I recently posted a color Rock Creek image on ESS. I also cropped it and converted it to B&W. I would be curious to hear your opinion if you have a preference. If you don't like either, feel free to share that as well or if you have any other critique on content or processing.
On the color version, I seemed to get strong opinions both ways about the inclusion of the water reflection in the background. I felt the background did not work at all in the B&W version.
Posted by Rudy Ruberti on August 27, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I gotta go with the color version. I like the color in the grass and the way it transitions from green to gold. I also like the out of focus reflection at the top of the image.
I like the color version better. One thing I noticed is you have a tone merger between the top of the segdes and the reflection in the backgound in a couple of spots. I think that if you burn down the lighter areas of the BG reflection it would separate more. Just a thought.
Harley,
Nice image. I have to agree with Preston, the tonal separation in the color image looks much better to my eye. I like the image. Best Regards.
Posted by Lon Overacker on August 28, 2009 at 2:13 AM
Harley,
I'll stick with my previous thought about the b&w still needing some contrast. I too prefer the color version here, especially the inclusion of the top/background. Interesting though, I'm not sure if it would help or hurt the b&w version if you were to include it.
I really like the scene and subject matter, especially the grasses; but the combo with the lichen covered rocks works quite well.
I learned a new word today: sedges. Tried googling and wiki on "segdes" and didn't find anything.... :-) You are a mountain of knowledge Mr. Birdwell.
Lon
Posted by Dan Baumbach on August 28, 2009 at 10:25 AM
It's 6:45 in the morning so I don't know if I'm awake enough to give you decent criticism. I like the color one better but find the reflections at the top distracting. I burn that piece down, either with a gradient or just select that area with a quick mask.
Rats! I spelled the name of the grasses incorrectly. It should be "sedges" So, if you google "sedge" it should pop up...and it does.
-P
Posted by Cory Freeman on August 28, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Looks like the color is changing up there. I love the fall color of the sedges, new word for me too. I'll have to get up there after labor day weekend when they'll be less people.
It is interesting to go back and read the others take on the cropped and uncropped version. I prefer the color version... it really has a nice collection of complimentary colors.
Posted by Steve Sieren on August 28, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Color version looks best! I like the pyramid rock too.
Harley, I'll make it easy, I like both. But, I have to go with the color version. You have so many beautiful B&W shots, but in this case I prefer the color better.
Color is my vote as well. The B&W loses something, maybe it is contrast as Lon suggested.
Posted by Paul Duval on August 29, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Color is better as the narrow tone range doesn't hurt it because of all the different vibrant color shades. The B & W could be improved with more contrast. By the way we're there any mosquitoes? Last time I got up to the trail head at Rock Creek my wife almost didn't allow me in the car because of the thousands of companions I was bringing back with me.
Discussion
14 repliesOn the color version, I seemed to get strong opinions both ways about the inclusion of the water reflection in the background. I felt the background did not work at all in the B&W version.
I like the color version better. One thing I noticed is you have a tone merger between the top of the segdes and the reflection in the backgound in a couple of spots. I think that if you burn down the lighter areas of the BG reflection it would separate more. Just a thought.
I love that golden color in the segdes!
-P
Nice image. I have to agree with Preston, the tonal separation in the color image looks much better to my eye. I like the image. Best Regards.
I'll stick with my previous thought about the b&w still needing some contrast. I too prefer the color version here, especially the inclusion of the top/background. Interesting though, I'm not sure if it would help or hurt the b&w version if you were to include it.
I really like the scene and subject matter, especially the grasses; but the combo with the lichen covered rocks works quite well.
I learned a new word today: sedges. Tried googling and wiki on "segdes" and didn't find anything.... :-) You are a mountain of knowledge Mr. Birdwell.
Lon
- Dan
-P
I like the color version more so than the b&w.
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