One More Time

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 27, 20188,610 views14 comments

This is inspired by Mr. Bill Chambers. Bill asked me offline if he could offer up a processing idea. I originally had not considered b&w as my vision was color from the beginning. He sent me a b&w alternative from a screenshot and opened my eyes to this version. Interesting because we often get cornered in to one version or the other. My personal goal is that I see or envision b&w at the time, in the moment in the field and not as an after thought. But clearly there are images that deserve consideration even if you didn't see it that way to begin with.

While this isn't the version Bill sent back to me, it's close and of course I started from RAW for this version. If you haven't recognized it, it's the same tree I've posted twice already (milking it.)

Thank you Bill for the suggestion! As always I appreciate any thoughts, critiques and suggestions!

Lon

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on January 27, 2018 at 12:24 PM

First off, the large version has much better contrast and detail, especially in the dark background. The tree looks real nice, but I would like to see the contrast just a little softer. That tree has a great shape, and lots of detail.

After looking at this version, and comparing to the color versions, I prefer the color fo ir its more gentle mood. This version is more stark, but does show off the tree very nicely.
--P

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

Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on January 27, 2018 at 1:35 PM

I love this version of the tree, Lon. I think it's my favorite of the ones you posted. The lines stand out so well, as do the textures. The black and white takes it to another level, IMO.

Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on January 27, 2018 at 5:07 PM

They are totally different images. I can't say that I prefer one or the other, like comparing berry pie to chocolate cake. I like the processing you have done with this. The crop is effective for B&W and I like the strong contrast. Works for me.

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

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on January 27, 2018 at 7:44 PM

This is excellent, Lon. I really like the high contrast processing which makes the delicate branch structures standout beautifully against the dark background. Having said that, I think I prefer the color version.

Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on January 27, 2018 at 10:24 PM

Hard to pick which one I like more because they both convey a different mood to me, Lon. This one has some wonderful details and textures while being a little somber and mysterious while the color version is more vibrant and upbeat. You can not go wrong with either one, but I prefer the color one slightly.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Teller on January 28, 2018 at 11:55 AM

You always amaze me. You can make interesting compositions out of things I would not have looked at twice. The B&W work really well here. You are a real fine art photographer.

Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 28, 2018 at 3:51 PM

Lon, I prefer the color versions of this but do find this one quite interesting. The high contrast has a stark look and feel that really emphasis the tree lines and shape. Lots of texture and detail.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on January 28, 2018 at 8:43 PM

Thanks for the tag, but it was unnecessary. Love your shot; in fact, I like it much more than the one I sent you. Delightful tones and contrast. Absolutely love it.

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

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on January 29, 2018 at 4:15 AM

Bw works well here. On the fence on the off centered comp.

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on January 30, 2018 at 12:10 AM

Thanks very much for your comments on this one folks. I appreciate you taking the time, especially after seeing this alder tree so many times.... ;-)

I too prefer and saw this one in color; although certainly graphic enough with good contrast/light/dark to warrant exploring in b&w. So thanks again Bill!

Especially want to thank Richard for your kind words! Thank you!

Lon

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

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on January 30, 2018 at 12:42 PM

I prefer the color one as well - for the color and the more complex composition. What was unexpected to me is that I prefer the small version to the large version in this one. The larger version is of course sharper but I preferred a bit less contrast that the smaller one provides. This, however, could be due to how my web browser decides to blow the image up.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on January 30, 2018 at 2:46 PM

When I first saw the thumbnail, it reminded me of one of those black-and-white electrical spark images or lightning images. Seen large, it has very nice range of black-and-white tonal qualities that accentuate the texture in this image. Good job on capturing the essence of this Alder tree.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Richter on February 4, 2018 at 2:59 PM

Lon, your color version offers various areas of interest that complement the delicate structure of the tree interestingly for me. I think the b&w presentation has gone a bit too far reducing the complexity of the scene.

Maybe choosing a lower contrast and providing some more richness of nuances could help.

For me personally, your last color version is my favorite portrait of this tree.

Peter

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on February 6, 2018 at 2:39 AM

Love the strength and the elegance of this tree. A very strong photographic statement.

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