Three Windows on a Cold Night.

[gahspidy]

I am intrigued by the glow of some apartment building windows, especially on cold winter nights. They can be very colorful, charismatic, and lend a warm inviting feel. One can also wonder about the occupants by the objects and curtains or fabric hung and dressing the windows.
This, as well as others I'm working on, are to have a graphic, painted type feel. I wanted this to be more artistic looking than not.
Do you find this effective?
Thanks

[MarcusK]

Gary, this is beautifully executed, i was thinking that no way could this pass for a photo, and when i read your post, well.... i guess it proves its a job well done...

Personally, i love the mood, and composition of this image.... and i think the effect does add to the general feeling... :thumbsup:

Marc

[Chunk]

I like the dim wash of light on the exterior and the voyeuristic glimpse inside. A nice balance with a good story in the picture.

It's a little small here to get the feel of the objects inside but I'll bet it's even more effective larger.

[Overbeyond]

You seem to imply Gary that a lot of processing has been done to produce the artistic feel. Had you not mentioned this I would have guessed that the result did not get a lot of processing but did achieve expert exposure at time of clicking.
I love this, irrespective of how it was achieved. It has a 'velvety' feel to it. The window on the right looks as if there is no living quarters behind; just more buildings, whereas the other windows suggest comfort. The texture of the pipe is wonderful. There is a good feel of a 'peeping tom' to this also. It's all beautiful to look at.
Tom

[gahspidy]

Thanks for commenting.
Marc. . .I appreciate your mentioning the not passing for a photo thought. I do want it to pass for a photo and did not want to take it quite that far, but I get that you feel it's fine nonetheless.I would at least like it to look like it started out as a photo. . . thanks

Chunk. . .The funny thing is I'm now outside looking in . . .now that could be a problem.I'm glad you like the whole effect. Upon shooting this with my teeth chattering, I knew that I only wanted to get the exposure and framing right knowing I was going to work this quite alot later.About 4 different exposures were taken with this one being the best to work with. I have posted a larger version on the gallery forum.
http://gallery.photographyreview.com...&ppuser=234866

Thanks Chunk.

Tom . . .The exposure came out fine, but the overall lighting was not quite so enchanting as this. I'm happy to know you like it as it is. I was rather pleased after spending the time to work on it. Peeping Tom is how it felt when I was out there with a tripod and long zoom aimed at these windows. I'm looking forward to doing more of these as I spot them in the city. . .
Thanks Tom.

[Didache]

I seriously like this. There IS a sense of peeping-tomism about it, which lends it a delicious sense of danger and naughtiness about it. Maybe there is a little peeping tom in all of us?

Cheers
Mike

[Greg McCary]

Your efforts in the cold and hard work post processing was well worth it. This is a great picture. No one would have to tell me who took this, your name is all over it. The vent pipe going between the two windows makes the shot for me. Just it's size is perfect. I also like the desaturated look of the outside, giving the inside more attention and detail. It looks cold outside. Nice work one of your best...
Greg

[gahspidy]

Thanks Mike. I was surprised as i was Post processing this image at how interesting it was to look at these windows at 100% the center window especially has some. . . interesting items.

Greg, yes, the outside area was desaturated to enhance the cold feel and to get rid of the warm tungsten lighting on them. I'm curious as to what my signature style is. . .I have heard that before. I am not sure if it is my particuliar approach at composing or mainly my subject matter. Thanks for you time to comment.

[Greg McCary]

Gary, your style is the subject matter combined with the desaturated look. Old windows. pipes and abandoned buildings, and things that might would look desaturated anyways. Your images have a color tone that are your style, for instance in this picture the areas around the vent pipe and how the lighting hits the outside wall. I think maybe it's just hard to see ones own style, but others will. Maybe it's your work flow or just your personal taste, but I don't see you presenting an image where the colors pop.
And congrats on photo for 2006, well deserved and you know my thoughts on the picture...
Greg

[GB1]

I think it works, but I would like it a lot better without that vertical pipe at the 1/3 inflection point, which I find distracting. The darkness around the windows draws our attention to what is inside. The only thing other than the pipes that I see could be improved is if there was more showing what was happening inside, esp with right side window, and, if the first and second weren't so similar. You should have knocked on their door(s) and asked them to open the blinds a little more. (end of comments from here..)

GB

[gahspidy]

Greg, I never considered my post processing relating to my style, but I think it makes sense and is probably the biggest factor leading to that.

GB1.. I really was only concerned with the warm glow and colors of the windows, but having more going on inside no doubt could make for a stronger image. I would not have wanted to place the pipe anywhere near the middle of the frame as I feel that would split the photo in two. I appreciate you lending me your thoughts on this.
thanks