One More Down The Road To Nowhere C&C Welcome

[flashback]

Based on suggestions from those that commented, I revisited the site and shot a couple more images, trying to incorporate some of the suggestions. Below is one of those attempts.

[Donald]

I like that composition. I think the lines of the road provide a nice 'sweep' through the image. With the roadway then going over the brow of a little rise and us seeing the top parts of trees in the background, we are given the sense of distance and depth and are left to wonder what it's like just around the next bend.

My only question is whether some fill light into the very dark (shadow) areas would soften the harshness a bit. Some folks who like strong blacks & whites in B & W images, will disagree.

[FootLoose]

+1 to what Donald said, Jack. I wonder if a little dose of USM might put a bit more texture in the bark?

[John 2]

...........My only question is whether some fill light into the very dark (shadow) areas would soften the harshness a bit. Some folks who like strong blacks & whites in B & W images, will disagree.

Just enough to reveal the leaves on the ground in the shadows makes a difference. Still a nice shot and composition IMHO though.

[IzzieK]

I like it the way it is right now Jack...this shot is so much better in composition too.

[Mike Buckley]

Unlike your other image, this composition makes me wonder not just where the road is going to but also where it is coming from. Nice composition of the shadows on the ground as well.

I too would like a little less contrast and sharpening.

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[bnnrcn]

Very nice composition Jack I like the contrast in general but my eyes keep going to the dark part on the first tree trunk on the left. If you can do something about it locally with PP, the image might look better.

[flashback]

A big Thank You to Donald, Greg, John 2, Izzie, Mike, John and Binnur.
I toned down the shadows a bit and brought out a bit more detail on the bark and leaves.
I very much appreciate all the input, it's interesting how various people see an image and it's forcing me to look at things differently (better). So here is another version.
#2

[bnnrcn]

It looks better

[Donald]

I toned down the shadows a bit and brought out a bit more detail on the bark and leaves.

Superb!

[SpiderBob]

Wow, I did a whole year of Black and White, and it still eludes me. I like this.

[flashback]

Binnur, thank you once again.

Thank you Donald. As one who is held in rather high esteem here for your body of work in B&W, your comments are greatly appreciated and highly encouraging.

Bob, thank you. All I can offer is, shoot more B&W and post them. I've found when I post an image that the comments and suggestions offered help me create a stronger image.

[Mike Buckley]

I toned down the shadows a bit and brought out a bit more detail on the bark and leaves.

Yes! Makes a big difference. Your next tool is a hammer 'cause it's ready to hang on the wall.

I hope everyone uses the Lytebox and scrolls back and forth between the two versions to see the dramatic improvement in the new shadows, especially the large shadow on the left and the shadows on the ground. That difference is a very informative lesson to be learned.

[flashback]

Mike,
Thank you! Even though most of what I've seen of your work is a pain in the glass, your knowledge of lighting, shadows, details and general photography is, always, invaluable. Your comments here are high praise.

[Mike Buckley]

a pain in the glass

I like that! Perhaps an appropriate title for my photos of broken glass, especially if I accidentally sit on it.

[FootLoose]

Nice work, Jack, that extra little dab of detail makes all the difference.

[PhotoRob]

Nice pp work Jack, #2 is just fantastic...

[dedro]

Nice jack...both look great to me but I think #2 very nice! great job

[flashback]

Thanks Greg.
Thank you very much Robert.
Thank you Dedric.