I've been wanting to create something like this for ages, but it's never quite been the right sky. Yesterday the clouds were incredible, far beyond what a wide angle could capture, so I finally gave this a shot. It's combined from 15 images, each single panel is the result of three bracketed shots. Each resulting HDR image was then processed in LR and tweaked for level, contrast, etc so they could align pretty clearly in terms of tone. Then, these were exported and reimported into picmonkey to make the collage. In picmonkey, I fiddled with size and height adjustment so that they would line up horizontally to convey the humongous cloud that hung over the plains to the left of the city and the city itself. And it probably is obvious, but this will look better enlarged on black. Whew!
We head to Beaver Island tomorrow for a few days to open the house and prepare for summer, before coming back to Chicago to hopefully prepare for moving back into our house so we can maybe get back to the island for July. Feeling a bit out of control, so think that controlling photos is a bit of therapy!
Artistic therapy... definitely! Beautifully constructed collage. The line of the clouds is beautifully constructed downwards, from left to right. Sounds as though a lot is going on, domestically and travel-wise, too. Good luck!
What a fantastic collage. Such a lot of work and beautifully constructed. fav.
Bet you will be pleased to move home again. Sounds like you are having a stressful time. Keep breathing :)
Oh this is fabulous Taffy! A lot of work to achieve the final result but well worth it! Safe trip to Beaver Island and try to relax a bit while you are there - it sounds as though you need to recharge your batteries before the trauma of moving! Take care!
Wow, this is really some piece of work. I really admire the technicality behind it and the time it must have taken (I truly envy you for the latter!). The alignment and tonal match is terrific, and I love the dramatic sky. Interesting also to see the sudden change from skyscrapers to flat city line.
Oh my word Taffy, what a process but totally worth it, this is amazing.
Its good to hear that you are at the point of moving back into your house and that summer on the island is coming up, both things to look forward to as well.
Stunning indeed taffy. What a lot of work that was. Wonderful result though. Sounds like you've a lot on. Hope things go smoothly and you get some well earned rest soon.
@karlow75 Had to laugh -- we arrived about an hour or so ago, and simply getting things in from the car was horrible. The mosquitoes have hatched! :-(
Thank you for the wonderful comment on my pano/collage. I appreciate it!
Incredibly cool!! FAV!! Yes, I know the feeling....when all else fails and life appears to be out of control, then head over to the computer to play with photos, or head out to the beach to capture the sunset!! Incredible therapy!! I hope all goes as planned, and if not go to Plan B, or Plan C!!
Bet you will be pleased to move home again. Sounds like you are having a stressful time. Keep breathing :)
Its good to hear that you are at the point of moving back into your house and that summer on the island is coming up, both things to look forward to as well.
Thank you for the wonderful comment on my pano/collage. I appreciate it!