Foul Weather Gear
18 January 2014 -- 18/365
Providence, Rhode Island
The weather this morning turned nasty. The temperature started out at a somewhat comfortable 40 degrees (4 C) but it was raining and the temperature was gradually dropping. By late morning, the rain was giving way to sleet, and the temperature hovered just above freezing. In other words, it was perfect street photography weather. With that in mind, I went downcity and wandered around the train station, Waterplace Park, and Kennedy Plaza. When I spotted this woman wearing a makeshift poncho, tugging her luggage, and carrying an unopened umbrella, I knew I had today's photo. Dodging traffic and stepping out into the middle of the road is an interesting challenge when it's starting to sleet and snow, but the photo was worth it.
Post processing started with a classic filter in Topaz B&W FX. I adjusted color sensitivity sliders, adaptive exposure, regions, contrast, protect highlights, and boost black. A levels adjustment was added in PSE.
I always love your photos in smugmug. I could see the individual drops of sleet and their impact on the street. It doesn't seem that the woman noticed you. It seems like she is just in a hurry to get where she needs to go.
@cejaanderson Well, she did notice me - it was hard not to, given where I stood for the photo - but she just kept walking. The far end of this walkway has a sheltered bus stop, and I'd say she was more interested in getting a roof over her head than she was in the crazy photographer standing in the middle of the street!
