Nightstand Toys
Jun, 2019Views
271
Likes
Awards
Winner in VINTAGE CHILDREN'S TOYS Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
Categories
PRO+
Platinum
Platinum
Linda49
October 01, 2019
Thank you for taking part in my Vintage Children's Toys challenge. An excellent entry and a well deserved win. Congratulations.
Platinum
chiphendershot
October 04, 2019
Thank you so much Linda! I appreciate very much your kind comment and hosting the challenge.
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I shot this image in the "well room" located in the rear of my home. I was almost finished with renovations in this room and decided to leave the weathered siding exposed that was covered with 1970's style paneling. The room is appropriately named the well room because I uncovered original 25 foot hand dug, brick lined well during the renovation process..Time
I shot this late afternoon covering most all the windows.Lighting
I wanted a warm nostalgic feel, so the majority of the light was candle lighting. I used two pieces of white foam core to bounce light back into shadow areas. There was some existing light spilling in through the closed curtains which create a mixed lighting situation that I had to correct in post-processing.Equipment
I used my Nikon D850 with a Sigma 24-70mm lens. Camera was mounter on a Manfrotto tripod. Lighting was mainly candle and white foam core was used to bounce light back as fill lighting.Inspiration
I am always looking for worn props at various shops, usually one item will get an inspired idea in motion. I wanted an image that would create a nostalgic feel which would take the viewer back it time. What would be on a young boys nightstand before electronics entered the world? For example the young boys room in the movie Polar Express. When my son was young he always had something in his pockets at the end of the day. It could range from string, rocks, rusted washers and nails, to a broken piece of plastic found underneath a department store clothing rack. They ended up on his nightstand before bedtime.Editing
I use several editing tools in post-processing. I import my RAW files to Lightroom and make a few adjustments. After that I am in Topaz Studio where I spend the most time post-processing. I end up with some finishing touches in Photoshop. Most of my life I spent in the darkroom printing for professional photographers. Often you would here professional photographers say a lab can make or break the photographer. In this digital age that has not changed much, but many images are post-processed by the photographer. I see so many nice images photographers have posted only to end up being a ho-hum, spiritless image due to poor post-processing. When I worked with negatives in the wet lab I would have a final print sitting in my work area at the end of the day that I felt was a winner. The next day I would come in and say to myself "What was I thinking"! It is the same with digital post-processing, sometimes walking away and leaving for another day can be your best decision.In my camera bag
I use a Nikon D850 with a variety of lenses new, old and other brands with adapters to fit Nikon and Sony E-mount. I recently had my Nikon D700 converted to infrared. I enjoy using vintage c mount lenses designed for 16mm cine camera on my Sony A7R. The lenses I use with my Sony are Kinoptik 9mm, 32mm, 40mm and 75mm. I also use Wollensak, Schneider and Angenuiex lenses.Feedback
Many objects we see are link to passed memories that are stored away in our minds. For me I was fortunate to have a wonderful childhood, these memories often spark my own emotional creativity when I see a familiar object. Friends and family can be a big help, research and ask questions about their own experiences in life, they may be instrumental with inspiring your own creativity.
