lensletter
FollowWell known sculpture in Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX.
Well known sculpture in Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX.
Read less
Read less
Views
1339
Likes
Awards
Top Shot Award
Featured
Win a Holga 120N Camera
Contest Finalist in 300 Sculptures Photo Contest
People's Choice in Not So Ordinary Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Superior Skill
All Star
Genius
Top Ranks
Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
This is part of a $1.4 million dollar sculpture series by Brad Oldham, Brandon Oldenburg, and Reel FX Creative Studios. Located near downtown Dallas, it is near Deep Ellum and is recognized as a symbol of a joining of the old and new cultures of the downtown Dallas area and the revitalization of the Deep Ellum area. There are three sculptures and this one is called "Waiting on a Train" as the trains run by him every day.Time
This was taken in mid-afternoon during a break of rain showers. Texas was deluged this spring with unusual amounts of rain, making it sometimes challenging for the photographer who has a single afternoon to shoot. But this weather also offers great opportunity, like this brooding and fascinating sky, and the reflections cast on the wet sidewalk, not to mention the streaks of rain on the sculpture itself.Lighting
Photographers are generally happy with overcast skies, and this sky provided not only the perfect light that kept glare from happening on the metal surface of the sculpture, but produced great mood as well.Equipment
I used a Canon 5D Mark iii with the 24mm-105mm kit lens, hand-held. It was shot at 32mm at f/6.3, no flash.Inspiration
I have an appreciation for the unusual and unique. I also love shiny things and metal. This guy made me think of the Tin Man playing the guitar--what a fun thought--I wanted to make it a memory!Editing
I always start my workflow in Lightroom, where I work on contrast, shadows, and highlights while I keep an eye on the histogram. There were some distractions that had to be removed, so I did that in Photoshop. But I left a few sprinkles of gravel under the sculpture, as the texture contrasts nicely with the slick finish of the metal. I also desaturated the grass so that it would not compete with the sculpture--I wanted the entire image to have a metallic feel. Finally, I used curves in photoshop to brighten the sculpture, and I used a lot of feathering on that mask to create more of a sense of "glow" than just hard edges. Final sharpening and a minimal amount of vignette were done in Lightroom.In my camera bag
Canon 5D Mark iii, a 70mm-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens, a 100mm macro lens, the 24mm-105mm f/4L kit lens, and a 16mm-35mm f/2.8L II. I also carry Kenko extension tubes, a shutter release remote, a blower to clean my sensor, and a small artist brush to clean flowers when I do macro work.Feedback
The Traveling Man website, with all the information about the sculpture itself, including a map, can be found here: http://www.bradoldham.com/ttm/community.html Just look for the unique and make sure you have your camera with you!