NO. DAK. SODDY - THEME

[gary ellwein]

This is another image of the family homestead in North Dakota, taken in Nov. 2013. Unfortunately, the structure has deteriorated significantly in the last two years. Hopefully, this looks a bit like one of Dennis's images ( imitation is the sincerest form of flattery ). I used Topaz Simplify Watercolor II as a base. B&W Fractalius and Topaz Simplify Line and ink levels were added to accentuate the cracks. The original image was added at reduced opacity to bring back color. A photoshop sandstone texture was selectively applied to the walls. I have left out multiple tweaks.

[Dennis Bishop]

Again, this morning, I got to OOTB via the Forums page, where I usually check to see if anything new has happened since my last visit. When I saw "NO.DAK.SODDY," I pounced on it in anticipation. You do such a good job with those images, I love the subject, and it's wonderful that you have ties to something like that. The building has such wonderful character, and you present it very well. Using the sandstone texture on the walls was a great idea. I like the orientation the way it is, and the fact that you have a personal connection to the building makes me reluctant to suggest an alternative. Nevertheless, because the curve of the roof is higher on the right and tends to lead the eye out of the image, I'd be inclined to flip horizontally so the curve is leading into the image. In addition, the slope of the roof would, then, lead the eye down into the blue from which it would follow the other elements and return to the upper left. The inside of the building is so interesting, I'd try lightening that part just a tad (before the application of the Fractalius and Simplify lines) to show it off more. The downside is that there'd be less of a silhouette effect, of course.

[Jackie Schuknecht]

Geometry gone bad I'd say. You did a good job with the processing Gary, I like the black lines accenting things. I think Dennis makes some good suggestions, especially about the interior. It looks intriguing.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Gary, there's lots to like. Your processing is subtle and very nice. I'm sure Dennis' posts have pointed you in the right direction. I like the tree framed by the door on the right. If it were mine I might consider cropping out a little on the bottom to eliminate the bottom grass and so the rocks on the left are on the edge but that's just my opinion. I like it as it is.

[Nancy Bell]

This house of yours just begs to be photographed on it's journey back to the land! I love how you carefully framed the image to put that tree in the open door. I agree that it's the inside character that is interesting and would be good for a bit more lighting and/or glow effect. The cracks in the walls are great to emphasize and I like the texture in the roof. Lots of nice PS work.

[gary ellwein]

Thanks to all for the encouraging comments and suggestions. The redo incorporates lightening the interior and flipping the image. To my eye, both changes improve the image. Being familiar with the setting and having spent a lot of time with the image, I found the horizontal flip to be a bit disorienting. Fortunately, I am sitting down. Nancy, I particularly liked your comment about the house returning to the land.

[Anita Bower]

This is a most interesting structure. I especially like how your framed the tree in the doorway, and how the roof sags. The colors in the lightened interior are nice. It seems the light was rather harsh when you took the photo. I wonder about darkening the ground and increasing contrast to the interior.