Tag: photography

Sparks Were Flying

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Nick Roberts

Welder using a cutting torch to make some angle iron brackets.

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I love it when sparks are flying! Whenever I see someone using a torch or a grinder I try to capture the spark patterns that are formed. It is as if the worker is putting on a miniature fireworks display and the kid in me cannot resist watching.

This HDR image was created from a three frame bracket set of +2, 0 and -2 EV exposures using NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 to merge them. After merging the three images I applied a custom preset I have built and saved in NIK HDR Efex Pro 2. I then returned the HDR file to Aperture 3 for final adjustment and sharpening.

One thing I discovered in merging these images was how through use of the anti-ghosting feature I was able to show how the gases used in the cutting torch could be isolated and show where they are pushing the sparks away from the torch.

Joe and Beauregard

Posted on December 18, 2013 by Nick Roberts

Joe Dec and his constant companion Beauregard Willard Bulldog

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This HDR image is a three exposure bracket set using +2, 0 and -2 EV exposures. I merged them in NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 with a 60% anti-ghosting setting and the Balanced preset. I then returned the merged image to Aperture 3 where I adjusted the exposure, contrast, sharpening and added a small vignette.

Texture Tuesday

Posted on December 10, 2013 by Nick Roberts

Footprint #1

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Footprint #2

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Tread #1

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Tread #2 — Compactor #1

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When walking around a construction site I like to look for interesting textures and patterns. On this particular day I found these tracks from men and machines on the dry dirt under an overpass. I thought they would be interesting for the patterns of the equipment juxtaposed against the boot prints of the people who were walking in the area. These are HDR images that I used NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 and Aperture 3 to process.

Building a Template

Posted on November 26, 2013 by Nick Roberts

Untitled — Building a Template

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Not much I can say about this HDR image of a tradesman at work on a template that will be used to guide steel columns when they are driven into the river bank. I liked the texture of his work clothes against the rusty steel and the way the scene composed itself for me. I merged a three frame bracket set of -2, 0 and +2 EV exposures in NIK HDR EFex Pro 2 and finished the image in Aperure 3.

Sunrise At Pier Six

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Nick Roberts

Sunrise On the Ohio River Bridge Project Indiana Approach.

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Morning on the Ohio River is so peaceful and serene even inside the Ohio River Bridges project. This morning was interesting to me because the sun had already climbed into the sky and was above the break in the clouds creating a rich glow on the horizon and in the water. I wanted to emphasize the contrast straight lines of the Big Four Bridge in the background with the curves of the Caisson in the foreground while still capturing the wonderful morning light.

This is an HDR image created from a three frame bracket set using -2, 0 and +2 EV exposures. I merged it in NIK HDR Efex Pro 2 and finished it using Aperture 3 for color channel, sharpening and contrast adjustments.