NYC: Smokin'

I took this one some time ago, but decided to go back and reprocess it. Again, I put my classic duotone conversion on it, but added a bloom this time. I know that some love the bloom while others absolutely hate it. I like how it gives this shot a real softness, even though the subject matter probably doesn't call for such a soft, dreamy mood. If you're planning to say that things are blown out or underexposed, that's just a result of the bloom which softens highlights and shadows at edges.

If memory serves correct, I think this was taken near the Port Authority in Manhattan, 42nd street & 8th avenue.

C&C is greatly appreciated.

200mm, 1/4000", f/5.6, ISO 400
Sunday, April 09, 2006 @ 12:42:48 PM

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

I like it. A bit dark but I think the processing works fine.

I've actually seen people doing the same thing, while driving. Cig in one hand, phone in the other. Scary.

she looks like a zombie, which is what she will be sooner than she thinks. good superamazing bloomage!

J LO?

Of course no one needs their hands to drive a car, right? I mean, it's not like driving requires any concentration. And I'm sure that the lack of attentiveness has nothing to do with the fact that a car accident is easily one of the leading causes of death in America.

Dimitry wrote:
J LO?

You always see celebrities in New York.

Calzinger wrote:
Of course no one needs their hands to drive a car, right? I mean, it's not like driving requires any concentration. And I'm sure that the lack of attentiveness has nothing to do with the fact that a car accident is easily one of the leading causes of death in America.

I heard #2 was photographers who get so absored looking through the viewfinder that they walk off the side of the Earth (it is flat...you do know that...right?)

I wouldn't know. I always have my sunglasses on. I still can't figure out why my viewfinder is always black. Time to send it in to Canon!

I really like it, a LOT.

Can I pls ask how you do duotone? I like the effect. And also, what's bloom?

I like the processing, not really fond of the subject, but hey it is art !!! I use dutone a lot also, very good work...

Chet, I accomplish the duotone effect by first desaturating the picture and then applying a slight tint using Color Balance in CS2. Typically I use +6, +3, and -6. For this shot, I desaturated -90 (instead of a complete -100), applied the duotone, and then brought up contrast.

The "bloom effect" refers to that softness or halos in the shot. It's like using a soft-focus lens except the effect is applied in post-processing.

cheers Calzinger - I'll give it a shot

Love it... sets a great mood.. to stop smoking!

If anyone is too lazy to do it themselves, here is a very good duotone action at www.atncentral.com