Fairy Island

[ABERS]

I've called the subject Fairy Island after  looking at Sandy's image on the Gallery with same title.



She asks "does it work?"  For me it does. All the elements blend together, the landscape, the 'magic' mushroom, the castle, all have an aura of a Tolkienesque land inhabited by little folk.

One of the joys of photography is the ability to be able to make an image that bears no resemblance to reality, but requires a different skill set and a creative flair other than the norm of just recording what is there. All made easier by digital manipulation. After all Julia Margaret Cameron's fairies were created long before the word Digital was even a photographic term or film was invented.

It may not be to everyone's taste. Like most things that are poo-pooed it is usually because the poo-pooers can't understand it or are unable to practise it, but it is a photographic process, using an amalgam of photographic images and it is now recognised as part of the photographic world. Competitions and exhibitions have a section entitled 'Altered Images', that attracts work from  highly skilled and exceptionally creative photographers.

Have a look at

http://www.rikoart.com/

What's your view?

[Reinardina]

Oh boy! This makes my fingers itch, and my mind/imagination is in overdrive. I'd love to have a go again, at what I always call 'creative editing.'
Sadly I have too much going on at the moment, and simply do not have the time.

Sandy, you asked if it works. I agree with Alan, it does work.

[Beaux Reflets]

I like the general idea, mix of elements utilised to try and get a Disney like feel.

Does it work for me composition wise? And the answer is No.

[ABERS]

I like the general idea, mix of elements utilised to try and get a Disney like feel.

Does it work for me composition wise? And the answer is No.

Sometimes a bit of Disney is a light relief from picture post cards.

What doesn't work composition wise Andy?

[jinky]

It doesn`t quite work for me either I feel. The mushroom just does not sit right - a little high to me. Also the castle is so much brighter and sharper than the rest of the image which is more dream like elsewhere. Good effort though and I love to see creative flair come to the fore too. Hope Sandy doesn`t mind us commenting here and you posting it up Abers.

[Beaux Reflets]

I like the general idea, mix of elements utilised to try and get a Disney like feel.

Does it work for me composition wise? And the answer is No.

Sometimes a bit of Disney is a light relief from picture post cards.

What doesn't work composition wise Andy?

While the clarity of the castle draws the observer's eye directly to it, there is little detail above it to carry the eyes back down and around the composition. (Perhaps the Rule of Thirds, but with more sky overhead, I feel the 'subject' of the composition would then dwell more comfortably within the scene)

Also, the flatness of the mist, shadow and reflection aspect (or lack of ?) around the foot of the mushroom seems to dull the sense in Perspective of that area. Which makes me ask; Is the mushroom rooted in the mist or rising from the water below?

I guess for me, the overall imagery strikes a chord in between Collage and Fantasy Landscape. And like Jinky hope that Sandy does not mind me answering your questions.

[ABERS]

I like the general idea, mix of elements utilised to try and get a Disney like feel.

Does it work for me composition wise? And the answer is No.

Sometimes a bit of Disney is a light relief from picture post cards.

What doesn't work composition wise Andy?

While the clarity of the castle draws the observer's eye directly to it, there is little detail above it to carry the eyes back down and around the composition. (Perhaps the Rule of Thirds, but with more sky overhead, I feel the 'subject' of the composition would then dwell more comfortably within the scene)

Also, the flatness of the mist, shadow and reflection aspect (or lack of ?) around the foot of the mushroom seems to dull the sense in Perspective of that area. Which makes me ask; Is the mushroom rooted in the mist or rising from the water below?

I guess for me, the overall imagery strikes a chord in between Collage and Fantasy Landscape. And like Jinky hope that Sandy does not mind me answering your questions.

I hope Sandy is OK with this as well, but since has asked the question, "Does it work?" I felt it deserved more than just a yes or no, and would provoke a discussion on this genre .

I apologise Sandy if I jumped the gun.

[Sandy]

No need to apologise, I'm grateful for any comments. I'm really just starting out in this type of photography so just dipping my toes in the water. I had a good day in London and saw some great images at the Charlie Waite exhibition which is why I did not reply earlier but thanks for starting the ball rolling Abers.