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Old Rocker Silhouette

© Kerry Drager

Old Rocker Silhouette

Uploaded: June 29, 2003

Description

Sunset at my ranchette, 35-70mm zoom lens, Fuji Velvia

Comments

Frank P. Luongo October 14, 2004

Great silhouette, Kerry! The chair is an interesting object to silhouette - most silhouettes contain trees, buildings, etc. Love the distortion of perspective the wide-angle provides. And the starburst at the bottom of the photo adds more impact to scene.
For a starburst effect, do you need to use a small f/stop? #178572

Kerry Drager October 14, 2004

Hi Frank: Thanks for your comments ... I'm glad you like this image! A good observation about the subject: Most of my own silhouette subjects involve trees, buildings, statues, etc., but I also like to find other objects that have strong forms. And this old rocking chair is one of my favorite photo "finds"! ... A good question on the starburst effect: Yes, it was with a small aperture (high f/stop number - here, f/22). Also helping out in the making of starburst effects: Remove any filter - in order to cut down on the amount of sun flare in the image. ... Again, Frank, thanks for asking! - Kerry

More Thoughts on Old Rocker Silhouette:

  • This broken-down chair lies in an out-of-the-way area of my small ranch. But, although the chair is readily accessible, I simply never considered its photo potential ... until one day when I set out in search of "unusual" objects to use as potential silhouette subjects. Like most "self-assignments," this one opened up my vision to new possibilities!
  • Normally, a sunburst would be a picture’s major focal point. But, in this case - with the wide-angle perspective - I chose to use the small sunburst as a "secondary" visual accent way at the bottom of the picture frame. A side benefit to this composition: Since I didn't have to place the starburst in a more prominent part of the image (i.e., higher up in the frame), I was able to catch the sun right above the horizon … at the height of the sunset colors and clouds! #841702

    • Roger S. Moore February 07, 2007

    Kerry,

    This photo was one of the reasons I took your course. I saw something as ordinary as a chair used in a dramatic fashion. I figured I could learn a lot from someone with such creativity and vision. Now, that we're several weeks into the course. I see how you used various components of our lessons (isolate & simplify, late warm sunlight, silhouette, and wide angle with the dramatic effect)

    I've been waiting for the silhouette lesson for a few weeks. I took a few shots preparing for the lesson. However, I didn't know that I should've used a larger f/stop for some then I could've obtained that sunburst.

    I wish you continued success.

    -RMJ #3924089

    Kerry Drager February 07, 2007

    Hi Roger,
    How nice to hear from you outside class! :-) Thanks so much for the nice comments, and glad that you like this photo. And I'm reeeeeeally pleased how you saw so many techniques (from the lessons) that apply to this image ... bravo for noticing that!!
    Thanks again, Roger, for sharing your thoughts ... much appreciated. "See" you in class! :-)
    Kerry #3924101

    April 19, 2008

    Great #5807817

    Kerry Drager April 20, 2008

    Hi Aal,
    Thanks for taking the time to comment!!
    Kerry #5812752

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