I apologize that I've not been posting much. It has been a very busy summer. Here's an image I shot a couple of weeks ago. As you all know I don't generally do BW and so would really like some input. What should I change to make this work? Thanks!
Posted by Jack Garrett on August 10, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Wow, Erik! I'm not usually a big fan of BW but this rocks! It might be just a touch contrasty but since I'm not an expert in BW I'll let the experts speak. The color version is pretty decent too. What part of the park is that? Busy is good so you are excused for not posting.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on August 10, 2009 at 4:50 PM
I think you made a wise decision converting this into B&W Erik. While the light looks slightly harsh in the color version, it translates into a nice range of tones in the B&W. If you were going to do anything else, you could maybe open up the shadows just a little more or add a tiny bit more contrast, but I don't think it needs much more work at all. Looks really nice as is! This looks like a beautiful location to visit, is it from your backpacking trip a few weeks ago?
Posted by Jesse Speer on August 10, 2009 at 5:44 PM
It's a nice change of pace from the more aerial perspectives of the area in your other shots. But I prefer the color version here. The appeal of the shot is heavily based upon color - and the image design/balance created by the color in the original. My opinion, of course. Don't rule out color here.
As far as tips for the B/W, I'd consider burning the midtones/shadows in the trees against the mountains, and in the pond - to create more separation from surrounding elements. Cropping a bit off the left side also seems to seems to enhance overall balance, and the focus of the main subject. My eye is really drawn to the left edge.
Posted by Bryan Pezman on August 10, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Erik, hope you dont mind, I wanted to do a quick dirty edit to see if those clouds could pop a bit. Here's the fast edit
To me, the clouds can definately be really dramatic without taking too much away from the subject matter. Personally, I'd love to do a long exposure at that spot and bring out the cloud movement even more hehe
Posted by John Mumaw on August 10, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Nice place!
I agree that this is a good subject for b&w, but I'm not too keen on the processing here.
I believe that the grasses, mountains and skies could go a bit darker for more drama, leaving the rocks light.
Cloning out the three small patches of sky showing in the upper left would be an asset, IMO.
They break the continuity of the rest of the overcast skies.
A slight vignette would help focus the viewer on the water and mountains, as well.
Here's a link to my interpretation. I'll remove this immediately if you wish.
I like the fg in color but the clouds/sky in B&W--maybe you could split the difference
I think the B&W is ok, but it seems a tad harsh to me, the brights are a bit too bright, making it feel 'biting' rather than the more peaceful mood in the color. It might help to bring the brights or possibly just the midtones down, hard to say w/o trying it (and Bryan's job scared me away from that!)
Posted by Don Grall on August 10, 2009 at 10:12 PM
I like both versions, Ansel, uhh, I mean Erik.
Posted by Eric Vaughan on August 10, 2009 at 10:44 PM
I prefer the B&W, pleasant scene with the mountains and the ponds, very nice.
Thanks for the input guys. John, I really like what you did. I think I will use that as a reference. I really need to get my head around this BW game. It is still a bit foreign to me.
Posted by Scott Bacon on August 11, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Mmmmm, Stensland Tarn. I like it.
John is definitely on the right track. A little work and this will really sing.
Posted by Art Escobado on August 11, 2009 at 1:36 AM
The B&W has potential. As rendered I like the color version better.
Boy, I really like both Erik. John's B&W rendition really makes this one pop though. I agreee with you that the B&W world takes a bit to get used to in terms of what tones to emphasize, etc. Thankfully we have a lot of really talented people on here willing to help!
Discussion
16 repliesAs far as tips for the B/W, I'd consider burning the midtones/shadows in the trees against the mountains, and in the pond - to create more separation from surrounding elements. Cropping a bit off the left side also seems to seems to enhance overall balance, and the focus of the main subject. My eye is really drawn to the left edge.
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3589/329014b.jpg
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/3887/329014a.jpg
To me, the clouds can definately be really dramatic without taking too much away from the subject matter. Personally, I'd love to do a long exposure at that spot and bring out the cloud movement even more hehe
I agree that this is a good subject for b&w, but I'm not too keen on the processing here.
I believe that the grasses, mountains and skies could go a bit darker for more drama, leaving the rocks light.
Cloning out the three small patches of sky showing in the upper left would be an asset, IMO.
They break the continuity of the rest of the overcast skies.
A slight vignette would help focus the viewer on the water and mountains, as well.
Here's a link to my interpretation. I'll remove this immediately if you wish.
I think the B&W is ok, but it seems a tad harsh to me, the brights are a bit too bright, making it feel 'biting' rather than the more peaceful mood in the color. It might help to bring the brights or possibly just the midtones down, hard to say w/o trying it (and Bryan's job scared me away from that!)
John is definitely on the right track. A little work and this will really sing.
Nice image.