One of my favorite works of literature comes from Arthur O'Shaughnessy and his poem, Ode. I first learned of this poem while watching the original Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Willie Wonka, played by Gene Wilder said, "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams...". That really spoke to me, not because of the magical chocolate and goodies that were covering the faces, I mean you could please anyone with a chocolate bar… But the world that was created, that someone sat down with just an idea and a dream and created a reality. In art, its the very same thing… When I sit down to an image, here's a little secret... I have no idea where I am going with editing... I just like to see where the art takes me... When I took this shot, I had no idea of how the end product would turn out, I had no idea where the image would take me. Here is the original, good lighting, good exposure and a good expression by the subject.
Then we added this images in various spots, fixed up the sky a little, and after an hour or so of photoshop… Here is the finished product, LJ is 12 years old and playing for the Hellcats All-Star Team this year in Hixson and I am submitting this image to the International Print Competition when it opens up this year for the Professional Photographers of America, and at the East Tennessee Professional Photographers Salon Competition. Tell me what you think about it, all feedback is welcome:) I would like to call this piece of artwork “the Sandlot”….
I hope you enjoy the image and feel free to comment below and let me know what you think. I will be posting more of these images along with the video of their editing right here on my blog. So check back from time to time:)
Matthew Wolcott Owner/Photographer Image Photography Inc
Matthew Wolcott has been a professional photographer in the Chattanooga Area for over 20 years. Traveling up and down the east coast capturing weddings, family portraits and doing high volume sport and dance studio portraiture. He is a member of several different photographic and artistic communities. His studio is located in Hixson, TN in the Lakesite Community.
