Woman and donkey in the countryside
This Darktable style applies the following tools (11 editing steps):
- High Pass Filter
- Contrast Equalizer
- Local Contrast
- Blurs
- Color Brightness Saturation
- Color Contrast
- Color Zones
- Grain
- Shadow And Highlights
- Sharpening
- Velvia
The day of the capture was under a somewhat cloudy sky, which rendered the lighting less than optimal for photography. This resulted in a neutral exposure, with colors appearing muted and bland. But the magic of post-processing with the Velvia Inspired Preset for Darktable transformed the photograph dramatically.
The cloudy day, initially dull and unremarkable, turned into a scene full of life and brightness once the preset was applied. The transformation not only improved the overall lighting but also enhanced the color palette, injecting a much-needed vibrancy into the scene. Despite the overcast conditions, the photo post-editing exuded a brighter atmosphere, making the image feel as warm and inviting as the moment it captured.
In essence, the application of the Velvia Inspired Preset brought out the hidden depths of this heartfelt scene, transforming it from a mere photo into a vivid storytelling canvas. The connection between my friend and the donkey, the quiet beauty of the Arteaga village, and the raw emotion of the moment were all accentuated, creating an image that truly encapsulates the magic of this touching encounter.
On a particular day in the picturesque Basque country, located close to the quaint Arteaga village, I found myself drawn to a unique scene of simple, touching beauty. An almost abandoned field next to a deserted house served as home to a lonely donkey, a stark contrast to the social nature of those animals. The solitary donkey, however, was not alone on this day; my friend had decided to venture into the field and accompany the animal.
My friend, a compassionate woman, took the bold step of crossing the fence that separated us from the donkey. She found herself in the field, standing next to the donkey, and decided to feed and console the animal. The usual loneliness that surrounded the donkey was momentarily lifted, replaced with the warmth and kindness that my friend offered. This beautiful interaction between human and animal was what I aimed to capture as I adjusted my lens and prepared to press the shutter.
From a side perspective, I framed this touching scene: my friend gently touching the donkey's head in a comforting manner, the usually solitary donkey engaging in this rare moment of companionship. As if acknowledging my presence, the donkey turned to gaze at me just as I pressed the shutter.