London Mist – August One Photo Focus

Sherry Felix
London Eye by Robin Kent edited by Sherry Felix
London Eye by Robin Kent edited by Sherry Felix

Robin Kent’s original (below) was perfect. I straightened the Ferris wheel and darkened the sky in Lightroom. Then in Photoshop, added wisps of mist, and stars to make it mystical (above).

In 1956 when I was seven my mother and I moved to London. It was my job to light the coal fire in our flat at Queensborough Terrace, near Kensington Gardens. Central heating was not common then; therefore, London was a much foggier place. I remember fogs so thick it was hard to see a yard ahead. Coal fires helped create smog, a mix of smoke and fog. Yellow smog was tinged by the Sulphur in the coal. They were called “pea soupers”. The Great Smog of 1952 (Wikipedia) killed many Londoners. Dirty unwashed and untreated coals were eventually banned and smoke free coals and fuels used instead. Now central heating is the norm and fireplaces occasionally used to create ambience.

London Eye by Robin Kent
London Eye by Robin Kent

Created for Stacy Fischer’s August One Photo Focus.

20 thoughts on “London Mist – August One Photo Focus”

    • Sherry Felix 2016-09-16 / 4:30 am

      Thanks. It isn’t my photo, but it is my digital art on top of a great photo.

      Reply
  2. Robin S. Kent 2016-08-07 / 2:30 pm

    Really interesting post Sherry. Your treatment gives the image a wonderful ethereal effect. I was also fascinated by your background story. Thanks for participating.

    Reply
    • Sherry Felix 2016-08-08 / 4:23 am

      Thanks Robin. You took a lovely picture so I tried not to stomp all over it.

      Reply
  3. Stacy P. Fischer 2016-08-05 / 12:19 pm

    Wow, wow, wow, what a lovely version, Sherry, made all the more special by sharing that snippet of history with us. I have no idea how you accomplished this in PS, but someday I definitely want to learn that effect!

    Reply
    • Sherry Felix 2016-08-05 / 1:32 pm

      Thanks so much. It’s quite easy. Go get a smoke brush for Photoshop and paint on a new layer, lower the opacity. For the stars, a star brush on another layer and blend mode color – I think.

      Reply
  4. lauramacky 2016-08-05 / 10:23 am

    Well done! I like the spooky take on it especially with the backstory. Very interesting!

    Reply
      • lauramacky 2016-08-05 / 11:07 am

        You’re most welcome Sherry. 🙂

        Reply
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  6. the dune mouse 2016-08-05 / 1:36 am

    love love love!! and thank you for sharing your memory of London fog!

    Reply
    • Sherry Felix 2016-08-05 / 10:55 am

      You are very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  7. Jet Eliot 2016-08-02 / 6:15 pm

    Great and moody photo, and I loved hearing your personal experience with the London fog, Sherry.

    Reply
  8. restlessjo 2016-08-02 / 2:57 pm

    Nice with the addition of mist 🙂

    Reply
  9. Trini Lind 2016-07-31 / 9:03 pm

    Oh, I love the first magical one!! 💖.

    Reply
    • Sherry Felix 2016-08-01 / 3:44 am

      Thanks. It was for Stacy’s the challenge. We all get the same picture to edit.

      Reply
  10. leegaywood 2016-07-31 / 7:46 am

    Spooky *!*

    Reply
    • Sherry Felix 2016-07-31 / 8:03 am

      🙂 not how I see it. The mist bought in the stars – a mysterious and exciting thing – not scary.

      Reply

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