28 Ways To Interpret A Photo
On September 18th, I asked my fellow photographers to join me in an artistic experiment. I wanted to see how a single photo could be interpreted by different people, and to do this I presented the test-subjects audience with an unprocessed photograph and asked them to “Edit My Photo“.
I knew that each participant would produce a different photo via post-processing, but how different was unknown. I must say that I'm shocked and amazed at the diversity and creativity of these results. The photographs on this page clearly show the boundless possibilities of artistic interpretation, and it all spawned from a single image.
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Read below the images for more discussion of results AND for part 2 of this experiment — everybody's invited.
Before going any further, I'd like to sincerely thank all of the people who participated in this project so willingly and enthusiastically. Seriously gang, this wouldn't have happened without each and every one of you. Every photo on this page is an integral part of this project. And a huge thanks again to my Grandfather, Ron McCoy, who gave me this great idea for a project. Now… on with the discussion.
WHY DID I CHOOSE THIS IMAGE?
You may be asking yourself “Why the heck did this guy pick such a cruddy photo to run the project with?” Well, the image was completely intentional on my part. I literally have hundreds of unprocessed images in the “To-Do” pile, but this one presented unique opportunities for the project.
- Technical Flaws
The horizon is crooked, there are dust spots, it's not perfectly exposed, and there are probably other things wrong with it too. I was curious to see how people would either “fix” these flaws, overlook them, or incorporate them into their final image. - Lack of Color
The image contains color — it's just not as vibrant as most of us would like to start with. I wanted to see how people would deal with this, and how color affects the mood of the image. - Foreign Objects
There's a string of buoys in the water, and I was interested in how people would deal with something that seemed out of place. - Simple Subject
The composition is so simple in this image that it opens itself up for a number of interpretations. The overall mood of the processed photo would be highly dependent on the participants.
So basically, I picked the image because it would present the project participants with many processing options. I also wanted to convey (with these results) that typically overlooked images may actually have some life in them — you just have to be creative and open your mind to “out of the box” options.
WHY ARE THE RESULTS SO AMAZING?
The photos above represent vastly different artistic styles, each of which is as unique as their creators. The combined effort is much greater than any one person would spend on a single photo, and the results are far more creative and diverse than any one person could achieve. Some of the participants are photographers who I've been following for some time now, and I can certainly see their artistic style showing through even though they didn't take the photo.
This experiment further affirms my own beliefs that photography is 50% capture, 50% processing. You may not hold the same views (I already know I'm going to hear about this comment from the “purists”), but you can't completely dismiss the power of post-processing. When it comes to the artistic side of photography, Photoshop and other similar software is a vital tool of expression.
The main reason I think these results are so amazing is because I gave no instructions or boundaries as to what to do with the original image, other than “process the photo until you're satisfied”. What I got back was a huge range of technique and style. Amazing.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS?
I've learned a lot watching this project take it's course, and I'm sure that the participants learned a few things too. But I think there are many key things that all of us can take away from this.
- There's More Than One Way to Process a Photo
In fact, there may be an infinite number of ways, you just have to seek them out and have the creative drive to try different Photoshop techniques. - Artistic Style Counts
Your own style can show through with post-processing just as much as it can in taking the photo. - It's Not the Software, It's the Artist
A ton of different software packages were used in these creations. Find something that works for you and develop your techniques. - Give Your Photos a Second Chance
Just because a photo initially looks unusable, doesn't mean it's not worth pursuing. A larger processing skillset will give you more options and allow you to use more of your images. - Art is Subjective, Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Everybody has a different taste for art and photography. Don't be so quick to judge the work of others as “bad” just because it's different than you would have done it. Instead, study their work and try to understand what the artist has conveyed. Being less critical and judgmental will allow you to enjoy a much wider spectrum of art.
So study the photos presented here, explore the techniques that were used, ask yourself why you're drawn to certain images, and see if you can find an understanding of why the artist arrived where they did. There's a lot more to learn than I've listed here, but you'll have to find it yourself.
PARTICIPATE IN PART 2 OF THIS EXPERIMENT
Watching one image transform into multiple works of art has been absolutely amazing, but I'd like to take things a step further. What is it that makes certain works of art more appealing than others? Are there any patterns or consistencies to the more “popular” photos? To give us some insight to these questions, I need everybody's help again.
I want you to list your top 3 favorites from the images above. You can vote for up to 3, but no more — the results will be more interesting if you list 3, but you can also list 1 or 2. Each image is numbered from left to right, top to bottom. If you hover your mouse over an image, you should see the little text-tip pop up that shows the number and the artist's name. Vote by leaving a comment on this page with the numbers for your selections, and feel free to tell us what made you vote for them. I know there are a lot of them, but seriously try to view all of them at their higher resolution by following their links — there are a lot of subtleties that can't be seen in the thumbnails.
