I took a few different shots of these bridge supports. It just goes to show how the same subject can look so different with a change in perspective and composition. I took HDRs (High Dynamic Range) of this scene because I wanted to capture the beauty and detail of the sky, but also see what was going on in the foreground.

For my Step-by-Step process of how I put these images together, you can go to the latest Photography Duel at Improve Photography.

Original Sky

Different Sky – Experimenting to see what I liked better.

I served a LDS mission there from August 2006 – 2008 and I just fell in love with the people and the country and after nearly 5 years of waiting, I was able to to return and remind myself why it is I love that place so much.

While I was there I spent most of my time visiting tourist locations and below are some panorama photos I took using my iPhone 5. I didn’t take many photos because I didn’t want to be a target for thieves and I was only looking for the photos I didn’t take while I was there the first go around. For the most part I like how they turned out and the panorama really gives you a sense of what it is like.

Dragão Do Mar – Cultural Arts Center

This place takes up two city blocks and is one of Fortaleza’s icons! From Science to the arts, you can learn all about here at Dragão Do Mar. This was a place I had always wanted to visit and was finally able to near the end of my stay. We walked around and saw a few of the Exhibits they had setup in the Arts buidling. I would have loved to see more of the Science part of the building but they have special hours for that and we just didn’t make the cut.

Fortaleza’s Cultural History – Dragão Do Mar Exhibit

This was very interesting to see as I was able to walk around and learn more about the past of Fortaleza and how it came to be. While I feel that many Brazilians in Fortaleza experience a rather humble lifestyle – there is nothing quiet comparable to what was endured as this great city was being formed.

Fashion Design – Dragão Do Mar Exhibit

By far the most interesting exhibit at Dragão Do Mar was this one. Clothes made out of twin and rope all put on display against ply wood. Ply wood is not commonly found in Brazil – at least not for building homes like you would think but it was interesting to me how they took ordinary ole ply wood and made it the backdrop for some really nice Fashion art. For the sake of the women out there – I hope this isn’t a new fashion trend for you cause rope burns are very uncomfortable.

Mercado Central – City Center

I LOVE THIS PLACE! Just about anything cultural that you’d want to buy as a tourist can be found here. It’s a 5 story tall building with over 100 vendors all looking to make a living. But the best part is – they are willing to barter with you cause their competition just might be next door to them. So it’s easy to find a good deal there if you’re looking for the things to remember your time in Fortaleza!

Notice the ramps how the weave up to the next level in the building. Kinda fun!

Praia Do Futuro – Beach of the Future

This is probably the most well known beach in Fortaleza that a lot of people like to visit while they are here. Most of the beaches are similar to this one here and there is nothing more relaxing than sitting under a tiki hut watching the tide come in as you wait for some authentic Brazilian food.
This is my favorite panorama that I took from my whole trip… I love the shadows, the sky, and the ocean! Not to mention – it was my first time swimming in the ocean!

We took her outside around the studio and well did some quick shots in the studio as well just to make sure that we exhausted all our possible creativity with this model…. and of course…. all the while being reminded of the pressure of needing to win this weeks duel. We had a great time with Erin and she was more than willing to jump in on the banter and smile while she was doing it.

Allow me to introduce to you, Erin – our Weekly Duel Model.

Had a great photo shoot with the gang to commemorate our friendship with each other and all the good times here in Boise, ID!

Isaac R. and Emily K.

Camille C, Emily K, and Krystle R.

Isaac, Dustin, Krystle, Zach, Camille, Jesse, Brennan, and Emily

Same Group

Same group – just crazy!!

Krystle R and Zach C

Zach C and Camille C

The easy part was getting all of the photos together into one and to get a basic idea of what it could look like. The hard part was thinking of all the little details to add to the realism of the final product. The things that I paid attention to were:
- The rain showing only in areas where there is light.
- The rain puddles on the road.
- Painstakingly selecting the powerline poles.
- Keeping the Shadows on the cars and people.
- Making the road look wet.
- Lighting on everything to match.
- Adding storm clouds to the sky for the rain.

There are several techniques that could have been used to incorporate all these effects, but I used basic Photoshop skills of masking, selecting, and using adjustment layers. Lots of layers. However – the longest part of the whole process was refinement of everything I was doing. Taking a step back and making sure everything was still working together. I would take a break and come back to it and I would have other people tell me what they think and see if there is anything that bothers them. Then I would go back to work.

Without further ado – allow me to introduce to you: Leaving It Behind

I wanted to do vertical panoramas to help with the story I wanted to tell. So I went to downtown Boise to capture some of the urban city life around sunset. The biggest challenge with doing a vertical panorama in a downtown area like this is the lens distortion became a bit much. By the time the pano was done stitching together some of the buildings had a nice curve to it. Haha!

Tell me what you think in the comments below – I’ll respond to you.

This is my photo duel entry:
Head on over to improvephotography.com to see Jim’s photo and to cast your vote.

The Idaho State Capitol in Boise, Idaho.
This was another fun pano that I think turned out pretty good of the State Capitol – It’s really long but I like the perspective it gives. It’s different.

They required a lot of Photoshop because I didn’t want to cop out do a black/white photo. As you look at these photos – It is my hope that you can come to appreciate not only the photographic talent but the artistic side of taking a photo like this and turning it into something completely different – kind of like a painter would sitting down at the same scene.

Before

After

Before

After

I would love to what you think about this – leave me a comment, please!

I’d also love to hear what you think about these photos. So tell me!

Bisbee is a town full of character and the perfect backdrop for some great photography! Tell me what you think of these photos? I know Brandon has fallen in love with them all!

And to my mentor Caryn… This is that amazing Flashbender at work!