I think you are on the right track with this one. I love the subject (the primary structure) and the massive growth almost perfectly oval around the building. I am a little distracted by the upper left as I dont feel that it adds to the image. If you have access to try this one again. I would come in closer to the building perpendicular, place it on the right side and engulf it with the massive vegetation around it. But make sure that we can see the end of the vegetation around the outside of the image.
Please do not get me wrong I like this image I am just following your request for some input.
I'm just not sure about this one. I mean, I like the idea of this strcture being engulfed and all that...but the mass of vegetation seems dark and not enough interest past just being a bush. If you wanted to capitalize on the whole overgrown feel, then I would suggest cropping it down to just a bush and structure, eliminating the large trees...but then all your left with is an 8x10.
I do really like the simple door and window on this structure...
But then again, dont listen to me...I'm going through a phase where I dont like any of my images (mostly).
Mark,
This might sound kind of crazy but I think if you could see more texture on the front of the shack I think this would really work. I'm kind of schocked because I think this the first B&W post I've seen from you.
Posted by Ned Fenimore on June 14, 2006 at 12:12 AM
Based on what I see here, it looks like you have quite a bit of white to black detail in your print. The comp. is alright too!
I like the pic overall, and it's a good start in the B&W realm. But I'm always drawn to a B&W that's bold with the whites and the blacks without washing out. IOW, just enough contrast to give you a deep black and a bright white, but retaining detail. By this I mean I think your pic could benefit from some more contrast, even by a very careful S-curve.
I like the scene and agree it's a good subject for B&W. The white structure really glows in this presentation and you were able to achieve excellent tonal separation in the green parts - rose(?) bush vs. backgrund grasses vs. flowers etc.
The shadow ares look a little bit blocked up in this presentation and detail is a little hard to judge. Do you have a larger version you can link to?
The next step from here might be to try some toning. I think this will look very nice with a little added warmth to give it that old nostalgic feel - perhaps simulate selenium or even sepia toning.
Guy
Posted by Curtis Knight on June 15, 2006 at 11:53 AM
I liked the color print I saw the other day on your table better... for me it doesn't really work in B/W... But then it might be the size of the jpg...
I am going to take a more selfish route and ask if you have had to make any adjustments on your 7800 to get your B&W prints to come out properly? My 4800 is printing B&W a bit too light for my liking so I'd really appreciate hearing what others with similar UltraChrome printers are experiencing.
And yes I am calibrating my monitors properly - just to get past the first obvious question.
About this image I suggest cropping it in tighter. The open area above the bushes and to the left aren't really adding much to my eye and doing the above crops would put more focus on the shack. The B&W treatment works VERY well for me.
Discussion
11 repliesGive me the what for on this one please, you don't even have to be polite!
Does it work as a B&W?
Do you think the B&W is good (aside from the subject being good for B&W)
Thanks,
The B&W looks good to me. Good tonal range.
I think you are on the right track with this one. I love the subject (the primary structure) and the massive growth almost perfectly oval around the building. I am a little distracted by the upper left as I dont feel that it adds to the image. If you have access to try this one again. I would come in closer to the building perpendicular, place it on the right side and engulf it with the massive vegetation around it. But make sure that we can see the end of the vegetation around the outside of the image.
Please do not get me wrong I like this image I am just following your request for some input.
RichieV
I do really like the simple door and window on this structure...
But then again, dont listen to me...I'm going through a phase where I dont like any of my images (mostly).
This might sound kind of crazy but I think if you could see more texture on the front of the shack I think this would really work. I'm kind of schocked because I think this the first B&W post I've seen from you.
Yes, Erik, it is the first.
Okay, so aside from the comp, the black and white looks good. That seems to be the message so far?
I like the pic overall, and it's a good start in the B&W realm. But I'm always drawn to a B&W that's bold with the whites and the blacks without washing out. IOW, just enough contrast to give you a deep black and a bright white, but retaining detail. By this I mean I think your pic could benefit from some more contrast, even by a very careful S-curve.
But that's my preference, not that I'm an expert.
Kevin
The shadow ares look a little bit blocked up in this presentation and detail is a little hard to judge. Do you have a larger version you can link to?
The next step from here might be to try some toning. I think this will look very nice with a little added warmth to give it that old nostalgic feel - perhaps simulate selenium or even sepia toning.
Guy
And yes I am calibrating my monitors properly - just to get past the first obvious question.
About this image I suggest cropping it in tighter. The open area above the bushes and to the left aren't really adding much to my eye and doing the above crops would put more focus on the shack. The B&W treatment works VERY well for me.
Thanks!!