theme: merry go round

A fun evening in Chicago. still learning about this theme style. hope it fits

It looks interesting but is overall way too dark and also too small....

sorry...

Hazel, I think it fits the theme nicely. It would be better if you could post it a little larger.

glad it fit. not sure about that technique fully. re the sizing. my bad, as they say. Had my numbers set for something else and forgot to reset.

I like the scene you captured, and the lights are an important part of it. While it is dark overall, I don't think it's necessary to make the entire image lighter. Instead, I'd have the lights play a larger role. I use Topaz Star Effects once in a blue moon -- maybe once in two blue moons, but I think this is a great place for it. It would brighten the lights and their reflections and, also, add a nice glow.

Hazel, I think it is good for the theme as well. Just make a little larger. I put it through NIK Silver Efex Pro (low key), and then adjusted it with a hard mix layer.

thanks for the suggestions and work!
I appreciate learning more from this.

I admire you, Hazel, for trying something new and difficult. I think the final version works quite well. Although the horses are dark, they stand out and it is clear what they are. I also find the composition pleasing.

I really like the carousel colors and the lines and circles of lights. I think it would be great fun to do a whole series of images from a carnival at night!