1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Three Versions

Three Versions


8 years 1 month ago #269161 by John Landolfi
Following suggestions by Sharon and Sue, here are three versions of this image. Preferences/Comments?

img\def

Chicago, Rain by gianbur , on Flickr

img\def

Chicago,-rain--Lightened by gianbur , on Flickr

img\def

Chicago,-rain--B&W by gianbur , on Flickr
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269163 by sHe
Tough call, John. The colors are so nice in the first two versions, but my eye keeps going to the very bright - and 'boring' sky. I have been taught "when the sky is boring, leave it out or convert to black and white." thus, my thinking about converting.

It will be interesting to read what others have to say.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269164 by KCook
I not a big fan of B&W, but I definitely prefer the B&W version here.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269180 by Stealthy Ninja
I like the black and white, but the grey in the background looks a tad strange. Overall I think I like number 1 the best.
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com or www.aidav.net

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago - 8 years 1 month ago #269184 by Henry Peach

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Overall I think I like number 1 the best.


Me too.

The gray sky in the BW looks fake. I can see the tone of the real sky in all the reflections in the water and on the buildings. It's hard to fake a sky, especially near the horizon. Possibly copy one out of another photo if you have to. The reflections have to match the sky. I'd be inclined to work with the bright white sky, and do some burning and dodging to make the whole scene snap more.

It is recommended to generally avoid bright, white sky, but I don't think it's problem here. The high contrast, urban scene suits it. If I were at the location again I'd try taking a couple of steps to the right , and see how it looks solid buildings.

There is an optical illusion where it seems like the left third of the photo is significantly darker, and the dividing line seems almost artificial. Increasing the contrast to the left of the divide would lessen the illusion. Whether it's better or not? But probably worth looking at.
mattneedham.zenfolio.com
The following user(s) said Thank You: Stealthy Ninja

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269194 by Lightpuller
:agree: :goodpost:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269223 by John Landolfi

Henry Peach wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote: Overall I think I like number 1 the best.


Me too.

The gray sky in the BW looks fake. I can see the tone of the real sky in all the reflections in the water and on the buildings. It's hard to fake a sky, especially near the horizon. Possibly copy one out of another photo if you have to. The reflections have to match the sky. I'd be inclined to work with the bright white sky, and do some burning and dodging to make the whole scene snap more.

It is recommended to generally avoid bright, white sky, but I don't think it's problem here. The high contrast, urban scene suits it. If I were at the location again I'd try taking a couple of steps to the right , and see how it looks solid buildings.

There is an optical illusion where it seems like the left third of the photo is significantly darker, and the dividing line seems almost artificial. Increasing the contrast to the left of the divide would lessen the illusion. Whether it's better or not? But probably worth looking at.


I agree with most of what you say, Matt. I prefer the first one myself, and also like the second, where I followed Sharon's suggestion and lightened that building a little. It isn't an optical illusion, but the shadow cast by the building on the right which was advancing on the street as the sun set behind an overcast sky, at close to 7pm. I tried Sue's suggestion to see what B&W would bring, and I tried to dramatize a bit too much. I'm reps[osting that one, having tried for a mofe realistic sky and reflections. Your further comments will be appreciated. :cheers:
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago - 8 years 1 month ago #269224 by John Landolfi
Here's the attempted correction- what do you think?



img\def

Chicago,-rain--B&W by gianbur , on Flickr
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269227 by Stealthy Ninja
That's better John. Looks like an old photo (apart from the cars).
img\def

www.aevansphoto.com or www.aidav.net

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269276 by John Landolfi
Exactly, and I don't see much that B&W brings to it...
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269284 by Joves
I have to agree that the last photo has the good old time feel to it. I could not see the third in your first post to judge how much change has been done. But unfortunately for the color shots the sky is just too distracting. I would steal a nice gloomy sky from another photo for those. Granted a little more work but it could be worth it.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269303 by icepics
I agree John I don't think it works all that well in B&W. Usually if I'm shooting B&W I tend to look at a scene for what will be black or white in a photo, and to see if there's potentially good contrast. Here I think it's a lot of midtones and not much dark or light except for the dark building that's not in the sunlight and doesn't have much contrast in it, and the bright hazy sky and reflections in the windows etc. - the rest I think is too much gray in similar tones. (Which sometimes can work but doesn't seem to in this case.)

