This image was captured during the height of the COVID 19 lockdowns in America. As a reminder, they sucked. I found it extremely difficult to be as creative as I wanted to in 2020 and 2021. I’m sure some people used that time of lockdown and COVID being at the front of mind to gain their footing in the artistic space. I more used it as a way to refine my monochrome editing skills. Perhaps I should work on my personal resilience? Anyway

I did, however, try to get out and practice my skills as much as possible. The train passing by is the Amtrak train going through downtown Fayetteville, NC. It was one of those perfect days where the rain creates an interesting shine on any asphalt surfaces. I’m always on the hunt for a subject with an umbrella, because I think the umbrella tends to accentuate the human form. The umbrella also serves as a definitive place for the eye be drawn.

The subject standing still was helpful. I changed the shutter speed to 1/30 of a second. Compositionally, I wanted to really exaggerate the space and distance of the image. So, the subject is not centered. In post, I found I had to accentuate the blacks a little more than normal to get the effect that I was looking for. I really like the final outcome.

Let me know what you think

-Maurice