Michael Hrankowski
About the Image(s)
Hello Everybody. I'm looking forward to improving my monochrome photography skills and learning from y'all. It's been a LONG time since I worked specifically with B&W - High School in the old film days. I took this image this past September while visiting Lopez Island in WA State. It was a piece of old farm machinery in the yard of the Island's historical museum. I shoot with a Sony a6600 (APSC).
Lens: 18-135 shot at 45mm
ISO 100
1/350 @ f / 5.6
Crop and basic adjustments / enhancements made in Lightroom. Photoshop was used to remove the distraction of the hole on the right side of the image. Then took it into Silver Efex for the conversion, then back into LR for the final tweaks. Can't decide whether I like the color or monochrome image better. Your thoughts?
This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted
(Groups 83 & 87)
your interpretation is one that conveys a heavy amount of detail ("structure") and contrast: in this light reveals a dramatic aesthetic.
"Points to Ponder":
Though the PSA only allows us to post very low resolution images, I tried my best to copy your original and do some alternative edits: in my version I suggest actually revealing more than your seriously focused one. I am suggesting stepping back and open our gaze to more then a "snippet", but instead, allow the viewer to see more of the holes, rust, lines, shapes and perhaps in this way, open up to a wider narrative for interpretation. (crop is a 16:9 ratio) Note I particularly enjoy the almost hidden circle in upper-center and how if reacts with the rest of the details.
Another key component to my version is it is less bold by introducing a less "structured" and less contrast centered piece. Though softer, brighter, still intrigues. (FYI: I do not use any type of "layer" or other post-production additive in creating my finals).
In any case, this is just another view-point and one I hope you try as an alternative in the future. Your eye for detail capturing the dramatic and interesting is keen. Well done!
Lance A. Lewin PSA BW Photography Mentor   Posted: 02/10/2021 05:57:40
(Groups 3 & 83)
I'm new to PSA and newish to monochrome and am eager to improve. I notice you are a mentor. How do I go about getting some mentoring through PSA outside of the digital dialog commentary?   Posted: 02/10/2021 12:25:53
(Groups 83 & 87)
https://psa-photo.org/index.php?mentors-consultants
Michael, I look forward to learning more about your photography background and what motivates your creativity.
In the mean time, you may find the Bulletin Board on DDG83-Mono covers topics that will interest you....look forward to talking shop with you later. Ciao.   Posted: 02/11/2021 06:55:12
(Groups 83 & 87)
Thank you for your patience.   Posted: 02/14/2021 04:31:39
I like the gritty look of the image, I would add a little more contrast to grit it up even more. I would also add a slight warming filter to the image, perhaps a very slight sepia tone, it just gives a feeling of it being older.
It was great you saw and captures the old parts, it makes for an interesting image. I also think the monochrome is better than the color image.   Posted: 02/14/2021 14:54:41
(Groups 3 & 83)
(Groups 83 & 87)
The other important dynamic I bring to the table for students of photography, (and my point in this example) is limiting post-production to (add or induce) an aesthetic not found through more normal (authentic) photographic technique. I like to try and convey the differences between photographic technique from a traditional posture, from those created through digital techniques outside the camera. Thank you.   Posted: 02/15/2021 13:47:37
(Groups 3 & 83)
(Groups 3 & 83)
(Groups 3 & 83)