The Other Bench

@Helen: Not only are you right on, you picked the very photo that I modelled the processing on. A perceptive eye, as you've always shown in your work.

@Helen: I've reinstated your last comment, Helen.

@Zach Siebert: So do I, Zach! I took 3 attempts at the same image to even get this far, but there's a lot to Rodion's magic that's simply beyond me at this point.

@Manuela Photography: Thank you, Manuela. I put in some effects, but there really was mist, or at least steam (visible to the left of the tree) rising from a grate that morning.

@Jason Kravitz: Thanks, Jason. Give it a try; it might be easier for you than it was for me. In any case, it's a good way to stretch your wings.

@Jenny: Thamks, Jenny. Yeah, my mouse hand is sore.

@Duncan Galbraith: Heh, I haven't heard from the Man himself yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if he just uses two layers: one for the photo, and one for the frame. Maybe he one giant Photoshop action that does all the work automatically. Ok, I'm joking about that, but there are all kinds of ways to work. My images lately tend to be layer-heavy, but this one really took the biscuit.

The other hard part here is the scenery. Rodion always has such beautiful rustic landscapes, but stuck in the city as I am, it's not easy to find these. This scene is actually on my way to the subway each morning. If you squint carefully - and especially in the original image - you can see houses and sports field lights in the background. This park is called "Christie Pits" and the pit was what's responsible for the false horizon in the foreground. (Oh, and thanks, Duncan - sorry to have written a novel as a response here).

@Martine Lapointe: Merci, Martine!

@Angry Buddha: Easy for you to say :-) Thanks, Sean!

@Darren: Thanks very much, Daz

@Maoya: Yes, he's something of a master. I can only attempt to emulate. Thanks, Maoya!

@Kelvin Chan: Thanks for your kind words, Kelvin. Actually, the reason I took the photo in the first place was because of the steam rising from the manhole cover. This would be the two light spots:steam rising from two holes in the manhole cover.

@H.O: No... you can't mistake our work. I'm just a pale imitation. Anyway, I always appreciate your kind words, Hiro.

@Martine Lapointe: Yes, he made me go through a lot of work! I had to find a barcode generator that worked, and I had to sign my name on a graphics tablet.

@Rodion Kovenkin: Thank you so much, Rodion. You've made my day. Congrats on the new blog. It looks great. I hope you continue to keep this one updated as well. One thing: I tried leaving a comment on the new blog, but it didn't seem to work.

To everyone else: Rodion did a great job updating my photo, but of course I'd already messed it up quite a bit and made it 800x600. I'll send him the original and see what he can do.

@Rodion Kovenkin: Thanks so much, Rodion! Of course you don't have to, but I'd love to see what you do with it and also how you do it. Everyone: be sure to check out Rodion's new site which is really nice and includes a stunning new photo.

@UraLakS: Thanks, UraLakS... I don't speak Belarusian, or any slavic language, so this is hard for me to understand... I tried online translation services for Russian, but they don't help too much other than Rodion being a talented guy (yes!). Can anyone translate? Rodion?