Posted by John Mumaw on January 11, 2011 at 8:09 PM
I'm not much of a winter photographer (..and that's being generous!), so I rooted around the archives and found this 5 year old image I took at a well known Anasazi ruin site in SE Utah.
Thought I'd see if it works well in b&w. Yeah or nay?
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
Posted by John Mumaw on January 11, 2011 at 8:09 PM
And a version with some of the color reintroduced as a toning effect.
John, this is a fantastic image. I still have yet to visit this location, but it is on my list for this year. I love your B&W processing on this, and really prefer it to the toned version. Every photo I have seen from this location is color and the B&W is truly not only distinct but beautiful.
Posted by Chris Martin on January 11, 2011 at 8:30 PM
+1 for the B&W treatment. I love all the patterns and layers in the rocks, and the B&W emphasizes them perfectly.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on January 11, 2011 at 8:33 PM
I much prefer the straight B&W version. Well done.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 11, 2011 at 8:50 PM
I like both but I think I like the toned version a little more as it feels more 'open' or dynamic with the added element. The B&W version feels a little dark to me which makes it feel constraining. I love this location. The perspectives are sometimes limiting but I like your composition here.
Posted by Harold Ankney on January 11, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Big thumbs up for the B/W! Keep rooting around and I bet you will discover more hidden treasures.
Love the B&W, John! I don't know much about these conversions, but this seems to have a really nice range of tines, silvery highlights and deep blacks, nice sharp contrast. The comp is awesome, too.
Posted by Morris McClung on January 11, 2011 at 11:02 PM
Those are stunning, John! Wow, and they both work on different levels for me. The pure one is all about the lines and patterns for me, and the toned one has a very organic feel. Superb work on comp, exposure, conversion, and processing.
Posted by John Mumaw on January 11, 2011 at 11:19 PM
Thanks, folks!
Posted by Lynn Scott on January 12, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Wow!! I like them both! Wish I had taken them :) I would give a slight edge to the BW though---just a smidgen :)
Posted by Jim Bennett on January 12, 2011 at 1:06 AM
Both version are nice, but I keep finding my eyes wanting to go to the bright area right in the middle. I would try toning it down so that my attention goes more to the rest of the photo. Otherwise, I think the composition is great.
Posted by Joseph Kayne on January 12, 2011 at 6:54 AM
Posted by Paul Wegemann on January 12, 2011 at 9:15 AM
As far as toning, I think something right between the two, ala Lenswork, would really work. As far as the comp, I just love it, but I'm finding that the roof is so bright that it commands all the attention. I wonder if burning the roof down (photographically!) or dodging the ruins a bit might help. Those are just nits, John. This really is a wonderful image.
Posted by Joe Rogers on January 12, 2011 at 10:35 AM
The comp is great. I still prefer this location in color although your BW version is good. Toned image is too red for my taste....I like more of warm tone neutrals.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Doug Koepsel on January 12, 2011 at 10:42 AM
I prefer the toned version as it gives the image an aged appearance indicative of the ruins. I see what is being mentioned about the white in the ceiling being a catcher.
Wonder how a slight vignette would look?
Posted by Stan Rose on January 12, 2011 at 1:52 PM
Sorry, gotta dissent here, the mix of tones just make this too busy for me--my eye darts all around the shot and never rests anywhere because of the constant shiting of tones. It does have a bit of abstract appeal to it tho. Just my take!
Oh i just went back and read your initial comments--5 years ago--well that explains it, now i dont feel so bad dissin it, John, youre a much better photographer now.
Posted by John Mumaw on January 12, 2011 at 2:50 PM
I sure appreciate the advice and counsel! I'll work on toning down those extremely bright areas.
Posted by Todd Caudle on January 12, 2011 at 4:45 PM
Man that toned version is exquisite! Really nice images, John.
Posted by Don George on January 12, 2011 at 5:37 PM
John, Really like the conversions but I prefer the color version of this ruin. Great composition.
Posted by Joshua Hardin on January 12, 2011 at 8:20 PM
Both versions look great to me John. I agree with the toning down of the highlights especially in the toned version but these are all wonderful to look at.
Feel free to dig into that treasure trove anytime, John. The comp is stunning and BW looks best to my eye ~ but who cares? They're both outstanding.
Posted by Don Grall on January 13, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Great shot, as is usual for you! My vote is for the toned version, the BW version is too contrasty for my tastes.
Posted by Pam Colander on January 13, 2011 at 3:10 PM
I like both of them equally. I realise this was taken a few years ago but the ceiling has a weird mirror-like look that I don't care much for. If it can be fixed...awesome! Stan, I don't believe I've ever heard the phrase "shiting of tones" I believe you meant "shitting of tones" ?
Posted by John Mumaw on January 13, 2011 at 7:23 PM
Geez...I hope he meant 'shifting' of tones!
Posted by Scott Fricke on January 13, 2011 at 10:29 PM
Great work, as usual John. I like the sepia toned one best, it just seems to pop more to me.
Discussion
25 repliesThought I'd see if it works well in b&w. Yeah or nay?
Any suggestions greatly appreciated!
Harold
Joe Rogers
Wonder how a slight vignette would look?
Oh i just went back and read your initial comments--5 years ago--well that explains it, now i dont feel so bad dissin it, John, youre a much better photographer now.