I found an interesting thread about postprocessing portraits that I think would yield absolutely gorgeous nature shots if applied that way. I heard the term "dragan" method used to describe the technique, but it results in a very painterly look.
Has anyone done this or tried it?
Posted by Walter Rowe on August 9, 2006 at 9:55 PM
I’m Sorry but they do not look real (frozen). They look for like photos one can create using good textures and 3D animations software.
Posted by Walter Rowe on August 10, 2006 at 10:53 AM
I think the intention is to make them not look like photographs, but rather to look like textureless paintings. If that is the desired effect, I think they succeeded quite well. I like them, but everyone has their own tastes and expectations. I would definitely classify it as art, not simply photography.
We frequently use a similar technique for approximately the same results in our studio. Printed on a canvas stretcher and framed with the right (usually heavy wood) frame, it really does transform a photo into something approaching a painting. The general technique has been around a LONG time, predating the first digital camera and scans into the darkroom, often as a part of hand tinting.
The process has always ruffled the feathers of purists and photo snobs, but I sincerely don't care what they think and say. My ear is tuned to our clients, who absolutely love it. We produce and display these up to 30"x40" in our studio gallery, and they are serious money makers. Each year clients who can't afford them initially may save for months to have one produced after an initial capture. Saving up for a purchase is a novel concept in current society and economy, so a client's willingness to do so is a sure vote for the validity of the technique. IMO, of course!
Posted by Walter Rowe on August 10, 2006 at 1:30 PM
Hank - in keeping with the initial poster's remarks, have you ever used this technique for a nature or landscape photograph? The initial poster's comment was that this technique would turn an excellent photograph into a really interesting piece of art. I whole heartedly agree. Imagine a Galen Rowell Sierra Nevada alpen glow or purple sunset image run through this process and turned out on a really big piece of canvas, properly framed and displayed. Or imagine one of Tom Guffey's large Seattle skyline pano's processed this way. It wouldn't be a photograph, but it would be very interesting art.
My wife is the domo on that one Walter, usually in outdoor portraits showing a broad landscape along with the subjects. I've had the best luck with it in landscapes when accompanied by some directional light controls or wildlife portraits. It all boils down to what you and your client want. My wife used it most recently in a horizontal shot of a family and their Jeep, with the subjects about 1/8 frame. The family got so enthused they ordered a 20x30 canvas, and when that arrived ordered two more for gifts to the grandparents- at very nearly $1000 per canvas.
The canvas seems to be the key for our sales with this general technique. If the image and display details lend themselves to printing on canvas and framing, then the technique is well worht exploring, especially when sales hang in the balance. Clients really love this stuff, even the ones who wouldn't consider buying or displaying a "straight" photo. In their minds at least, it elevates photography to art.
Discussion
6 repliesHas anyone done this or tried it?
The process has always ruffled the feathers of purists and photo snobs, but I sincerely don't care what they think and say. My ear is tuned to our clients, who absolutely love it. We produce and display these up to 30"x40" in our studio gallery, and they are serious money makers. Each year clients who can't afford them initially may save for months to have one produced after an initial capture. Saving up for a purchase is a novel concept in current society and economy, so a client's willingness to do so is a sure vote for the validity of the technique. IMO, of course!
The canvas seems to be the key for our sales with this general technique. If the image and display details lend themselves to printing on canvas and framing, then the technique is well worht exploring, especially when sales hang in the balance. Clients really love this stuff, even the ones who wouldn't consider buying or displaying a "straight" photo. In their minds at least, it elevates photography to art.