It’s been a bit of an absence! As we start 2021, let’s see, if I can get going again and revive some of the fun that I had prior to this shutdown of sorts.
First of all, a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to everyone around the globe with fervent wishes that we escape from this virulent frenzy and get back to visiting one another again.
All this lack of travel has been something that I have missed for quite a while, so I’m starting to look at doing something with images from previous trips, which I’ll start with a view from Ireland in 2019:
Cliffs of Kerry
The Cliffs of Kerry are absolutely stunning, and, in my opinion, they rival the Cliffs of Moher, especially, as there’s not nearly the crowds! The view and sense of scale of these cliffs is nothing short of breathtaking!
A little bit about this image, as I did a bit of processing on it. Here’s the (somewhat) original image, which is an HDR composite that was processed using Skylum’s Aurora HDR:
Cliffs of Kerry (HDR only)
This image was then taken into Skylum’s Luminar AI, which is a recent purchase. Luminar AI is very much a version of Luminar with additional very smart bells and whistles, such as lots of templates, skies, etc. With a bit of playing around, I selected the Street Theater template and added some edits to it, which include the Sunset.
Definitely a bit of fun to experiment with this image and impetus to try some other things in the future. As I get more skilled with this new tool, I’ll share more of my findings.
In the mean time, thank you for reading and stay healthy and safe!
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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I have experimented with Luminar AI, and although it’s great to have another tool in the belt, I’m not too fond of the results. Maybe I’ll find more use for it as time goes on.
Thank you, Khürt! Hope that all is well with you. I’ve found that for the most predictable results I tend to go back to photoshop, but it is fun to experiment!
good to see you!
Thank you!
I wanted to drive the Ring of Kerry while I was there, but did not have the time. I want to take a vacation where I focus on County Kerry exclusively.
It’s a gorgeous area. We focused on Countless Kerry and Cork for 10 days, which was spectacular.
Yes! We loved Cork as well. Blarney Castle was one of our favorites.
Happy New Year to you and your family mate. Good to see you back. Great shot mate
Thank you! Appreciate it!!
Good to have you back!
Thank you, Chris!
My pleasure!
Nice to have you back.
Thank you!!
Welcome back Frank! All the best for the coming year. Love what you did with the photo.
Thank you, Diane! Happy New Year!
🙂
I’ve also recently purchased Luminar AI. I’m glad to see you back in this space, all the best to you for the coming year!
Cheers, Amy
Thank you, Amy. We’ll have to compare notes
Both versions offer beautiful views.
Thank you kindly!
Happy New Year, Frank! Thanks for sharing these photos and your processing. I hope to see your Tuesday challenge return!
Thank you, Susan! It will return 🙂
Welcome back. Happy 2021!
Thank you, Sandy!
My pleasure, Frank.
Welcome back Frank and gelukkig nieuw jaar!
Hartelijk bedankt!!
HI Frank. Happy New Year and glad to see you back.Have fun playing with your new equipment 🙂
Thank you, Brian!
Wow, beautiful photo!
Thank you!
Happy New Year, Frank. Glad to have you back.
I have experimented with Luminar AI, and although it’s great to have another tool in the belt, I’m not too fond of the results. Maybe I’ll find more use for it as time goes on.
Thank you, Khürt! Hope that all is well with you. I’ve found that for the most predictable results I tend to go back to photoshop, but it is fun to experiment!
Happy new year Frank. Good to see you again! Love the pic too. 😊
Thank you, Miriam! a very happy new year to you as well