I've learned to look for what will be white somewhere in the image other than in reflections and highlights. Black and white being the absence of color is going to leave you with the tones instead, but a grayish hazy sky in color is going to be gray and hazy in B&W too. If you drop in a darker sky, then where is that sunlight that's reflected in the windows?? you'd need to have a light source.

I find that if a sky doesn't look great I try to minimize the amount of it in a photo by changing my vantage point or my framing. I agree with Matt that in this case that slice of sky works with those tall buildings; if this photo showed too much of the sky it might not have looked at all good. Maybe just tinkering with some adjustment could get you the photo you want.
Sharon
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269304 by John Landolfi
Thanks for commenting, Dennis. If you scroll up to the beginning of the thread, you'll find the first B&W version (not that it warrants the trip...). I don't think swapping in a sky would have much to do with my intention with this shot. The colors and light were pretty much as in the first color one, and as I described, the sun was setting at 6:30 pm, or so, behind an overcast, and it was that light, including the sky, that greeted you as you turned the corner. Sharon's remark that she felt as if she were there is just what I was hoping to capture in an otherwise banal shot. :cheers: :thx2:
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269330 by Moe
#2 works for me
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,
8 years 1 month ago #269369 by John Landolfi
Thanks for commenting, Moe :cheers:
Photo Comments

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

,

  1. Forum
  2. General Discussion | Introductions | Off Topic Forum
  3. Photography General Discussion
  4. Three Versions

802.3K

205K

  • Facebook

    802,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    205,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Latest Reviews

Canon Ixus 185 HS Review

The Canon Ixus 185 HS isn't going to wow you with features. But its low price point makes in an attractive option for people that want a small point-and-shoot camera.

Mar 02, 2021
Sony ZV-1 Review

In this Sony ZV-1 review, learn all about its specs, features, build and handling, video performance, price, and more.

Feb 24, 2021
Ricoh GR III Review

The Ricoh GR III is a little-known compact camera that might be just the ticket for you if you want a small, portable, and easy-to-use camera.

Feb 19, 2021
Sony a7S III Review

The Sony a7S III is a video-first full frame camera with a hefty price tag. Is it worth the price of admission? Get all the details in this Sony a7S III review.

Feb 18, 2021
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages/ads/holdfast-banner3.jpgSponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1552465945.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

Canon Ixus 185 HS Review

The Canon Ixus 185 HS isn't going to wow you with features. But its low price point makes in an attractive option for people that want a small point-and-shoot camera.

Mar 02, 2021
3 Key Questions to Ask Before Buying a Camera Bag

Buying a camera bag isn't something you should do on a whim. There's a few camera bag questions you should consider so you get the right bag for your needs.

Mar 02, 2021
5 Tips for Being a Better Landscape Photographer in 2021

If you have designs on improving your landscape photography this year, consider these quick and easy tips for getting better results.

Mar 01, 2021
Top Drones for Real Estate Photography

If you're looking for the best drone for real estate photography, we've got three excellent options for any budget.

Mar 01, 2021
Advantages of Using a Softbox for Portrait Photography

Using a softbox for portrait photography will get you more pleasing results with softer, more even light that is much flattering for the portrait subject.

Feb 26, 2021
Sony ZV-1 Review

In this Sony ZV-1 review, learn all about its specs, features, build and handling, video performance, price, and more.

Feb 24, 2021
Abstract Photography Ideas

If you want to try your hand at abstract photography, use these abstract photography ideas for a source of inspiration and creativity.

Feb 24, 2021
Monitor Buying Guide: Monitor Panel Types

Which monitor panel types should you invest in? In this monitor buying guide, learn a few tips for getting the best monitor for photo editing.

Feb 23, 2021
More Articles