Talking Pictures

While sitting under a shade tree in the backyard, I took a quick shot of some oak leaves against the evening sky (shown upper right). When I processed the images I discovered the pleasing effect of the silhouetted leaves and spent the next few days scouring the yard for interesting shapes. I employed my Third Hand tool, which has a rod with an alligator clip on each end, to hang the subjects so I could shoot against the open sky. Playing with the Color Temperature and Tint sliders of the Photoshop Elements 7 raw converter, as well as the Hue and Saturation sliders in the editor, I’m able to make most any color for the background. Three of the shots—#2, #4, and #6 (from upper left)—were done on a light box with flower prints suspended beneath the frosted plastic. I’m a photo buff because I enjoy the nuts and bolts of trying to produce a specific type or style of image, but on occasion I’m delighted when a project, like this contact sheet, “just happens.”
—Otto L. Danby II
Gastonia, NC

© 2009, Otto L. Danby II, All Rights Reserved

Please Read This
The premise of “Talking Pictures” is that every picture has a story. We invite you to send quality prints (only) and a short narrative on why you took the picture or how, in retrospect, it brings up thoughts and feelings about the subject.

We do not return submissions. By sending us an image and text you grant us permission to publish it in this magazine and on our website. If you have any questions, please e-mail us at: editorial@shutterbug.com.

Send submissions to: Talking Pictures, Shutterbug, 1419 Chaffee Dr., Suite #1, Titusville, FL 32780.