NYIP Assignment 2: Bumps in the road

For some reason, the Unit 2 assignment from the NYIP has been difficult to start. I've been a little distracted by the holidays, but really it is the assignment, which is to frame a shot that focuses attention on the subject. I have always had trouble with this concept, though I understand it intellectually. I get hung up in the total photograph and the frame becomes part of the subject as you can see at right. So, I will struggle on until I have a set of three suitable for critical evaluation by Walter K, my NYIP Instructor.

This shot was taken through a windowed door at the Estancia Hotel in San Diego; there was something about the windows opposite, the light, and the door frame. Lower right is the chair I used to stabilize my camera. It was obviously a high contrast scene and if I exposed for the outside, the door handle and some of its detail would have been way too underexposed. I shot a bracketed set of three exposures (-1,0,+1 stops) and combined as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) in Photoshop CS5. From this, I was able to bring out some of the shadow detail in the door and add to the contrast on the building and sky outside. I added a sepia-like tone because I thought it helped with the mood of the photograph when I captured it. As always, critiques are welcome! I don't know if I will use this on in my NYIP assignment, but I do find it an intriguing photograph even though I am not entirely sure as to why.

I will publish the Unit 2 photos when I eventually decide on the final three.