I tried to set this up with my usual poll plugin, but it didn't like the images very well. Besides, I think voting in the comments will work out better because we can vote for more than just one. So cast your votes now — I'll tally up the results and discuss my findings next Tuesday (10-23-07). Oh yeah, the most voted for artist will receive $50 in cash or giftcards (I'll let the winner decide).
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UPDATE: The votes have been counted, and the winner announced. See the results from this project.
Andrew
October 16, 2007Obviously I like my own shot best, but I guess I shouldn’t vote for myself eh?
I really like number 17. It is a common idea to split images into three for hanging on walls this way. I have only really considered my photographs digitally so this one makes me imaging it on my wall, which I can.
I like number 24 as it very neutral and shows up the detail on the bird well.
Finally I like number 3. I feels a little like 60s home movies, or the psychic visions that that they put in films to show flashbacks of traumatic events, and I like that.
Gabriel Nita
October 16, 2007I – (7)
II – (17)
III – (21)
Brian Auer
October 16, 2007Hey Andrew, thanks for giving us your thoughts on your top 3 faves (and for being so noble as to refrain from voting for yourself). I’m really interested in seeing where this goes.
Phill Price
October 16, 2007I – (17) the split is an awesome idea, done well although I may be ignoring the actual colour of the photo.
II – (20) – the rich colours of the shot
III – (7) – the sharp monochrome a completely different feel
(i ignored mine obviously…)
Doug Setzer
October 16, 2007About me first (how’s the for ego) – I’ve got little to no experience in post-processing photos; what I’ve done has always been pretty poor. And, I typically don’t have hand for art & design.
#17 by Felix Willeke – I’ve a huge fan of the triptych painting/layouts and had never considered it for digital photography before. This has really opened my mind to some ideas with photos of mine.
#16 by Mario Wagner / #12 by Phill Price – I like the different cropping and focus of the photos. Though, for me #16 wins out – I like the sharp & grainy aspect of the photo.
#7 by Hitesh Sawlani – I think this photo (among others) do a good job of isolating the bird’s details while softening the background.
All in all, looking at the pictures as a group – I’m definately drawn to the photos where the bouys have been eliminated. Having them into the picture pulls my eye to them and away from the bird — while it helps to get my eyes to the background, I find that I focus on them than the sky & water.
Anyway – great work, everyone. It’s been very interesting to watch!
-Doug
kriz cpec
October 16, 2007I like U. Linder’s best. Brief explanation post at my blog. Thanks for staging this project. 🙂
dawn
October 16, 2007I now wish I had done it so differently! Although, I have to say that my post-processing techniques are really how I do my photos and it fit in with my style. That being said, here are my picks:
#11 – I like the focus on the bird and the tones. It really gives it a different feel from the others.
#13 – The vignetting at the top takes away from that bright sky, takes the emphasis off the buoys, and places it on the bird and its reflection.
#17 – The triptych gives it a different feel and sets it apart from the rest.
Really well done to everyone. I’m in awe of all of the talent.
Steve Brown
October 16, 2007Well, I’ll certainly maintain the decorum of not voting for my own (24)!
However, in a way the ones I have voted for do kind of reinforce the principles I applied in my own edit. So I’ve generally not much liked those that have very strongly distorted (whoops, sorry, I mean adjusted!) the colours in the original shot; those that have introduced discontinuities in the tonal range; and those that have vignetted the image, or cropped it in ways that (I think) have weakened rather than strengthened the composition.
So, my votes are:
#23: Everything Stefan did has improved the image (straightened horizon, removed buoys, B&W conversion, etc.), but nothing has undermined it. The result emphasises the cold loneliness of the bird.
#13: Martin has altered the colours, but in a way that remains totally believable. His darkening of the sky adds a sense of threat. Finally he has markedly improved the tones and definition of the bird itself.
#14: Kevin’s is I guess a bit similar to mine, especially in the cropping. The vertical crop, making the bird look into the picture space, improves the composition, I think, which was why I did something nearly the same.
This has been a great exercise, and I’ll be fascinated to hear what others think!
inspirationbit
October 16, 2007Wow, these are some amazing results. Too bad I didn’t have time to work more on my version of editing your photo. I hope you can organize more similar projects in future.
My favourites are:
#1 – Andrew you did an Amazing job there!
#21 – Ulrich, you managed to achieve what I was trying to get with my touch ups.
#26 – Brandon, I really like the old look of your photo
Obviously, I also like Brian’s version, but I guess you can’t give a prize to yourself 🙂
Kudos to everyone – great work, dugg!
