I live in a small NYC apartment and when I renovated my home I had to get rid of my drawing table. This was a very big deal to me as, deep down, I consider myself a water color painter… but realistically how often did I paint? What has this got to do with my photography? Well, as I am progressing on my photographic journey I am starting to see elements of watercolor looks that I am drawn to in my images. Whether I capture the image that way from the start or develop it in Lr, I love the painterly and graphic effects I can achieve while using the camera as my paint brush. I don’t do any special effects in Photoshop.
This past Saturday, huge snow flakes were falling from the sky outside my window. I just had to go out and experience it. It was the perfect venue to use my panning technique that I love. What could I capture? I headed out to Carl Shchurz Park. I figured all the good images would be shot there. But again, sometimes those spontaneous moments just present themselves if you have the eye to see them.
UMBRELLA WOMEN
The overcast sky and the stone walkway in Carl Schruz Park unfolded into various shades of pale grey. This was the perfect backdrop for the visual elements of the fence, benches and 59th Street Bridge as those were in darker tones from deep grey to black. I like that the only real color in the image comes from the girl walking along the esplanade - a diminutive amount of pink and green.
PINK GREEN
On my way back home, waiting at the light, was this woman in a bright magenta coat. She stood out against the colorless background of the day. As I started developing the image, I found it interesting that the photo started to look like a black and white photo with just that pop of color. Also on my side was a white truck plowing through the snow, just as I clicked the shutter. The people in the foreground emerged as separate elements and helped them stand out.
MAGENTA COAT
Snow was picking up again and I was eager to get back and review my images. I went back to take a second look as to what was captured that day… There were others that peaked my interest to develop. With a cup of coffee at my side, it was a perfect way for me to relax on such a dreary day.
I can always prop a board against my dining table and pull out the paint brushes if I like, but my photography is becoming my first true passion.
Susan Marie