This is not a Halloween image

[Cheryl Slechta]

I've been fascinated for some time with some of the old black and white photographers including Steichen, Steiglitz, but a lot of lesser know ones also. And I like diffusion (as you all know from my hair spray images and ortons) which a lot of old photographs are famous for. This week I was thrilled to buy a stack of old B&W magazines at our Friends of the Library book sale and realized just how much I love that old look. This image was taken in New Brunswick (with a hairsprayed UV filter) and the colors were muted anyway. I used Nik Silver Efex Low Key and tinted with an Ambrotype tint that I liked.
(Just wanted to warn everyone in case they think it's scary).

[Nancy Bell]

I really appreciate when folks give the backstory to their creations. Everyone pursues a different direction and I learn so much! Cheryl, this is delicate and a very soft, lovely composition. The shades of "glow" create interesting places for the eye to roam. Finding that one glowing flower bud is like finding a prize.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Thanks, Nancy

[Hazel Grant]

Yes, thanks for the background, but forgive me for saying, yes, this could be Halloween.....looks a bit ghosty and other world. Beautiful. I do find that one vertical oval toward the upper right a bit bright for the rest of it. It does have an old tyntype feel I think. Good for you.

[Judy Howle]

You certainly are creative Cheryl! Hairspray on a filter, how cool! Love the soft glow and colors. A very artistic image, bravo!

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Could have qualified for the theme. I like the toning and the glow, and also the simplicity of the image Cheryl.

[Anita Bower]

Not scary. Beautiful tones and softness. I find the grasses in the lower right distracting. Otherwise, I would not change anything. Lovely composition and glow. I think you did a fine job being inspired by some of the old photos.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Thanks, everyone, for your comments.

[gary ellwein]

Cool effect Cheryl. Being unfamiliar with hairspray ( presence of head hair required ), how do you get it off of your filter?

[Kerry Perkins]

Serene, lovely, wispy - yes. Scary - not to my eye. We seem to be pretty divided on that point, which I think is a good thing! I love the monochrome look too, and also studied all the old masters of photography. It is a look that I am always on the alert for when I'm out shooting. You picked a nice subject and setting that works really well with the technique.

[Diane Miller]

Excellent inspiration from the pictorialism of old! I love the color and glow effect!!!

I'd be tempted to add a squeak more canvas on the left, and maybe thin out a couple of the cut-off lily pads on the right.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Gary, I have a cheap UV filter. I just use lens cleaner and a dedicated cloth specifically for that filter. However, once you've sprayed it with hairspray it will stay on there for quite some time before you have to replenish it.

Cool effect Cheryl. Being unfamiliar with hairspray ( presence of head hair required ), how do you get it off of your filter?

[gary ellwein]

Thanks for the info Cheryl.