Teeg
October 16, 2007My favorites:
12
17
23
They’re all neat though, and by tomorrow I may have an entirely different set of favorites. 🙂
HeavyWave
October 16, 20073
6
15
you should write an article on how to do that 🙂
levi
October 16, 2007i like #3 because i think it’s close to what i would have done. i have some surf pictures with very similar colors, so it looks right to me. and i like #17 because it’s not something i would have even considered, but it adds a level of art and composition to the image.
Billy
October 16, 2007At yet all the results still suck.
Digital photography have ruined art as we see it. Take something crap, and bend it like Beckham, and you have something Arty??
Crap is crap – end of story.
Mercilius
October 16, 2007The Hitesh editing is my favorite.
Ravi Vora
October 16, 2007This is a fantastic idea! I would love to try this with some photomanipulators.
Al
October 16, 20071. 17
2. 3
3. 1
I would hang 17 on my living room wall. Very nice.
Also, points were deducted for entries that didn’t correct the crooked horizon. Though, I did like the way 22 exaggerated this.
Good idea Brian.
-Al
crossmage
October 16, 2007I – 1 (closest what i would have done with it)
II – 3 (love the DoF change by blurring the background – way to emphasize the subject)
III – 17 (If i were going to hang it behind my sofa (at a beach house) this is the best treatment)
me
October 16, 2007I – (17)
II – (22)
III – (1)
Daniel
October 16, 20077
Rahen Mckinny
October 16, 2007great photo style list
i love
3rd and 10th ones… 😀
PT
October 16, 2007Lots of good stuff but here are my favorites-
6
3
11
borza
October 16, 2007I 6
II 17
III 15
A great project, btw!
bobitchq
October 16, 2007My favorites are 7, 13 and 22.
7 – perfect crop!!! beautiful B&W, nice contrast and detail on the bird and its reflection. makes you look in the direction bird’s looking. simply stunning.
13 – i love its misty/rainy/kinda-depressing atmosphere; great color palette
22 – quite radical shot, but done with taste (especially cropping); beautiful colors; great bird placement;
Mike Noel
October 16, 20073 – focus on gull, subtle but interesting color
16- focus on gull, stark contrast, nostalgic color tone
1- striking color combination
Phong
October 16, 20076, 13, 17
casey g.
October 16, 2007#3 is my favorite by far.
#17 is also great, but I’m not sure where a line should be drawn… what if I cut it into 9 pieces? Or 109 pieces? What if I rearranged the pieces? What if I cut them into a circle? Is it still merely a photo or something more?
Nihilady
October 16, 2007I – 21
II – 28
III – 12
Linda
October 16, 20073, 7, 17
It was really hard to choose which three I liked best. So many good techniques were used. Everyone did such a great job.
Kevin
October 16, 2007No favorite, but a comment: I used to work as an editorial art director for a major metropolitan newspaper (through the 90s), and the photo staff would have had an aneurism over this. They wanted photos to run as cropped in the camera, without any adjustments but repro. They just about shit when we started doing cutouts. Something about reality, truthfulness and journalism. They thought people still trusted photos to be “real,” and that that was important. I guess we don’t have to pretend any more.
stephano
October 16, 20071. 17
2. 3
3. 18
Adam Houston
October 16, 20071. #17
2. #20
3. #21
I would totally hang #17 on my wall. Even though it didn’t make my top 3 (after much deliberating) I think that #7 might be the best on strictly technical merit. Great jobs all around.
Brian Auer
October 16, 2007Sorry you feel that way. It’s too bad you couldn’t enjoy it like everybody else.
Romeo
October 16, 2007I – 13
II – 3
III – 7
nutmeag
October 16, 200717, 22, 28
Romeo
October 16, 200713 I like the atmosphere
3 i like the colors
7 I like the composition
it can’t be done in one picture…..
Ursina
October 16, 2007#1 is my favorite, I love the coloring and detail.
#11 comes in second for the atmosphere, I can feel the cold water just looking at this picture. I also love the recovered detail.
#3 comes in third for the composition and atmosphere & simulation of narrow DOF.
Nice work everybody!
Eric
October 16, 2007#23: I like the fact that the ocean seems bigger here. That we can look further.
#13: Because of the gloomyness.
