Julie Walker, EPSA  


Confluence of Rivers by Julie Walker, EPSA

September 2019 - Confluence of Rivers

September 2019 - Julie Walker, EPSA

Original

About the Image(s)

This scene is only five minutes walk from my home. It was taken a couple of weeks ago on a bright sunny morning. It is a scene I have taken many times but I have never been satisfied with the results as it is very busy. In this instance, after considerable experimentation, I decided to apply a tight crop to the image to eliminate almost everything except the central tree, the steps and the reflection, as these are the elements that I consider crucial to the scene.
It was taken on my converted Canon EOS 1300D with a 17-40mm lens. Settings were ISO 800, f8, 1/800th sec. Processing included increasing the contrast and clarity of the central tree, wall, steps and reflection and then darkening the areas around these in LIghtroom. I then blurred the areas around the central tree. In Photoshop I then carried out two conversions using Nik Silver Effex Pro, one using the "normal" preset and the other "wet rocks" which gives more contrast and detail. I then brushed out the areas of the "wet rocks" conversion that I didn't want.


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




Stuart Bacon   Stuart Bacon
I rather like the original shape over the cropped version. In it the tree is still a major attraction but there are more reflections in the water. Could you apply the same conversion process to the original? To me the cropped version is a bit "top heavy" as the light foliage draws the eye away from the stairs and the water with the reflections.   Posted: 09/10/2019 12:48:45
 
Thanks Stuart, I appreciate your comments. I did initially convert the whole image but I wasn't really satisfied with the result. This is an image that I've really struggled with. I attach my original conversion and would be interested in your thoughts.   Posted: 09/11/2019 03:26:19
Comment Image
Stuart Bacon   Stuart Bacon
I like it as the darker trees form a beautiful frame that makes the center tree and its reflection really stand out. There is detail in the wall so it isn't just a real dark object dividing the scene, it adds to the picture.   Posted: 09/11/2019 09:13:31



 
From your original I can understand why it was a difficult image to process. It is a lovely scene but an awful lot of foliage to deal with to make the tree stand out. I feel Stuart hit the nail on the head and from your original conversion above you seem to have more emphasis on the tree, showing its splendid shape by toning down the surrounding foliage. The eye now goes straight to the tree and the image is more pictorial in my opinion than the cropped version. Full marks for experimenting Julie.   Posted: 09/12/2019 08:34:51



Sharon Prislipsky   Sharon Prislipsky
(Group 52)
This image reminds me of the one I posted last month in that there is so much foliage it is difficult to emphasize the part of the image that really caught your initial attention. I agree with Stuart about the crop, and I find your origianl conversion more appealing.   Posted: 09/15/2019 13:53:51
 
Yes this one does have similar characteristics to yours hence I did face the same problems. In fact it was seeing your image that inspired me to have a go at processing this image and to put it in this month.   Posted: 09/16/2019 03:09:18



 
Looking at you original processed and cropped, I think the original processed is the better of the two but I would crop it a bit on one side (just the tree side, not side with stairs} and a bit on the bottom. This would allow a framing by the darker trees but the lighter tree wouldn't be so close to center. Lovely photo!   Posted: 09/17/2019 11:59:51



 
I agree with Stuart. The original image has such beautiful texture, details; the vertical crop doesn't do its justice. I love you post-process of the B/W, the contrast is impressive.   Posted: 09/17/2019 14:27:33