Just following up from last month, I mentioned putting together an outing for the camera club. It went really well, with about 15 people turning up. We had some positive feedback and it's great seeing members share their shots on our Clubs Facebook page. With all the new faces and helping out, I didn’t get a ton of chances to shoot myself, but this image is one of the few I managed to capture.
I tried to create an interesting contrast between a modern building and an older Colonial-style one, aiming to highlight the light from the setting sun on both. The older building, The observatory, is actually Australia’s oldest purpose-built building, finished back in 1859. One quirky feature is the ball on the roof, which drops at 1PM so ships in the port could set their clocks accurately ??” a big deal for navigation back then.
Settings, F11 at ¼ second with ISO 100
For the image, I used Photoshop to select and tweak different parts, adjusting saturation and luminosity, and added a gradient mask. I threw on a texture overlay for a bit more effect.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
4 comments posted
Gregory Waldron
Hi Tom,
I really like how you crafted this image. Your Photoshop adjustments work well and create a nice atmosphere.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 07/03/2026 20:13:16
Tom Brassil
Thank you Greg, I do appreciate that Posted: 07/14/2026 06:35:45
Ingrid Lockhart
Hi Tom. Your edit of this image is very effective and seems to call for some dramatic music. You have added believable lighting effects that add significant drama to an otherwise documentary scene. Cropping out the tree was a good choice. My only suggestion would be to clone out a bit of the top of the weather vane, so it doesn't intersect the edge of the frame. Posted: 07/14/2026 19:07:54
Darcy Johnson
Hi Tom - I love the story that goes with the colonial building and your image contrasting old and new works as intended. There is a luminescence outlining the older building and the ground pattern that matches the sky that was brought out from the original. It's not obvious at first glance and results in an effective lighting addition supporting that lovely time of day. I wish the new building displayed the warmth that matches that shown in the colonial building - perhaps that's intentional? Either way, nicely done! Also congratulations on a very successful outing! Posted: 07/16/2026 02:34:43