#03: The seagull is the most important here, and nothing distracts from it.
scl
October 16, 2007#1 – it was an unconventional edit, and added colour without losing realism
#17 – probably very subjective, but i felt that the frames were a good addition to the picture
#22 – tilting + recolouring brought out the bird
eli edmundson
October 16, 20071 13
2 17
3 27
I like some drama but with a naturalistic feel to color for a nature photo like this. A lot of great and interesting results here. I’m a little surprised (but not disappointed) that no one went real crazy with cropping or effects, I guess designers would have edited the image a lot differently than photographers…
Michael Deeter
October 16, 20071. #7
2. #3
3. #26
Chelsea
October 16, 2007#3, #7, #14
#3 is my favorite..by far the best..interesting project!
Kyle Little
October 16, 20071. 17 – interesting arrangement, nice color, calming mood
2. 13 – possibly the best processing job, removed bouys, increased focus on bird, great contrast, & dark stormy skies.
3. 27 – The high contrast & blueish black of the picture gave it a great feel, but I would have corrected the horizon.
tina
October 16, 2007first of all, it’s amazing how post-processing a photo can create a certain feel or tone for a photo. when i look at some of them, it’s as though i’m looking a deserted beach in the winter. yet, when i view others, it’s as if i’m looking at a tropical beach. so with that being said, here are my favorites (in no particular order):
#3 – this one did a great job of really isolating and emphasizing what they wanted the subject of the photo to be.
#4 – i definitely like and appreciate the natural feel to this editing.
#11 – i’m a sucker for symmetrical photo dimensions. not to mention a sucker for those shades of teal as well.
Steve Brown
October 16, 2007@Jonathan Moore: “First of all I will have to say that, too many of you are focusing on the idea that post processing can turn a crappy image into something good. This is not true.”
Actually, I’m not sure that anyone is labouring under that misapprehension. The challenge Brian set up was simply to wonder how a group of photographers might try and improve an image by post-processing. None of us is pretending to be an alchemist, turning base metal into gold!
Whilst it is patently ridiculous to suppose the post-processing can make a poor image great, it’s equally silly to rush to the other extreme and say that all post-processing is pointless. This challenge is simply a technical exercise: we are not deluding ourselves that we are creating art.
You say you are explaining Billy’s “obvious … understanding of photography and art in general”. All you are actually doing is giving credence to Billy’s pretentiousness. And excusing his utter lack of manners in the process.
Bill
October 16, 200717, followed by 3 and 24 in no particular order.
Before I even saw the results, I thought of a triptych and bang! there it was. I guess I like the bird-in-the-corner look, and I wanted some subtle color; I just couldn’t decide how focused I wanted it.
Jonathan Moore
October 16, 2007First of all I will have to say that, too many of you are focusing on the idea that post processing can turn a crappy image into something good. This is not true.
The foundation for every powerful and thought provoking image is the content… If you do not have that, then it’s just eye candy. Nothing more. And in that sense, it does not have any artistic merit to it besides technical ability.
Judging from some of the post work on these photos, it’s obvious that you just don’t “get it”.
Some of the work done is obviously no different than what would have happened in a darkroom; however, others are obviously overzealous photoshop addicts being thrown onto display here.
Dont take this the wrong way. Having skills in photoshop is great, but there comes a line that you must draw between “Man, with enough photoshop I can make any photo look good!”. You can make it visually appealing… but I challenge you to make it actually have a deeper meaning beyond “oh… that looks visually interesting…”
Again I go back to content. The image itself has to have a foundation to work upon to really and truly have any meaning to it in any way. Obviously the image above is not thought provoking. It does not deal with ideas of humanity and emotion. It is simply a photograph of a bird on a beach. If thats what you like to photograph, then great… but dont expect people to honestly believe that there is anything more to the photograph; nor should you believe that you will make a piece of art from an image like this just because of it’s post processing.
Now, taking it the other direction. If you were to actually come up with an idea how this image (and others of a series) relate to something much “larger” in the sense of our relationship with the world, ourselves, or others then you can bet that there actually might find poeple who take true interest in the photo.
Sorry, I’m just trying to give a more indepth reasoning as to why the poster Billy feels the way he does. As obviously he has understanding of photography and art in general.
Andrew
October 16, 2007Jonathan, I agree, and at the same time disagree.
You can’t make a photograph without merit into one with merit purely through processing, that much is true, but similarly a photograph, or indeed any art, will not necessarily be found to have merit by all.
I had an image of this, which I aimed for, which was to do with humanity and emotion (mine) but that is a definition of art which I don’t necessarily share.
The fact that others may see only an image of a bird means only that they are not me. It doesn’t affect the merit of the photograph.
Having said that if I had shot it I would have discarded it. Perhaps that would have been my error, perhaps not, but for the practice and the fun it was a worthy shot.
Adam
October 16, 2007I – 11
II – 22
III – 17
mana
October 16, 20071) #3
2) #16
3) #11
Raj Luke
October 16, 20071. #3
2. #22
3. #1