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Friday, November 13, 2009

Three little boys



Once upon a time, three young brothers lived on the wrong side of the tracks just outside of Pittsburgh.

Or not. Truth is, I'm just guessing that they're brothers, although the building really is just outside of Pittsburgh, really is just next to the local railroad tracks. I photographed it last year.

You see, the original image of the boys is this week's Art Creations Friday challenge photo. I knew when I saw it that I wanted to split the three apart and position them in one of my own photographs -- I also knew I took many photos of older buildings in Pittsburgh last year and hoped one would fit the bill. I also knew I wanted the final photograph to look as if it came from an older era.

I don't know why I do this to myself sometimes. Positioning the boys on the stairs required a lot of fine, close-up work in photoshop, erasing parts of the photograph and erasing parts of the boys in order to make it appear they're really standing there. But I think it's a good exercise in patience and I welcome the opportunity to hone my photoshop skills. Even thought I'm always highly critical of my own work and know I didn't do a perfect job, I am pleased with the results.

And it's always fun to take on a challenge like this, especially when the final outcome inspires me to think of what possible story the image conveys. Who are the boys, why are they out on the fire escape? Are they rich or poor? Hellions or angels? What does their future hold? What do you think?

13 comments:

Gayle Page-Robak said...

Lennie...this is fabulous! You have created an excellent art piece....the way you have them behind the railings, their positioning, etc...perfect!! Well done!

Hermine said...

This looks great

AliMayes said...

Glorious! How clever to put them on the stairs in this fabulous photo and aging it so well. Applause!!

Jester said...

Oh wow! What a clever idea to think of splitting the boys up; and placing them on the stairs, very clever.

vintage wil said...

Ohh this is fabulous ! great idea!!!

Femmy said...

wow fantastic!!! very clever idea to put them on the stairs!!

indybev said...

Not only a great idea to put them on the stairs, but you did it so meticulously! I'll bet they were the best dressed boys in the tenement! Beautiful work.

Unknown said...

Lennie this is great! It looks like an old vintage photograph. Great to place the boy on the stairs, very creative!

Leslie Jane Moran said...

My Google Account has been down and not letting me comment. When I first saw your piece I immediately thought they looked "ghostly". Then when you asked the questions, the story came together. They were three little boys from a working class family who died in a fire at that house. They are dressed in their best togs on the fire escape because that is how they were dressed for the funeral. Weird, I know, that's just what came to me. I LOVE the work and can totally appreciate the time and effort it took to get them so well situated on that staircase. Great job.

Anonymous said...

Well done on taking the time and patience to get this right. It does look like an original photo.

daisy said...

Fabulous work Lennie. Luv the aged effect on your photograph & I appreciate the work taken to add the boys into the photo. Fab!

Susan Williamson said...

This is very effective--and sophisticated. Great Photoshopping Lennie.

BadPenny said...

this is my favourite of all !

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