Walking down a side street in Parma a couple of weekends ago, I happened on this lovely scooter. Of course I had to stop and photograph it, trying out several angles and compositions. Good thing it was a pedestrian zone, as I kneeled in the street for quite some time waiting for people to walk by so I could have an empty sidewalk. Every so often a scene like this will grab me, and not let go until it has its way with me. I’m always content to just follow the photographic muse when that happens.
When I got home, realization dawned on me. This image is the second in a series. Even though I didn’t plan it, the photo is a perfect complement to Where Fiats Retire, an image from Sorrento I shared a couple of months ago. Similar processing (read below for details) and I was good to go.
I’ve never had this happen before, an image come along months later that so perfectly pairs with an earlier shot. And not just any previous shot, a favorite. I loooooove that Fiat shot. Guess what? I looked through my images and there is another shot in the series, which I’ll share tomorrow. I wonder how many more are hidden there? Will they start appearing to me more often?
I guess this is how a series is born. I had no idea!
A quick reminder – today is the last day to link in to Exploring with a Camera: Breaking the Rule of Thirds. Tomorrow morning I’ll draw for the winner of my giveaway as will Tammy at Bliss and Folly. Take a look at all of the wonderful images shared and be sure to link yours in too!
Photo processing in Photoshop Elements 8:
1. Cropped out some distracting info on the right edge.
2. Ran Pioneer Woman Seventies Action.
3. Added a Hue/Saturation Layer, and increased Hue to +5 and Saturation to +16 to increase the color of the scooter back a little bit brighter.
4. The wall behind the scooter was too similar in color to the scooter, competing for attention. I added another Hue/Saturation Layer with Saturation set to -27, and used a layer mask to only apply this change to the red wall.
Here’s the original, straight out of the camera, for comparison:
February 22, 2011 7:45 am
As one who usually opts for bright colours I really love the darker reds in this image. There is something abut the composition that is very atmospheric.
February 22, 2011 8:01 am
Old Italian scooters are just so cool! I love the fruit and veggies in the background. It's interesting to see your photoshop steps as well. Great photo! Can't wait to see the series all come together…
best wishes from germany, tj
February 22, 2011 8:26 am
It's lovely isn't it – and so perfectly matched to its background. There is definitely something about a Vespa that is completely Italian and utterly cool.
February 22, 2011 11:40 am
Love the muted tones in this shot. A vespa shot shouts Italy! Nice interesting balance including the fruit stall it stops it being a reference shot.
February 22, 2011 12:26 pm
I love this picture Kat. The 70's action works so perfectly for this. It gives it a nice old fashioned feel!
February 22, 2011 2:35 pm
I would love a vespa! I would keep it in the hallway to admire, not to use!
February 22, 2011 2:37 pm
I love the vintage feel to this image! I'd love to take that Vespa and just zoom around the country side. Especially today.. Gorgeous photo!
February 22, 2011 3:28 pm
Wonderful photo! Your '70s edit is perfect for it too. This has your signature look to it – before I saw your name below the thumbnail I knew you had taken it.
It's so interesting how you unintentionally started a photographic series. I came to the same realization last night about a photo I was editing. I am curious to see where our series lead us.
Happy day to you!
February 22, 2011 4:13 pm
What a gorgeous shot! Can't wait to see all three in the series sitting next to each other.
I've wanted my very own Vespa for YEARS! If only they weren't so impractical for my current life.
February 22, 2011 4:14 pm
What fun! I was so surprised when the plan for my garage series came to me. Wonderful how creative ideas can just pop into our heads.
How I'd love to ride that scooter around some streets in Italy…have you done that yet?
February 22, 2011 5:11 pm
And what a wonderful series it is too! These would look lovely in a frame, as a souvenir of your life in Italy.
February 22, 2011 6:03 pm
I think series, find us. I had no intention of doing any kind of project this year and then the 52 showed up. It was obvious immediately. A very simple plan and it is going beautifully. It actaully went so well, I am doing one with the gks. I love it when a series comes together!
February 22, 2011 6:10 pm
Beautiful shot and beautiful processing. I just love how the scooter matches the wall behind it.
Erika B
February 22, 2011 7:05 pm
I've just been digging through my own archives to see if any happy accidental series catch my attention. Getting 'em ready to print/website! gah! (and I love this shot and how you treated it)
February 22, 2011 8:00 pm
love what you did to this. I really need to figure out layer masks. grrr.
February 22, 2011 8:02 pm
What a great way to discover a series! That seems to happen in my painting, too. If I sit down and say, 'Right, now I'm going to paint a series on x subject,' I pretty much never end up following through. But if I just paint what I feel like painting, over time I will revisit the same subject over and over.
February 22, 2011 8:32 pm
Both were great shots, but I do love how the Photoshop version turned out.
It's always fun when you look back and see a pattern, discovering something about yourself. I can't wait to see what else you end up with in your series.
February 22, 2011 8:48 pm
love your style!! great urban shot!
February 23, 2011 12:56 am
Great shot. I can just imagine you there in the crosswalk shooting merrily away.
I love the processing you chose here. Really fits the photo perfectly. Can't wait to see #3 in the series.
February 23, 2011 2:01 am
Monet had his gardens and you have your scooters! For the love of series. Nice processing.
February 23, 2011 2:35 am
Yay!! Ready for a winner?? I am!!
February 23, 2011 3:02 am
I love it!
February 23, 2011 6:31 am
Funny how I always love the vespa. You seem to feel a similar attraction. Great shot!
February 23, 2011 2:52 pm
Wonderful edit. Very vintage inspired.
February 23, 2011 3:36 pm
I love when this happens! And I love the scooter, great shot!
February 24, 2011 2:11 am
Scooters are everywhere in Italy. This is a pretty one with wonderful processing. I am partial to your Fiat shot. I grew up with my father owning nothing but Fiats.