Earlier this month I was exploring Island Park in Dinosaur National Monument and found this very old boxelder tree on the banks of the Green River - a great lunch spot at the end of the Ruple Ranch road.
This portion of the trunk was fortunately still in shade. The harsh late morning sun provided some strong directional lighting.
I'd love some feedback on these 3 abstracts. Any preference for the color vs. B&W treatments?
I like all of them, but prefer the color version. In addition to the existing color, I would try to saturate the warm highlights and see what it looks like. I also wonder if cropping ~1/4 off the bottom might provide a better comp. Thanks for posting.
Posted by Mark Stahlke on June 23, 2009 at 8:09 PM
I like number 3 the best. I agree with Momo, a slight crop off the bottom improves the image.
What a tough call.
This is a great composition for b&w (esp. the selenium toned version), but the subtle color in #1 works so well and almost seems to enhance the depth.
Regardless, good eye for seeing this one...I like it a lot no matter which way you go (as long as it's the selenium version ).
After you receive more feedback, I'd be interested to know which one you prefer.
Good eye, Bill. I really like your comp. Out of the three, I prefer the color, but I think maybe a cool tone BW might work too. You could go so many ways with this that I don't think you'll go wrong with anything you choose.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on June 23, 2009 at 10:55 PM
4 - Edit
Thanks for the suggestions so far, everyone.
Here's a version with Momo's suggestions: bottom crop + slight boost in saturation.
I'm leaning towards the color version, because as John noted, the color seems to enhance the impression of depth. Although after trying about a dozen B&W conversions, it's hard to give up.
Discussion
10 repliesEarlier this month I was exploring Island Park in Dinosaur National Monument and found this very old boxelder tree on the banks of the Green River - a great lunch spot at the end of the Ruple Ranch road.
This portion of the trunk was fortunately still in shade. The harsh late morning sun provided some strong directional lighting.
I'd love some feedback on these 3 abstracts. Any preference for the color vs. B&W treatments?
I like all of them, but prefer the color version. In addition to the existing color, I would try to saturate the warm highlights and see what it looks like. I also wonder if cropping ~1/4 off the bottom might provide a better comp. Thanks for posting.
Cheers,
This is a great composition for b&w (esp. the selenium toned version), but the subtle color in #1 works so well and almost seems to enhance the depth.
Regardless, good eye for seeing this one...I like it a lot no matter which way you go (as long as it's the selenium version
After you receive more feedback, I'd be interested to know which one you prefer.
Thanks for the suggestions so far, everyone.
Here's a version with Momo's suggestions: bottom crop + slight boost in saturation.
I'm leaning towards the color version, because as John noted, the color seems to enhance the impression of depth. Although after trying about a dozen B&W conversions, it's hard to give up.