Invisibility Cloak

Where Are the Answers?, originally uploaded by jjvornov.

I’ve been writing about the DP1 as a series of short thoughts based on the images I’ve post-processed. This image from Geneva reminds me of the invisibility one gains shooting with a compact camera.

A DSLR with large lens (like the 12-24mm f/4 Nikkor) is an imposing piece of technology. There are lots of folks out with their little compact digitals held out at arms length, squinting at the LCD.

The 28mm equivalent lens on the DP1 suits me. But to capture this image I had to be about 3 feet away from the man reading the paper. Right at the edge of the bench. So I’m kind of crouching, but I look like anyone else taking photographs of the church. But even though the church is a major part of the image, it’s the backdrop, not the subject.

The post processing of this image was not easy because the forground figure was relatively darker than the bus stop and church. I’ve picked out two figures with light and selective sharpening. These are cinematic techniques I’ve learned from Vincent Versace’s approach. No real camera would render those two points so sharp and bright compared to the rest of the scene. It’s remarkable though how the eye is fooled, following the will of the photographer.

Author: James Vornov

I'm an MD, PhD Neurologist who left a successful academic career on the Faculty of The Johns Hopkins Medical School to develop new treatments in Biotech and Pharma. I became fascinated with how people actually make decisions based on the science of decision theory and emerging understanding of how the brain works to make decisions. My passion now is this deep explanation of what has been the realm of philosophy, psychology and self help but is now understood as brain function. By understanding our brains, I believe we can become happier, more successful people. View all posts by James Vornov