this the way the lights are supposed to look? If so why the one blue light? Strange stuff going on in the street with their lighting.

Parker219 · Aug 28, 2012

I am more impressed that he came up with a Hollywood movie answer on the fly like that. The whole 6 months of physical therapy line. Also the picture came out nice too. Lots of good detail on the buildings. :thumbup:

Heitz · Aug 28, 2012

Chicago right? Where about was that?

zombiemann · Aug 28, 2012

@Hietz: Not Chicago, Decatur.

@Parker: It's not the first time I've used that particular line and I actually stole it from a buddy of mine who is a US Marine

@ Bynx: The upper light on most of the poles downtown are blue. Down 1 street they are red (because the city council doesn't fully grasp what a "red light district" means to most people lol). That picture happens to be at the intersection of the red light street and one of the blue light streets. I guess I could have explained that better but it was 2:00am my time lol

Bynx · Aug 28, 2012

Ok so its purposefully color coded. Id say your shot is a definite keeper. Id like to see it full size.

Thanks for that Dave. I did a slight alteration. Is it an improvement or even noticeable?

zombiemann · Aug 28, 2012

Looks like you tamed the unruly blue lights somehow lol. Just not sure how. I think you did some sort of spot editing, but I am not very knowledgeable in that area. 99% of my edits are "whole image", e.g. levels, white balance etc.

Bynx · Aug 28, 2012

When I looked at the large image I realized the strong magenta around the rim of the lights was just chromatic aberration. Eliminating that and toning down the bluish glow made the lights not so obvious. On the left side of Jimmy Johns sign is a small light blue light. On the left side of that is more chromatic aberration. I didnt touch it to prove that it is CA rather than actual red light. Now I wonder why that tiled wall is like that over the Brass Horn. You said it was a speak easy so I imagine it was light tight since those days. Chicago has such great history. Just imagine thats where Playboy magazine started and had the first Playboy Mansion filled with the best of the best. Ive only been to Chicago once and spent a couple days at a convention. Actually didnt get much time for sight seeing.

zombiemann · Aug 28, 2012

Bynx said:
When I looked at the large image I realized the strong magenta around the rim of the lights was just chromatic aberration. Eliminating that and toning down the bluish glow made the lights not so obvious. On the left side of Jimmy Johns sign is a small light blue light. On the left side of that is more chromatic aberration. I didnt touch it to prove that it is CA rather than actual red light. Now I wonder why that tiled wall is like that over the Brass Horn. You said it was a speak easy so I imagine it was light tight since those days. Chicago has such great history. Just imagine thats where Playboy magazine started and had the first Playboy Mansion filled with the best of the best. Ive only been to Chicago once and spent a couple days at a convention. Actually didnt get much time for sight seeing.

I have to point out one small detail. It's not in Chicago, and nowhere near Chicago (except in the same state of course). I live in downstate Illinois (Decatur to be specific). Don't feel bad though, most people hear Illinois and automatically think Chicago.

zombiemann · Aug 30, 2012

I reshot this tonight at a slower f-stop but with slightly longer exposures. There is still a touch of CA, but nowhere near as bad. This is untouched in photoshop, other than shrinking to a reasonable size.

Parker219 · Aug 30, 2012

^Send this to Ford, maybe they will pay for it! Makes that mustang look sweet. This picture looks a lot more "real" I like it. Curious to see what you do in post with it.

Bynx · Aug 30, 2012

When you say wider fstop you mean smaller aperture, right? CA is greatly reduced in the image. I kinda like the grungy look in your first shot. It seems a little more colorful and bright compared to the latest which is probably more realistic looking, but it looks dark and empty.