The Winch by the Sea (B&W)

[Seriche]

I love B&W but don't know how to do it yet. Do these work?

I used LR3, but Silver Efex Pro 2 arrived in the post just five minutes ago (courtesy of an unexpected gas bill refund ) so I hope I can eventually do it justice. The hardest part for a beginner is learning what will make a good B&W subject, so I keep looking at books for guidance. Mick recommended an excellent one 'The Dales of Yorkshire' by Hazel Sanderson, and there are also some good B&W close ups in it that I hope to learn from.

Please let me know what works and what doesn't. If I had the PP skills yet, I would have dodged the dark rock to the right, and hidden the light and dark distractions to the left of no.2. Any more suggestions would be much appreciated.

But if you think either or neither work, then I'll be grateful for your honesty as it will save me making the same mistakes over and over

Seri

Sorry about the amateurish clouds - haven't worked out how to use the graduated filter subtly yet.



This is the beach where the boats used to be hauled up from (it's gone a bit grainy for some reason).

[jiro]

If you can post the original images we can compare the before and after the PP effect, Seri.

On #1, I think it looked too high-key to me. A lot of the stunning black and white reference images I have on my hard drive is really rich in tonal contrast so probably that can give you an idea on what could work.

#2 is "better" compared to #1. The way you cropped the shot is really nice, too. If you got the new SEP 2, one of the best new feature they added to it was the "amplify whites" and "amplify blacks" so I recommend you play with it for some nice punch.

[Seriche]

Hi Jiro,

Thanks for the help Thanks to you I just realised that I'd processed the shots with my iMac's monitor brightness down to almost zero. I turn it down at night when writing emails

Well, that explains the 'high-key' bit.

Also, I haven't calibrated my monitor. But there's a lesson I've learned. Can I take the images off and redo them, or is it too late?

I'll try and edit now.....OK, all done

Seri

[Seriche]

Jiro, as requested, the original shots.

No.1 is processed, no.2 is OOC....and the horizon not straightened too

Cheers,

Seri

[Mick]

Yep... agree with jiro.

There must be loads of textures on the machinery. Reset and start again. The main focus is the rusted metal machine, get that right first. I wouldn't change to black and white until you have the textures right.

Is the machine near where you live? A tighter crop, taken from the other side, so you can see the sea. That may do away with using words. If you know what I mean You could combine these 2 Images into one, just by moving your position or vantage point.

Until you can go back, as an exercise. Try to bring out the texture of the machine.
It'll be fun

I must say, you like your textures, I like that too.

Have fun

[Seriche]

Thank you Mick,

This forum is perfect for the kind of direct and honest help I need.

I wasn't alone that day, and although my walking companion is very patient, I always feel as if I don't want to hold him up, so it's more like taking snapshots on the fly. I'll go back again on my own and take the shots you recommend. The bay faces north-easterly and a rising sun might do some interesting things to the textures of the winch. Those shots were also hand-held, so I'll take a tripod next time too.

I'll work on the textures too. That winch fascinates me. I've watched it as sea, sand and weather reshape it over the years. Some people hug trees; I stroke old machinery....but only when no one's looking

Seri

[Mick]

My attempt Seri ...



I'll just have a go at Franks method of taking a screen shot.

It did work, but i only have it after it came back into light room after SEF.
Next time I'll do it right... don't you just love completely messing up!

hehe

[jiro]

One possible edit on #2 from your SOOC image, Seri:

[arith]

RED filter


Yellow
Good for skin


Blue
Good for sky.

[Seriche]

My attempt Seri ...



I'll just have a go at Franks method of taking a screen shot.

It did work, but i only have it after it came back into light room after SEF.
Next time I'll do it right... don't you just love completely messing up!

hehe

That's extremely impressive work done from a screen shot! You've enhanced those textures on the winch and rocks so well and given it a very ancient feel. I like the crop too; I was having problems with that. You've also done a much better job on the clouds than I did. So much yet to learn

As for messing up, well yes, each mess up leads to lesser mess ups further down the road...but I'm writing this just before bedtime and that last phrase isn't creating very savoury images in my mind.....but you know what I mean

Thanks again for all the help,

Seri

[Seriche]

One possible edit on #2 from your SOOC image, Seri:

Jiro,

You've just taught me that I must not be too timid with these conversions. Your version has much more impact. The sea and clouds also have more form, and the beach stones brought out so well that I can remember what it was like to walk over them (love that sound too).

Thank you

Seri

[Mick]

I meant me. Messing up with trying to take a screen shot.

[Seriche]

RED filter


Yellow
Good for skin


Blue
Good for sky.

Steve, you're making my mouth water with all the possibilities you offer, but what are these 'filters' you talk of? This PP novice hasn't even learned how to use local adjustments in Lightroom, and Silver Efex hasn't been installed yet because although I know I have '64 bits' I don't know if I have to enable them, or if all that happens automatically. I've been reading about some of the things that PS can do, but it won't go in until I use it. Where did you get the layers from?

Thanks for giving me a taste of the future

Seri

[arith]

These are simulated filter effects Seri. I use a different program to Silver Efex but they will be in their. Silver Efex is the best you can get.

[Seriche]

I meant me. Messing up with trying to take a screen shot.

Ah. Right. *That* kind of messing up. Thanks

Seri

[Seriche]

These are simulated filter effects Seri. I use a different program to Silver Efex but they will be in their. Silver Efex is the best you can get.

Thanks, Steve

I'll look for them when I get Silver Efex set up. Life is very good but rather hectic just now, and I'm looking for a quiet space so that I can install it in peace. And also solve the 64-bit question

Seri