Exercise: Interpretative processing

This exercise is about making interpretations for a creative purpose.

This time I will choose an image that is open to creative interpretation(s) - an image with a lower dynamic range than usual will give more opportunities for varied processing. Given all the adjustment controls available in post processing software, there should be many different ways of interpreting an image.

3 different versions of the same image.

I chose an image which I had shot in JPEG, sticking with this image the subject matter and composition won over the JPEG/raw choice. The image is of a 3D metal face attached to a red brick wall (Drill Hall Theatre, Lincoln), the contrast between the metal face and the bricks would give the image texture. I turned the image around slightly to emphasise the angle of the shadow, I wanted to make the image seem as though the face was looking over 'his' shoulder or in 2 directions at once.

 First I converted the image to black and white to detract from the red brick and focus on the shape of the face and the shadow. I wanted to emphasise the contrast of texture between the brick and the metal. I adjusted the exposure, contrast and tonal curve in order to make the face look shiny and the shadow look darker and more defined, the bottom of the frame is washed out with the change in exposure but this is what I intended. I think this image achieves the intention I had to create an image of a face with another face, the face of someone looking over their shoulder or even, as it is colourless and dark, a face of a schizophrenic with the face of their voices ever present. I think I achieved the objective of texture between the metal face and the brick wall and also the definition of the shadow.

For this interpretation I noticed the difficulty of a higher dynamic range and how limiting it can be. I wanted to create a look of the face under the moonlight, almost a chiaroscuro effect, I reduced the exposure, brightness and contrast. To create a feeling of mystic I softened the image by adjusting the clarity, vibrancy and saturation in the 'presence' area but still maintaining enough of the shiny parts of the face, thanks to the highlight clippings. I think I have managed the 'moon lit' look with this image, I like the softening effect, it emphasises the face adding interest to the image.

With my creative juices flowing I wanted to change the image completely and to take advantage of the 2 faces idea. I initially wanted to create an image that appeared to be on fire somehow, a complete contrast to the previous 2 images. I played with the contrast, exposure etc and then discovered 'split toning' and adjusted the saturation to almost turn the image inside out, once I'd discovered this option, I tried to create an Andy Warhol, pop art type of image. The wall now doesn't necessarily look like a brick wall, more like bar codes perhaps. I think I succeeded to create something very different, which was what I intended, I like abstract art and like to create an element of mystic as well as interest in my images.