Michael Nath  


Petroglyph 4 by Michael Nath

February 2021 - Petroglyph 4

About the Image(s)

The image was taken at 1/50s , F16, ISO 100 with an 85mm lens. Post processing was with Affinity where the color original was converted to black and white using an adjustment layer (B&W - same as in Photoshop). A series of further adjustments included a shadows/highlights, a brightness/contrast, levels, and curves adjustment. These were done individually in Affinity in an experiment to duplicate the results achievable with Photoshop. NIK SEP2 was then utilized to adjust the final tones followed by NIK CEP (detail extraction) to open up the upper left hand corner to reveal some detail in deep shadows present there.

The objective was to match the details and tones of earlier petroglyph images shot on film. It is not as simple with a digital camera as it is with a large format camera, but the final results are comparable.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
13 comments posted




Ed Ries
Michael I am not knowledgeable about this genera of photography. However I am aware that getting contrast to identify the glyphs is not an easy task. I think you have done very well in making the glyphs stand out. Good job.   Posted: 02/06/2021 22:19:52
 
Thank you Ed. The main emphasis is on what I would describe as structure and form. Do the shadows and texture along with line make a good composition? Is the image flat or does it draw the eye in and lead the eye through the image? Is there enough detail in the image to provide a sense of scale?   Posted: 02/07/2021 10:10:14



Ed Ries
  Posted: 02/06/2021 22:19:55



Peter Clark   Peter Clark
Michael - a very competent and well rendered record image of these petroglyphs, excellent detail and tonal range. I would suggest that you darken down the grasses in the foreground - they are the brightest part of the image and tend to draw the eye.
  Posted: 02/09/2021 06:08:40
 
Thank you Peter, I will see what I can do. Definitely will need to use a very small brush.   Posted: 02/09/2021 09:26:39



John Gilkerson   John Gilkerson
Well done for producing such a good rendition of a very difficult subject.

I agree with Peter about those grasses.   Posted: 02/10/2021 04:38:24
 
Thank you John, I appreciate it.   Posted: 02/10/2021 10:44:10



Ella Schreiber   Ella Schreiber
Hi Michael: You've done it again...beautifully captured and processed. I could look at these glyphs for hours and wish we could figure out what stories these rocks are holding.   Posted: 02/12/2021 04:41:41
 
Thank you Ella. I agree with your sentiment.   Posted: 02/12/2021 10:19:55



Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Michael
Another wonderful piece of social history, you have reproduced the textures beautifully and the inscribed markings I feel I could almost touch them,yes the grass in the lower corner is a little bright and a slight darkening would help but it so helps to give that sense of scale which I think is so important   Posted: 02/14/2021 09:35:54
 
Thank you Ian, I appreciate it.   Posted: 02/15/2021 11:35:01



 
Michael, I find that your image captures in great detail the petroglyph. The grass on the lower right is a little distracting, and an easy fix.   Posted: 02/15/2021 12:13:42
 
Thank you Paul.   Posted: 02/16/2021 13:26:33