Black and Blue +ver 1.5

Gallery: LandscapePosted September 20, 2011498 views39 comments

I'm sure you'll recognize this as it was part of the triptych we posted a couple weeks ago. But this version is cropped and I'm also providing an alternate. I'm torn with this one. While I clearly remember reflected blue light I'm having a hard time deciding 1. what I actually remember and 2. How I want to ultimately display this. For #2, I ask for your opinions. In the triptych I processed mine and eliminated a lot of blue to help match up with the other images. My original processing is the repost and this image here is my latest attempt. This is a crop of the original frame. Oh, and you might notice in the second/repost some reflected light coming up from the bottom that is warmer, almost yellow. Well, it was the second time on this trip I used a gold reflector tossing in some additional and contrasting color to the blues.

Your comments and/or suggestions welcome. Curious to see folks reaction. I can go either way.

4x5, Nikkor 300mm, V100F, f/45 @9s
Tons of TK's masks, actions and stuff with this one!

Thanks!
Lon

Comments

39 comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on September 20, 2011 at 2:44 AM

Here is the second version. Actually I processed this one first.

I think I have the answer to my own question, but would still like some input.

Thanks!

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Kent Mearig on September 20, 2011 at 2:50 AM

I'm trying hard to see the face of a charcoal monster in here...

Despite the more colorful version being colored in a very nice way, I enjoy the above version just as much. I actually enjoy looking a little bit harder for the colors that are there. Excellent work, as usual.

Registered on September 4, 2006, 237 Posts, 4748 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on September 20, 2011 at 3:06 AM

I like the second version. This is the type of shot that if the detail is there on the print works well. Looks like you used 4x5... So I'd like to see that print!

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on September 20, 2011 at 3:13 AM

I think the blues and orange streaks in the second emphasizes the color impact much better. They just get along well. The blues also drive me into the print more. Either way, great shot.

Registered on September 29, 2009, 137 Posts, 2659 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on September 20, 2011 at 3:59 AM

Wonderful, simple and inspiring. What a great subject - BUT why is the web version so soft. Makes one think that using LF gear is a step back in details ;) ... Colors are awesome though. Have you ever tried my web sharpening script - give it a try.

Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Richter on September 20, 2011 at 4:32 AM

Lon, the second version definitely works better for me. The delicate golden tones counteracting the blue ones, and furthermore the tangible texture make it a pleasure for me to explore all details.

Peter

Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments

Comment posted by Alister Benn on September 20, 2011 at 5:15 AM

Firstly, a beautiful image full of mystery and stories... I prefer the original processing, it has more presence and intrigue, almost as if the fire still burns within... cracking image

Registered on June 9, 2011, 23 Posts, 258 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on September 20, 2011 at 8:05 AM

Hey Lon,
You found some real fine art here. Of course I love the comp and story to go with it. The second is a winner for me and I think you just pulled the color that was already present. It has more depth and clarity in the second. No nits for me, love it.
Well done

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Duval on September 20, 2011 at 8:23 AM

Lon,

Second version the word is vibrancy, the reflected light and added color add life to the image. Odd in an image of something that may be dead. However more effective more compelling. It looks like the fire was just extinguished.

Paul

Registered on June 30, 2009, 508 Posts, 1907 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on September 20, 2011 at 8:59 AM

I really like the strong blue in second version, Lon. When combined with the orange streaks, there are some great contrasts in there. What a fascinating and underexposed subject. The artistic interpretation still feels very natural.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on September 20, 2011 at 9:07 AM

Tony hit it perfectly. And that's why I prefer the second version. A little more impact. But, the first one is great for it's subtlety.
And Andreas is right about it being soft.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on September 20, 2011 at 9:51 AM

Tony, I mean Lon, I find the second version a little on the saturated side for my tastes.

While the colors are nice in the second, the unrealistic look is not working for me. I will take door number 1.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Kayne on September 20, 2011 at 10:07 AM

Registered on November 1, 2003, 573 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on September 20, 2011 at 10:47 AM

I like the original post here as posted, but I see I'm in the minority. Looks great to me - keep in mind I'm on an uncalibrated work monitor, but the color looks just fine IMO. I think it's quite nice.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on September 20, 2011 at 11:05 AM

Fine art, Lon. The first posting may be more realistic; however, I
prefer the second one for its artistry.

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on September 20, 2011 at 12:54 PM

Milk it

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on September 20, 2011 at 1:00 PM

Lon, can I choose door #1.5? I like the increased color contrast in #2 but the saturation is a bit heavy and like #1 better for that.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Luis Argerich on September 20, 2011 at 1:22 PM

Hi Lon,
This is a wonderful abstract, I really like the second version it has a fantastic metallic look.
In the second version I see lava flowing cracked volcanic soil.
The first version reminds me more of a lizard's skin.
Now don't tell me these are trees!

Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on September 20, 2011 at 1:46 PM

wow, this is an easy one, Lon, you got to provide tougher quizzes than this one...

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on September 20, 2011 at 2:55 PM

Wow, I'm actually pretty surprised, but not shocked, that most folks are leaning towards #2. I was pretty sure most would think it was a little too much. I think it's a bit too much and will probably settle on Youssef's requested version door #1.5. I think there's a good compromise in there.

And you're right, this is a little soft which shouldn't be an issue for print, if it gets that far.

Thanks for the response and comments! I appreciate it.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on September 20, 2011 at 4:06 PM

This is a great shot Lon. I like both versions but would pick the second one between the two. I like the blue and orange contrast. Actually I think Youssef's 1.5 version would be just perfect if you go that way. Excellent work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on September 20, 2011 at 4:14 PM

Ok, here's version 1.5. Actually closer to 1.75. I toned down the saturation a bit, but also dropped the mid-tone reds a little bit too as it was making it more purple than blue. A couple other tweaks and also, I hope the sharpening is a little better here. Closer to version 2 than 1, but I might go with this version.

Thanks for the feedback

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on September 20, 2011 at 7:53 PM

My preference is for the latest version (1.5) , as well. The blues have a 'truer' look.

I've been doing a little tweaking on my shot of this tree, and may post it at some point. Anyway, the entire exercise has been very interesting in so far as realizing the various tonalities and color present in a subject that looks quite black on a first look.

Nice work, Lon!

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on September 20, 2011 at 8:23 PM

I would prefer another little step down. Like more pop than in the original, but less than in 1.75. But that is just me.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Minish on September 21, 2011 at 12:44 AM

I like the top version best. It's more subtle but also more real. Any of them are great images no matter what you do with them in my opinion. Good eye to see the opportunities and some excellent photos, Lon.

Registered on February 4, 2006, 625 Posts, 3583 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on September 21, 2011 at 1:09 AM

Hi Lon,

Both versions are really beautiful -- they sing because of the composition IMHO. Out of the two, I prefer the first version. It is more natural and the subtle blue tones are more to my liking.

Good stuff!

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on September 21, 2011 at 2:47 AM

All three versions are really outstanding, Lon, but I will have to say that your latest version, 1.5, bridges the best of two worlds, the more literal, "natural" as in version one, and the more abstract, graphic as in your second version. The wonderful reflections and textures, the nice blacks and the gorgeous palette of color,really make this a winner in my book. Stunning work.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Roane on September 21, 2011 at 9:53 AM

Hey Lon,
I'll definitely vote for the first repost, more colorful version, as the blue and gold/brown contrast makes it much more interesting than the first. They are both obviously abstract interpretations, but for the first version, the pattern alone is not making up for the lack of a well defined focal point. In the second, the pattern + color is what really makes it work for me. Nice job! (and I still like the 2nd over the third version!)

Registered on December 12, 2008, 213 Posts, 2226 Comments

Comment posted by Luis Argerich on September 21, 2011 at 10:53 AM

I take version 1.5 (actually 1.75)

Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on September 21, 2011 at 12:12 PM

I'll go with version 1.5 Lon. It captures the best features from the first 2 versions. The detail of 1, and the colors of 2. Very well seen!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on September 21, 2011 at 2:06 PM

Think I'll wait for version 3.4 to decide.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on September 21, 2011 at 2:15 PM

V. 1.5 is fantastic, Lon, really nicely done! The blues are key, IMO.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on September 21, 2011 at 4:10 PM

Lon, mark me down for ver. 1.5. Such fascinating textures in this charred tree. Will look great in print.

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on September 21, 2011 at 4:26 PM

Sweet! I like v1.75 but would like a 1.8 even more!

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on September 22, 2011 at 12:43 AM

I'm really liking everything about this one. The original post is just fine for me, although version 1.5 is working nicely too. Great detail and crispness to it!

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Bret Edge on September 22, 2011 at 2:13 AM

Stunning, Lon. Only you could find such beauty in what others wouldn't consider worth a second glance. The colors, textures and contrasts are striking. I love it!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 711 Posts, 6363 Comments

Comment posted by Hank Pennington on September 22, 2011 at 12:58 PM

Charlie Baugh posted:

Milk it.

What an awful thing to imply. I'm ashamed for you.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 226 Posts, 1532 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on September 23, 2011 at 12:32 AM

Ver 1.75 works well for me!

Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments

Comment posted by Sarah Marino on September 23, 2011 at 2:12 PM

Hi Lon - I am late to this party, but WOW! I really love the final repost. The tree almost looks like it is glowing from within, which is a really neat effect. Really beautiful!

Registered on November 10, 2008, 23 Posts, 393 Comments