Helping Hands

[Anita Bower]

Another photo of my Amish neighbors. This image shows the mix of old and new that infuses Amish life in our area. (Some Amish are less likely to use modern technology.) The boys are helping the man move a generator, run by either gas or diesel. The generator was used to power some of their tools in the construction of the schoolhouse. It is also used to run the refrigeration that keeps the milk cold to health standards at their dairies, and to run the women's ringer-washer machines.

Taken with Nikon D300, 200mm, f6.3, ISO 800, 1/1600 sec. (my settings don't make much sense!!). PP: PS 7 and Elements 10: Basic adjustments, cloning, Topaz Adjust, Color Efex Pro: Duplex and Vignette Blur, texture by Shadowhouse Creations "Raggedy Ann."

C & C

[Dave Woeller]

Wonderful image Anita. I really like the way you've processed this. I'm trying to figure out what the pole in the center of the image is. I kind of feel the young boys would stand out more if it were toned down or removed. Just a thought. A great image for the theme.

[denise ippolito]

Anita, this is wonderful. I like the scene and Dave makes a good suggestion. I might tone down the yellowish glow of the hats just a teeny bit if it were mine. It's a tiny bit tight esp. on the bottom.

[Hazel Grant]

Yes, a great image, and your treatment of it adds to the "old order" feel of their lives. I used to live in York, PA, so deeply appreciate the culture there. I am wondering, though, how you got permission to photograph them since they have in the past, at least, not allowed photography, feeling it is a violation of the "graven image" commandment of the ten commandments? I've often thought about photographing them when I've re-visited the area but didn't because of their feeling against it. Has this changed in general, or did you get special permission because they are neighbors?

[Mark Fuge]

Nice image and applicaiton, Anita.

Like the effect as is. Gives an nice aged look to it. Nicely done!

[Anita Bower]

Yes, a great image, and your treatment of it adds to the "old order" feel of their lives. I used to live in York, PA, so deeply appreciate the culture there. I am wondering, though, how you got permission to photograph them since they have in the past, at least, not allowed photography, feeling it is a violation of the "graven image" commandment of the ten commandments? I've often thought about photographing them when I've re-visited the area but didn't because of their feeling against it. Has this changed in general, or did you get special permission because they are neighbors?

I got permission to photograph them so long as I didn't photograph their faces. Sam, the man in this photo, is the Bishop for this area's church, and he allowed the photos. I gave him copies. Interestingly, the young people--children and teens--wanted their photos taken. I also goofed and took some with faces which I shouldn't have done.

[Anita Bower]

Wonderful image Anita. I really like the way you've processed this. I'm trying to figure out what the pole in the center of the image is. I kind of feel the young boys would stand out more if it were toned down or removed. Just a thought. A great image for the theme.

Thanks. This is exactly why I post photos here. I was so preoccupied with other aspects of the image that I didn't notice how intrusive the post is. I'll work on it!

[Anita Bower]

Anita, this is wonderful. I like the scene and Dave makes a good suggestion. I might tone down the yellowish glow of the hats just a teeny bit if it were mine. It's a tiny bit tight esp. on the bottom.

Good point. Thanks!

[Hazel Grant]

Glad you were able to get permission because it shows a great impression of them. Not many get to know them up close. Good for you. I still like the applications you put to the photo. Nice effect.

[Judy Howle]

I like the overall look and texture of this one. Nice work! Agree about removing the post if possible.

[Dennis Bishop]

There's really a lot to like about this image. It's dynamic. It demonstrates the cooperation and work ethic I associate with the Amish and Mennonites. And it effectively shows their way of using modern devices. I like the texture you used. It really fits with the theme. The tight crop doesn't detract in my opinion.

[Anita Bower]

Thank you all for your helpful comments. I've incorporated them in this repost--cloned out the post and toned down the yellow of the hats.

[Dave Woeller]

Beautiful !