Dr Isaac Vaisman, PPSA
July 2017 - Wind Pumps
Original
About the Image(s)
Wind Pumps was created this past April 2017 in the South of Amsterdam. These are the few remnants of the once were called wind mills, but in reality, they are used to pump water out when needed. I used my Nikon D750 with the Nikkor lens 24-120 mm f/4 @ 34 mm using these settings: ISO 400, f/8 and 1/4000 sec with -1 and 2/3 Exp. Compensation. The image was corrected in Lightroom and then, slightly cropped and then transformed into B&W using Silver Efex II for more drama in the sky. It was a very cloudy day and it started to rain lightly. I am including the original color version for your comments which one do you like more.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
9 comments posted
At first glance, the Mono version appears to be more dramatic, although I like both versions. Your Wind Pumps are set up in a triangle that provides good image balance. The entry is very sharp and the color runs from white to jet black. Try cropping an inch off the left side and see if it appeals to you. I think the image would be stronger if a thin off white stroke was added. This would contain the image on your canvas. Posted: 07/06/2017 16:04:02
The b/w image is very dramatic with the strong contrast, well lit wind pump and heavy sky. It really comes over well. The colour image is much more gentle, in spite of the heavy sky, and portrays a quiet pastoral scene, bathed in lovely light. I like them both and would find it difficult to decide which would be my favourite. It really depends on the mood you are in, or want to be in. Erik's suggestion to crop a little off the left does tighten up the composition but I think I prefer it uncropped. Posted: 07/09/2017 07:05:57
I like the triangular composition and the foreground pump, but on balance I think I prefer the original. The sky in that version looks more dramatic to me, and I can see more detail in the main pump. Posted: 07/11/2017 13:33:10
Interested to see that these were "wind Pumps" for pumping water. The general use for these in the UK and Europe, was for grinding grain, such as wheat and barley, ie in the middle ages, before motorisation. Posted: 07/14/2017 09:43:43
Richard, I was surprised myself as well when our private guide explained that to us. I also was under the impression it was for grinding grain. The schiphol airport in Amsterdam is all claimed land after pumping the water out. Posted: 07/14/2017 09:56:37
The general use in UK and Europe was for grinding grain, hence the term 'windmill'. However, in Holland where there is a lot of reclaimed land lying at or just below sea level, wind power was used to operate drainage pumps to keep the land from flooding. A low lying part of the county of Lincolnshire in England is called South Holland because Dutch engineers were called in provide wind powered drainage pumps many years ago. Posted: 07/18/2017 03:58:04
Hi Isaac
As Guy says one image two very different pictures I do like them both for different reasons but if forced to choose I like the atmosphere and moodiness captured in the black and white image the contrast in the lighting is not only well captured but very well handled the positioning of the other 2 windmills is spot on and adds depth and and an insight into the local enviroment whichever you go with I don't think you can go wrong. Posted: 07/19/2017 15:38:54
As Guy says one image two very different pictures I do like them both for different reasons but if forced to choose I like the atmosphere and moodiness captured in the black and white image the contrast in the lighting is not only well captured but very well handled the positioning of the other 2 windmills is spot on and adds depth and and an insight into the local enviroment whichever you go with I don't think you can go wrong. Posted: 07/19/2017 15:38:54
Isaac, either image is a winner for me. Although my vote would be for the drama in the BW. Too bad that Google will not be updating the NIK software. I like the composition without the crop as it gives me a better feeling for the perspective. Overall, an impactful image.
Bill Brennan Posted: 07/19/2017 21:41:03
Bill Brennan Posted: 07/19/2017 21:41:03
A beautiful black and white image. Personally I would crop off the left side to improve the composition to a square or vertical format. Posted: 07/28/2017 14:45:27