The Legend Lives On

The Legend Lives OnThe Legend Lives On

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

I was journeying up to Northern Michigan a few days back, and came across this motorcycle at a scenic overlook.

Although I didn’t want to get beat up by a biker, I snapped a few shots.

You might notice the small sunbursts on the bike. I took this photo with my 80-200mm and it naturally creates these effects if the sun is bright enough and reflected off something shiny.

As a rule, I don’t photoshop in things that weren’t there.

Post-Processing

Of course that isn’t to say I don’t do post-processing.

This photo is a pseudo HDR, just one RAW image that has been tonemapped in Photomatix, as opposed to 3 or more.

I pulled the tonemapped file into photoshop and duplicated the original, full color layer.

I then applied a sepia filter on one of the duplicate layers and created a layer mask to bring back the blue highlights on the bike from the color-retained layer.

I’m happy with how it turned out and I think the processing makes the photo more interesting and Harley-Davidson “Legend-esque”.

6 comments on “The Legend Lives On

  1. I like your processing John – restrained but punchy. Wish I had your photoshop skills! BTW, never met a biker that wasn’t happy to have his ride admired….

    • Thanks Janice! Good point about bikers, a wise man I know always starts his conversations with bikers by complimenting their bike, instant ice-breaker!

  2. True so true about the biker ice breaker thing. My husband loves his Heritage Classic. His buddies are co workers and club members who go on Love Rides and Patriot Guard Rides and do alot of charity rides. It makes him happy. You did that bike justice good work.