This is an archway that separates the beautiful courtyard of the 4th Presbyterian Church from Michigan Avenue, the ritzy commercial street in Chicago's upscale business district. I'd always liked photographing here until last year, from this very spot, a rat ran across in front of me. Figuring it must be gone by now, I decided to return to photograph yesterday. Worked on this photo -- HDR processing using 3 shots, then converted to b&w, then edited based on advice from fellow photographers Eric, Ross, and Jane.
Wonderful picture, although I would be deterred by a rat too. Don't mind mice and other critters though. Your processing is stunning. I wish I could spend some time watching over your shoulder.
Beautiful architecture, light, and shadows! I hate seeing rats and have seen them in the city too! I always think if I would've looked a second earlier or later I would not have seen them! LOL!
@jyokota Three things: (a) there was a light flare at the top of the center that I cloned out, (b) doorway at the end needed lightening and I upped the details, and (c) darkened the light color car on the right which looked weirdly flat. All things I hadn't noticed (well, I'd noticed the light flare, but was lazy about getting rid of it).
Wow what a beautiful image! Wonderful light and shadows with all those fab repeating arches! HDR at it's best bringing out all that detail! It was interesting how you edited the shot with advice from others! Great result! Fav!
Wonderful shot Taffy, I did see this in the group but didn't manage to comment, it was good advice from the others and the image looks wonderful with the adjustments you have made. It is amazing how they can make such a difference. Love the arches and the line through to the door.
Great shot and processing. I really like the cars passing by, if you focus on just the archway you may think you're out away from the city, but the cars are just a nice detail that reminds you gorgeous architecture like this is right in the middle of the hubbub.
@bill_fe Thanks so much Bill! I think the stretch of the cars was from the wide angle lens -- I was shooting at 14mm which distorts even the arches in the front, making them look larger than they really are.
Wow, what an amazing shot, Taffy. I love the lighting, details and use of B&W. Your processing is awesome. FAV I was at my new eye Dr getting an exam yesterday and mentioned taking photos. He loves photography and my appointment went a bit longer than planned and we talked about his professional equipment (Olympus and lenses) and weddings he photographs for free. He loves it. He called today to tell me what I will pay for my glasses, he is super reasonable and he said we will have to talk about photography when he has more time. Just had to share that with you.
@pennyp@ninaganci Thanks Nina and Penny for visiting multiple images of mine, and your lovely comments -- and the favs. I really appreciate your continuing support!
Fantastic! I love the strong, straight lines leading you to the curved staircase headed in a different direction at the end. I love how the arches frame such different elements - the bucolic, restive courtyard on one side and the hustle and bustle of the city on the other.
FAV