I'm always amazed at her artwork.This is over the top,wow!!!
Steve
It has been one of my goals to capture the beauty, the details and the form that I see when I look at various things. Being 50% colorblind does hinder that process greatly most of the time but it also allows me to see things that has been overlooked, missing or left out, hidden beauty.
Example in this case was the small beads that drastically color change according to surroundings. I was able to capture this chameleon by adding color contrast and a drastic change in lighting angle, most notably in the front 3 small beads this can be seen. The 4 in the back was more gradual which gives that 3D effect to the image. Think MC Escher drawings
Forcing light reflections to go in set patterns, matching color contrast and expanding zone 1 and 2 to match with 8 and 9 allows you to push the envelope and show much more detail.
Those are both incredible! Always wanted (and will eventually) try one of her creations, but not past the fear aka pucker factor of ruining one of her beautiful creations.
My philosophy has always been make/shoot what you can see. If you can see the final product and you like it then get the blank. Just because you have the blank does not mean you have to use it right now. There is no shelf life on it, no expiration date. If anything it should give you encouragement to grow your skills and something to look forward to at a future date.
Essentially what you are dealing with here is PVC pipe. That does not mean you can not ruin then but they stand up better than you probably think they would.
Truth is they are not that difficult to work or to finish when you get them. Personally I use odorless CA think and thin, I start with 500 grit abranet, then 800 grit abranet, then 1200 grit. After that I use novus 3 and repeat any steps needed to get that finish. I also use a 16x loupe to evaluate the finish if they are going under the camera, as flaws stick out like a sore thumb.
Also there are many here on IAP who can help you out if you run into any problems.
Overall passion is the name of the game and expressing it is what we all should be working towards.
P.S.
In case it was not clear the zones mentioned is Ansel Adam's creation way back in the day. Many have said it only works on b/w film but it still has life today in the digital world. By the chart showing you can get a basic understanding of things.
For more understanding of it read "The Negative" by Ansel Adams.
