Smokers corner

[karenoliver]

[ABERS]

Definitely a sign of todays culture. The more I see of smokers taking a 'break' the more I'm convinced there is a series to be taken. Great tonal range.

[karenoliver]

Thanks I've thought about doing a project on smokers, especially the ones outside the doors of my local hospital holding their oxygen masks in their hands as they drag on a cigarette :-)

Karen

[amk1977]

Originally Posted by karenoliver

Thanks I've thought about doing a project on smokers, especially the ones outside the doors of my local hospital holding their oxygen masks in their hands as they drag on a cigarette :-)

Karen

A very nice shot Karen. Reallly nice tones and capture of a modern social outcast - the smoker.

I think that would be a really good series to do, with lots of opportunities for candid shots. Wait till the temperature drops a bit more though, you'll get some really nice facial expressions and postures then lol.

I remember in early winter several years ago, I had to go into hospital for a procedure. As I entered the building there were about 10 people outside smoking. All were in dressing gowns, some with oxygen masks and bottles (sure that was safe lol), some so decrepit that they were slumped in a wheelchair and had a helper, yet were still puffing away on their cancer sticks!

[karenoliver]

The same still. I saw lots of oxygen bottles on the floor alongside some people today. I think you are right about smokers being social outcasts now and a project would be good but I bet its already been done?

Karen

[GeoffWessex]

I think if I were a smoker having a quick 'gasper' outside the office/shop/factory I'd be hightly annoyed if anybody came along with a camera. They already feel like lepers - having photos taken would really p*** them orf. So - just be careful out there!
Actually, driving past the local hospital here you see dozens of people having a cigarette - and they're the staff, including nurses, auxiliaries etc.

[AndyStevens]

Nice image Karen - and a good indicator of where smokers often find themselves these days, tucked away in corners.


How do you do your B&W conversions Karen? I usually use Channel Mixer and then some tweaks but I don't get the same tonal range as you do. Hence none of my B&W's are in my gallery

[karenoliver]

Hi Andy,

I use either Silver efex pro by Nik software or one my favourite add-ons for photoshop is Photo tools 2.5. Both give a variety of b/w effects.

Karen

[karenoliver]

Hi Geoff, I don't want them to feel more like lepers. I just want to document the social aspects of it, if you know what you mean. I am not anti-smoking, if people want to smoke its up to them. Towns and cities have changed, you now see more drinkers outside the pubs since the no smoking rule was brought in. I actually think its worse and preffered it all taking place indoors because it sort of lowers the tone. I hate walking past lots of male drinkers and usually walk to the otherside of the road.

Karen

[GeoffWessex]

Agreed on all points, Karen.... just that the smoker can feel really 'put upon' nowadays - it must be bad enough having to stand outside (tricky here in Canada from December through March!) but a photographer recording their plight would really wind them up! And even I, an ugly and battered-looking 58 year old, feels a bit of a threat when walking past people standing outside a pub having a smoke and well-lubricated late at night. At least when they stayed inside the streets were tidy.