I was privileged to visit the Mahouts late one afternoon to see them tending and looking after their most prized possession, their Elephants. Both man and beast were in their 'zone', splashing, wallowing and generally having fun.
It is very contrasty agreed, but the light wasn't on my side. DC I think you know where this was taken.
Hi Rob, sadly both posting you have commented on have been rather 'contrasty', but the file is very B&W, without too much detail in the head, as focusing and colour balance was rather 'hit & miss' in all honesty and I was concentrating mainly on not falling in and where the trunk was going.
As I said above Ian, there is no real detail there so it's the best I think I am going to get out, unless someone has got any further suggestions?
Steve
Posted by Philip Newman on February 1, 2010 at 4:21 PM
Wonderful strong image in B & W.
Posted by Rob Fisher on February 2, 2010 at 4:14 AM
Steve,
Image is great as it. I think the strong contrast and composition are the endearing aspects of the image.
Steve - you can always try duplicating the image layer, then setting the blend mode to 'screen'. If you want to hold back various areas, add a mask to the layer and use a soft edged black/white brush to add/remove the effect. You can repeat the layer+screen again if you want and gradually burn in/out various areas.
As to is it manipulated?... well, ask Ansel what he did with B&W and dodge & burn :D.
lol - you just gotta find their digital equivalents
Posted by Guy Rogers on February 2, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Hello Stephen.
I think if this image is looked at more carefully then its the strong contrast that makes it so good and full of impact. For me its the trunk that is the most important part of the image, and the dark side of the elephant make this stand out beautifully. I find in this image the eye is not really that important and if brought out more will just draw the eye. There is also just enough detail in the eye area as not to be block out.
It is sometimes very difficult when you look at an image and be either over critical, or simply you cannot see the wood for the trees. Occasionally you need a sounding board where you can straw poll and hopefully get the right answer, whatever that might be. I do find that a hint of colour just adds something, where B/W can be to harsh, or you are better skilled at handling B/W than I am LOL.
Discussion
11 repliesIt is very contrasty agreed, but the light wasn't on my side. DC I think you know where this was taken.
Steve
MKIII 16-35f/2.8 f/8 1/500sec ISO800
Robert
As I said above Ian, there is no real detail there so it's the best I think I am going to get out, unless someone has got any further suggestions?
Steve
Image is great as it. I think the strong contrast and composition are the endearing aspects of the image.
Excellent work.
As to is it manipulated?... well, ask Ansel what he did with B&W and dodge & burn :D.
Great Nick, this is exactly what I was looking for. Is there still time for tanks, developers, fixers & dodge & burn processes?
I think if this image is looked at more carefully then its the strong contrast that makes it so good and full of impact. For me its the trunk that is the most important part of the image, and the dark side of the elephant make this stand out beautifully. I find in this image the eye is not really that important and if brought out more will just draw the eye. There is also just enough detail in the eye area as not to be block out.
For me you have got this just right.
It is sometimes very difficult when you look at an image and be either over critical, or simply you cannot see the wood for the trees. Occasionally you need a sounding board where you can straw poll and hopefully get the right answer, whatever that might be. I do find that a hint of colour just adds something, where B/W can be to harsh, or you are better skilled at handling B/W than I am LOL.
cheers
Steve