I was a bit obsessed with the condominium building where we stayed for vacation this month as it lent itself well to abstracts. The processing on this one was pretty easy in LR. Lots of cropping, flipping, rotating to see how it might be most "abstract" in the end.
I decided to use a LR "preset" called Cross Process 3 and then I used some luminance smoothing. I love how the patios upside down are without barriers. Like some kind of space ship or something, but careful of the edge. I don't think there is cotton at the bottom. :) I am choosing today to put in this filler for abstract April since I have so many from this visit. Much prefer this one to anything I may have taken today and haven't even bothered loading. Too beautiful outside.
Brilliant, I love it. And you mentioned in the "What is your aesthetic" question that your style is kind of abstract. Well, as soon as I saw this, I guessed it was you before I scrolled down. Great shot.
@adambralston Adam, you would laugh if you knew that last year I was so confused about what an abstract photo might look like by definition. I really, really struggled, but now, I love it. I like a bit of the real and a bit of the surreal, but not so much that it's fantasy. Does that even make sense. I was dying to see someone hanging over one of the patio barriers smoking or something--that would have been interesting upside down. Or even a towel hanging over the rail. :) Thanks for the comment and the fav. I wish I could say I have a "style," but I hope to find it this year. Birds are a bit of an obsession, so I've finally made an album assigned to them for 2014. too many albums, too little time.
@darylo RIGHT! Too many photos to share as well. I fall behind a few days, and then I wonder if I really should post 6 photos in a row? Or will it just annoy everyone?
You've really got a great eye for these abstracts though.
@adambralston I post every day no matter what usually, but I have some for the other albums I tend to take more time developing. You can opt to upload as a restricted upload, but then it's not on the feed and you have to remember to "unlock" it back to "public." I figure everyone is used to the multiple uploads and it's just how it goes. I can't keep up with the commenting (had problems by mid-year last year as I continued following new folks). This year, it's more whatever I can do. It's such an addictive place regardless. It's the nicest online forum in the world and that is rare!
I knew it was yours too. I really like the flipped viewpoint. I agree that the community is wonderful, but the time involoved has become overwhelming, and I'm going to have to cut back or disappear in a week or so.
@rvwalker Please do not opt to disappear. At the very least, take a break and cut back in any way you think responsible. I think one of the down sides to this site (and one of the great things about it) is the sense that we need to respond. I have stopped looking at this site for popular, top, winner categories and I've committed to the goal of 365 days (yes, with fillers) to improve my photography. I'm realizing now that this project has its limits. When our own Snapchap disappeared from the site, it was really hard for me to realize all the things I had faved for reference were gone. Just gone. My decisions this year to not comment much unless I felt compelled are helping a ton. I would like to thank you for being so kind to almost always comment on every photo I post. Please don't feel inclined in any way to continue that commitment; I value your perspective and your honest critique--I can credit you with much of my progress! At least I know where to find your website, and if you do cut out, please give me a head's up... :)
@darylo Thanks for the very kind words, Daryl. It would be an understatement that I've enjoyed my association with you. I have about a week before I complete a second year in my main album, so that would be the logical time to make a big change. I have been ignoring other activities, photographic and otherwise, for a long time, and want to get back to them, so I really need to break my 365 addiction. And, my wife's health is not good, so that MUST take priority. I expect to post an occasional photo, but will certainly have to drop most commenting. You will know when the time comes.
@rvwalker I understand completely. One of the things I cherish about this site are the associations, and I have enjoyed ours very much. Congrats on the near-completion of a second year. Wow.
You've really got a great eye for these abstracts though.