Plowing the fields

[KimC]

Today, I worked on several of the images I captured at the plowing event this past weekend (where "boy with bulls" came from) with my mentor. I needed his expertise/experience in helping me to retrieve the data that was in the image to get the best rendition possible, as well as, his assistance in helping me to think about all the subsequent questions that need to be asked/addressed during PP. We also talked some about B&W and the importance of having a proper rendition before converting to B&W (as you all know, I have not done much B&W to date).

Since these are working horses and not pets, I thought it was more appropriate they be placed in this forum. If this is not correct, moderator, please feel free to move.

ISO 200; 1/800s; F4.5; 85mm

#1


#2

[bnnrcn]

Hi Kim I like both of them. I think there is a blue color cast in #1. Do you have some more space above the heads?

[Geoff F]

Exactly my first thoughts.

[Shadowman]

Nicely converted capture.

[Marie Hass]

Dear Kim,

I like the focus on the power of this team displayed in this image. Really upfront and personal.

My personal preference is the rendition of #2, the light conditions do not seem as harsh and the tonality is beautiful.


Marie

[DEAN01]

Kim,
+1 to Marie's post.

[IzzieK]

+1 to Binnur's comment. I also noticed the blue first up...

[KimC]

Binnur, Geoff, Izzie, thanks for viewing and commenting. Yes, I see the blue... here's a revised version.

[KimC]

Thank you John.

Nicely converted capture.

[deetheturk]

Very nice Kim, I like both versions! much better with the extra headroom

[KimC]

Thank you for commenting Marie & Dean. I love this team as well. The one on the viewers right reminds me of my horse. My preference is also the B&W.

Dear Kim,

I like the focus on the power of this team displayed in this image. Really upfront and personal.

My personal preference is the rendition of #2, the light conditions do not seem as harsh and the tonality is beautiful.


Marie

Kim,
+1 to Marie's post.

[KimC]

Thank you David :-)

Very nice Kim, I like both versions! much better with the extra headroom

[Geoff F]

The edit looks much better to me.

[Mike Buckley]

Nice work, Kim. The position of the two left hooves and the low perspective are especially important details of the image.

I prefer the revised color version, not just because of the improved composition and elimination of the blue color cast but also because it retains a tad more detail than the monochrome version. With more experience and skill, you'll be able to match the detail of the color version.

the importance of having a proper rendition before converting to B&W

Though I also use the same approach, that's only because that is the workflow that I first learned and because I am now so accustomed to using that workflow. However, Manfred, Binnur and I have had several detailed discussions about this and there is no evidence we have seen indicating that you can't go straight to the monochrome conversion before fine tuning all of the other details. There is only unsubstantiated theory about that just as there is only unsubstantiated theory that it's just as effective to go straight to the monochrome conversion; there is no right or wrong method. Keep in mind that the process of going straight to the conversion is essentially the same process the master black-and-white film photographers used. So, it's difficult to argue that it can't be used just as effectively when working with a digital image file.

[csa mt]

I love the revised color version! Absolutely beautifully captured, showing the strength of these majestic animals! I also love that you captured the left hooves in about the same upright position!

[Wavelength]

Excellent images; i like both ; i feel the blue still remains, a speck

[bnnrcn]

Your revised version looks much better Kim

[KimC]

Thank you Geoff.

The edit looks much better to me.

[KimC]

Thanks for your comments on the compostion Mike. I also appreciate that you shared why you prefer the color... It helps to expand my views/understanding.

I understand what you are saying about conversion to B&W; however, for me starting with a correct color image makes sense... I find the PP side of photography to be fairly challenging, so it's important to me that I have a good foundation with the color image before moving over to B&W. Perhaps when I have vast more experience my views will change.

Nice work, Kim. The position of the two left hooves and the low perspective are especially important details of the image.

I prefer the revised color version, not just because of the improved composition and elimination of the blue color cast but also because it retains a tad more detail than the monochrome version. With more experience and skill, you'll be able to match the detail of the color version.



Though I also use the same approach, that's only because that is the workflow that I first learned and because I am now so accustomed to using that workflow. However, Manfred, Binnur and I have had several detailed discussions about this and there is no evidence we have seen indicating that you can't go straight to the monochrome conversion before fine tuning all of the other details. There is only unsubstantiated theory about that just as there is only unsubstantiated theory that it's just as effective to go straight to the monochrome conversion; there is no right or wrong method. Keep in mind that the process of going straight to the conversion is essentially the same process the master black-and-white film photographers used. So, it's difficult to argue that it can't be used just as effectively when working with a digital image file.

[KimC]

Thank you for commenting Carol, I appreicate it. I love their majesty as well :-)

I love the revised color version! Absolutely beautifully captured, showing the strength of these majestic animals! I also love that you captured the left hooves in about the same upright position!