A Christmas Story..Updated.

[Greg McCary]

I have always wanted to try a Gary Heller type inside shooting out shot. This one wasn't easy and I give Gary a lot of credit for these type shots. When I saw the small nativity scene below the window I just had to try. Let me know if it works.

[Shebang]

I really like the window part of this photo, but, to be honest, I don't care for the nativity scene in the scene -- it's a bit too dark and I had to work too hard to see it. And, on a purely personal note, the nativity scene being abandoned just messes with my head...

[Greg McCary]

Thanks Paula. I may need to adjust my monitor. That helps a lot.

[w.slayman]

Greg,

On my laptop I could barely see the Nativity?

[SmartWombat]

The photo works, but not on this site!
I think it's the huge contrast against the white background.

If I save to disk and open in Lightroom, then select "Lights Out" mode then it looks OK.
Or if I set the loupe mode background to black, it's OK.

The darks are perhaps a little too dark; but if it's optimised for printing and not for the monitor, then that's OK for your use.
I think you may need to produce two edits, one for printing and one for web viewing.

I would try to remove what looks like a road sign from the lower left window pane, that would give it a more timeless feel maybe.

[Greg McCary]

Thanks Paul I will try and do that. I did edit this in Lightroom 2. It looks ok on my monitor. The exposure brush is a wonderful tool by the way.

[gahspidy]

The photo works, but not on this site!
I think it's the huge contrast against the white background.

If I save to disk and open in Lightroom, then select "Lights Out" mode then it looks OK.
Or if I set the loupe mode background to black, it's OK.

The darks are perhaps a little too dark; but if it's optimised for printing and not for the monitor, then that's OK for your use.
I think you may need to produce two edits, one for printing and one for web viewing.

I would try to remove what looks like a road sign from the lower left window pane, that would give it a more timeless feel maybe.

Interesting point, Paul. The thing is if this were being presented in an exhibit and displayed in a white mat. . .would we have the same issue

[gahspidy]

Thanks Paul I will try and do that. I did edit this in Lightroom 2. It looks ok on my monitor. The exposure brush is a wonderful tool by the way.

I like this a lot, Greg. As you know, I'm particularly fond of scenes like this
I do agree that it is rather dark, and even after the nativity scene was mentioned I still find it difficult to make it out. Bringing out more shadow detail in the interior will be good. It does not have to be all, but just the important area in the room.
Have you tried the ND tool? Sweeping it from the bottom up to the window with a modest exposure increase should give you a nice result.

[Greg McCary]

Thanks Gary I will give that a shot. I may just go back to the drawing board and start all over. This is a combination of two exposures. I had to clone a couple of items and make some corrections to the wall. So in the long run it may be better to start from scratch as opposed to trying to fix this one.

[Greg McCary]

Here is another edit. I also replaced the original. How about another monitor check. It looks much brighter on my monitor. I am thinking of going back to a CRT I think I was much happier...
Another note. I went back today and reshot the inside so this is a combination of a new image and one from yesterday.

[OldClicker]

I can now see it, but would not be able to tell what it was if I hadn't read it. You also lost the contrast between the inside and outside. I see a room (first) with a window. What if you went back to the original and put a spot light (real or post processed) on the nativity scene and keep the rest of the room black? - TF

[w.slayman]

Greg this version is much better, the Nativity Scene, bricks, floor and even the grain in the plywood are all visable on my laptop. Nice work.

[Shebang]

Without reading the posts, I looked at your original and thought I had really lost it because it wasn't nearly as dark as I remember it -- it was late when I viewed the original post...

I agree with OldClicker -- I think the overall darkness will be more effective if you can find a way to light the nativity scene -- that might be a more thought provoking photo as well.

[jetrim]

I have to say I was intrigued by the title, and not disappointed when I scrolled through the thread. I really like both the first and second versions. I prefer the darker, but also recently fitted my monitor with a 12" hood so that probably makes a difference (result of class instructor's constant nagging about my final images being too bright).

I can now see it, but would not be able to tell what it was if I hadn't read it. You also lost the contrast between the inside and outside. I see a room (first) with a window. What if you went back to the original and put a spot light (real or post processed) on the nativity scene and keep the rest of the room black? - TF

This might be brilliant, it could be as simple as a flashlight with a paper towel roll used as a snoot to really control the light spill.

[gahspidy]

Greg, the detail inside now is just right. I like the shadows cast of the Nativity scene from the natural lighting. I agree we lose a bit of the mystery and contrast of the dark room, but I think applying a vignette around this photo may bring back the dark room feel. Oldclickers ideas are also worth experimenting with.
I sometimes bring a Lastolite reflector with me in my camera bag when I'm going out and about. It is a approx 30" round reflector with a warm side and a normal side. Itcollapses real easy into a small and thin pack that I can slip into the laptop sleev of my Lowepro back pack.
In a room like this where its very bright out and dark inside I would have the camera up on tripod and hold the reflector to bounce some light back into the room. Expose for the bright window as to no blow it out and then bring out whatever shadow detail need later in PP.
You look like you handled the scene well, and your final take here is quite good.

[Frog]

Strange that the first image appears lighter today than yesterday.
Paul is right. If I block the sides with my hands, I can make out detail much better.
I think I'll make myself an 800xadjustable card to view photos with.

[ladybugamanda]

I like the second image better, but the sign out side the window bothers me!