Lake Watson B&W Conversion

[flechtight]

Going back through the spring photo's to see if there are any salvageable photo's for B&W conversion. I came across this evening shot at Lake Watson in Prescott Arizona. The original is below. The sunset colors never really materialized so ended up with a kind of flat dull photo. CC always welcomed. Thanks for looking

Jon

[Brownbear]

Gloriously beautiful! Thank you for sharing the colour photo. I usually prefer colour but I prefer the B&W, so nice to see this

[Hui Song]

The B/W version is indeed much better than the color one for this picture. I am new for photography. This thread will make me to learn the B/W conversion now. Thanks for sharing.

[Mike Buckley]

Very nice image. However, my immediate reaction to the image when I first viewed it is that the sky has more presence than the rock formation. I downloaded your image, selected the rock formation and applied a fairly aggressive S-curve to it to increase the contrast. That made all the difference in the world to me, so try it and see if you like it.

[flechtight]

Thank You Christina for the comment. Hui, remember to post those pics when you do a B&W conversion, there are some great critiques out there to help out.

Mike, is this what you had in mind? I did a quick Contrast curve on the Rock and see exactly what you mean. Contrast in the right spot can be your friend.

[Mike Buckley]

Exactly what I had in mind. Almost exactly the same S-curve that I applied.

Too many people think all too often that a curve should be applied only to the entire image. It also works really well for fine-tuning parts of the image.

[flechtight]

Exactly what I had in mind. Almost exactly the same S-curve that I applied.

Too many people think all too often that a curve should be applied only to the entire image. It also works really well for fine-tuning parts of the image.

Thanks Mike, I Believe!

[Paniaa]

Thank you Jon (and Mike); you took a nice pic and made into a wonderful one

[Mike Buckley]

Ahem. I'm still waiting to see the revised image displayed on its own. It's too good to leave it constrained within the display of your post-processing software.

[Wavelength]

Excellent, especially when the colors are squeezed out
Regards

[Donald]

Mike, is this what you had in mind? I did a quick Contrast curve on the Rock and see exactly what you mean.

Can I be the awkward one and say that I much prefer Jon's original B & W image. I think it's a much more subtle, balanced image and the fact that the sky does have such prominent role in the image is, in my opinion, just right. It's a magnificent B & W conversion on the sky.

We can't see the re-work as clearly, but it's my view that the 'harsher', more contrasting rock diminishes the beauty and importance of that gorgeous little tree.

But having different views, ideas, tastes, opinions is what it should be about ... so long as we remain constructive in our comments. And we're lucky on here that that is how things happen.

Anyway, however you go at it, the composition remains very, very strong. Wish I'd got it.

[Mike Buckley]

You're not being at all awkward, Donald. Just the opposite, you expressed your thinking very eloquently.

[batmura]

The monochrome version rules!

[flechtight]

Here is the stand alone after the contrast curve. I loaded the screen shot hoping that I had understood Mike correctly about applying the S curve to rock only and masking a curve layer was all I could think of. S curves scare me.
I do not know my way around CS5 all that well and that was a new technique for me to use. In EFEX2 I use control points, but I think I can control some aspects better with the layer mask.

Another technique I used , new to me, was a Multiplying layer to create a Vignette and changing the opacity to suit.

Donald , That is what I like about this site as well, different ideas, opinions, tastes and constructive criticism.

Thanks everyone for your comments

[Mike Buckley]

Absolutely gorgeous!

Speaking to Donald's point, this version doesn't take anything away from the delicacy of the tree for me. The bright light in the sky behind it helps highlight the tree, preventing the increased contrast in the rock formation from overpowering the tree.

[ShaneS]

The last version is great Jon - a wall hanger for sure!

I also thank Mike for the tip to selectively use the curves tool. I also applaud Donald for being a little bit contrary as I feel it is good to hear a different point of view that I can apply when viewing/analyzing/appreciating images in the future.

[Mike Buckley]

I also applaud Donald for being a little bit contrary as I feel it is good to hear a different point of view that I can apply when viewing/analyzing/appreciating images in the future.

As much as I also applaud Donald for contributing his thoughts to the conversation, the best lessons learned from him are gained from viewing his photographs, as they consistently demonstrate the point he is making. He is a master at making fabulous photographs with less dynamic range and contrast than is popular among digital photographers, especially hobbyists.

[ShaneS]

I agree with your thoughts wholeheartedly Mike - you just said it so much more eloquently than I could...

[Coinneachmhor]

What a great discussion on an excellent B&W conversion. Both side put very well. Mike, your tip on the S curve is excellent, particularly as I have recently invested in both fill Photoshop and Silver Efex so I need all the tips I can get having previously been limited to Elements. Jon, I love both images but the added contrast of the rock works better for my eye. Look forward to seeing more from you.

[Donald]

What a great discussion on an excellent B&W conversion.

Kenny - Great to see you back in the forum again. Thought we'd lost you!