I have gone back and forth as to which version I like better; just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on which they prefer and why. As always thanks for stopping by and leaving a thought.
What technical feedback would you like if any?
All C&C welcome
What artistic feedback would you like if any?
All C&C welcome
Pertinent technical details or techniques:
(If this is a composite, etc. please be honest with your techniques to help others learn)
Nikon D*00, Nikon 17-35 @ 19 mm, f 13 @ 1/13 sec, ISO 800, cable release & tripod
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Put me down for the B&W, too. I love the tonal range, and the nice textures throughout. You might consider slightly dodging the whites in the buildings so that they pop just a bit more.
Nicely done, both compositionally, and with the processing on both images.
-P
Definitely B&W. It has the superior contrast and subject separation. The issue with the color image is the blue cast and the lack of color in the sky. I like the composition and the B&W version does it justice.
Ed I agree with @Eva_McDermott that the B&W has more drama and visual impact with its added contrast. What I do like about the color image are the subtle blue tones in the sky and water. I might suggest a variation on the B&W version where you apply some subtle cool or selenium toning to the B&W for creative effect. It might also be interesting to experiment with that.
Ed: My preference is the B&W Version. It feels more dramatic with richer tones.
That said, the color version is nice, but has a definite blue/cyan color cast to it. I applied the following to do a quick color correction in PS:
Duplicate the Background layer
Apply Filter / Blur / Average
Create A curves Adjustment layer on top
Use the middle gray eyedropper and click on the resulting Blur Average Layer
Delete the Blur average layer.
In this image the Red Channel was moved up (removing Cyan) and the Blue Channel was moved down (removing blue). The green channel was left completely untouched.
Hereās the result of that very quick adjustment.
Many thanks to everyone @Harley_Goldman, @Paul_Breitkreuz, @Preston_Birdwell, @martinmaier_photography, @Ben_van_der_Sande, @Jenaya_Launstein, @Steve_Kennedy, @Eva_McDermott, @Ed_McGuirk, @Keith_Bauer and @Igor_Doncov for your thoughts as they are always appreciated. Looks like it is a unanimous decision with the B&W version. @Paul_Breitkreuz: I never did make it to see the movie although your comment has piqued my interest again. @Ed_McGuirk: I forgot to get back to you. Unfortunately Mike and I did not make it to that location you mentioned because we timed our visit so high tide was at sunrise and we did not want to miss out on the FG rocks. We did check it out on the way home in June so we will definitely catch it right on one of our trips. @Keith_Bauer: Thanks for taking the time to do a rework on the color version; looks much better. I will have to try it out.
Since youāre really serious about this image Iām wondering if thereās some way to add more texture to the highlights in the foam, in a manner like what we see in the sky?
@Ed_Lowe I had a similar issue to Igor about texture in the water, and on my first pass did not consider it enough of an issue to comment on. On second review today, and after reading Igorās comments, I think it would be worth adding some texture in the waves/water.
If you use Lightroom, one relatively easy way would be to use the LR Adjustment Brush and apply the De-haze tool locally by painting on the water. It can be easy to overdo, so use caution.
Another method to add some texture to the white water is use the cloning tool at a very low opacity, from 8% to 15% (need to experiment). Lightly clone in a hint of texture into the bare areas. I always call it the 12% cloning technique, just for lack of a better description.
Ed, Iām a little late to the party. I have no preference for one image over the other. Itās excellent either way. I think the B&W is probably more dramatic, but I also think the color version is more indicative of the conditions of that morning, ie. cold and blustery. Again along with your other images of that morning, great comp with the FG rocks pointing to the light.
Thanks @Alan_Kreyger, @Igor_Doncov, @Ed_McGuirk, @Harley_Goldman and @Michael_Lowe for taking a moment to leave a thought. A lot of times when doing B&W; as was the case here; I like to use the high structure smooth filter in Silver Efex Pro 2 because it seems to give a richness to the image. I had not really noticed that some of the whites would be better off with a little texture until you guys caught it. @Ed_McGuirk: I have never done it that way so thanks so much for the tip. I will be sure to try it out. @Harley_Goldman: This is the way I have tried it with some success in the past. I will see what I come up with. @Michael_Lowe: It was cold and windy that morning wasnāt it.
