While descending through the depths of Moria, Gandalf said to Frodo, "Despair is for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not." That, and this photo, do accurately describe my mood today following the devastation of yesterday's election. The path that we will tread for the next four years does indeed fill me with despair.
Post processing today started with a very tight crop to eliminate the modern granite gravestone beneath the statue. From there I added a classic filter in Topaz b&w FX. I adjusted the color sensitivity sliders followed by adaptive exposure, contrast, boost black, and boost white. I used Neat Image to eliminate the noise and grain from the tight crop. A levels adjustment was added in PSE. I opted to forgo the sepia filter this time, preferring instead to leave the photo in harsh contrast since it best matches the sharp divide in our nation.
You are the second person I have seen today quote Lord of the Rings with regards to the US election results.
I must say, I cannot understand why Obama was re elected, but as I said to my other America friend, you'll survive. We've had ghastly presidents since 1994, half the intelligent population has immigrated, over 40% unemployment and our economy ain't good... and you just carry on.
Fantastic photo!
I share your despair. My family has survived the last four years by using a sizable chunk of our nest egg. I'm afraid after four more years, there won't be any nest egg left. Just existing isn't living. 365 has given me a little something to smile about these past few months, because I it doesn't cost much. But my camera is beginning to tear up and there won't be any spare money for another. Your photo expresses my mood. Despair, devastation and desperation.
I must say, I cannot understand why Obama was re elected, but as I said to my other America friend, you'll survive. We've had ghastly presidents since 1994, half the intelligent population has immigrated, over 40% unemployment and our economy ain't good... and you just carry on.
Fantastic photo!