Palouse Swipe with Clarity

_DSC6320_DxO nx clarity72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Packing tonight for photo trip to the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho. It has been a couple of year since I last visited and I am excited to return with six other photo buddies.

This landscape image was created using the "swipe" technique. Using a longer exposure of about a quarter second, give or take, the camera is intentionally moved during the exposure. It is a trial and error process that can yield a pleasing image.

This file has been sitting on the hard drive for a couple of years because I did not like "flat" look of the original. Last week, Topaz introduced their new plug-in Clarity. I must say I'm impressed with what Clarity does to an image! Other structure, clarity or contrast adjustments I have just do not do what Clarity can do for an image.

Below is the before version:

For the Obstreperous?

_DSC5501_DxO_HDR ps b 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

One more from the Asylum. The original buildings were designed with wide halls and comfy common areas. Toward the end of one of those very long corridors was this more sterile area. Behind the blue doors were small cells for, I imagine, the obstreperous, to use a term my grandmother is fond of saying. The dictionary defines the term thus: 1- marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness. 2- stubbornly resistant to control. I can't imagine a stay behind a blue door was fun and games.

Criminally Insane

_DSC5673_DxO_HDR ps basic white diff 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

This two story building, apparently one of the newer in the complex, housed the criminally insane. The floor plan consisted of two large rooms on each floor separated in the center by the guard's rooms, with barred windows like a jail. Interesting to me that the violent types were housed barracks style.

As these building deteriorate, surprisingly quickly I might add, water begins to infiltrate and accelerate decay. I was drawn to the reflections in the standing water in this room.

Trapped in an Alternate Reality

_DSC5553_DxO_HDR ps d 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Another from my spring trip to the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. I had the impression that once admitted here many never left. Doubly trapped: By the walls of the institution and the labyrinth of their minds. Either circumstance I find hard to fathom.

Junkyard Abstracts

DSC_5025_DxO_HDR ps mishandled neg 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

Abstract images from a car junkyard visit back in March. Yes, I am pitifully behind in image processing.

The light was hot that day and the cars were mostly covering in brambles and trees. Getting wider shots of cars was hard to do at this location so I found myself doing macro/close up work much of the time.

Shaun Moss made arrangements for a group of us to shoot in this Pennsylvania location. If there is a rusty old car to be found between here and the UK, Shaun has already uncovered it. Special thanks to Don Rosenberger for driving.

The lead image and a BW version are corroded chrome bumper parts. The red abstract is from a tail light.

Fonthill Castle

_DSC8881_DxO ps dxofilmpack B 72dpi, originally uploaded by Donnie Fulks.

I had the pleasure of visiting and photographing last weekend with John Barclay and several others. One of the venues we visited was Fonthill Castle, the home of Henry Mercer. Now a museum, the building is a fascinating and unique place. Built between 1908 and 1912 out of poured in place concrete. One of Mercer's intentions was to showcase his decorative tiles that were made at his factory next door during the Arts and Crafts Movement era. Mercer also had broad academic interests reflected in the several thousand books in the castle to go along with the hundreds of prints hung throughout the building. Photography is allowed only by special arrangement through John Barclay Photography. Thanks John for a great weekend!

Middle photo: Outside of the castle with Carriage House in the background to the right.
Bottom photo: Ceiling of one of the rooms. Most rooms were decorated in this fashion with tiles, prints and full bookshelves.