Al Swanson
July 2026 - Butterfly
Original
About the Image(s)
I opened up a butterfly file and came on this black one and wondered what it would look like in black and white so I put it into Photoshop, cropped it and converted it. I played around with the sliders until I got the resolution I liked and then took it into NIK Silver Eflex to modify it further until I got the texture and light right and this is where I stopped. A black butterfly at night.
4 comments posted
I ordinarily like most images that are converted into black and white. However, I don't feel this one works. The tones are so similar that it is difficult to distinguish the butterfly from the leaf. I also feel it is too dark. I believe using the same crop but processing in the original colors would have better suited this piece. Posted: 07/01/2026 13:51:01
That's a good black and white conversion. But I have to say that your color version is stunning! I would stick with that. Maybe crop a little closer, but keep some of the interplay of the sunlight on the leaves. Posted: 07/01/2026 17:51:34
With the conversion, the leaves now appear to be made of metal, which I find to be a potentially interesting idea. But following up on Mike's notes, the overall image could be brightened, and then the butterfly could be brightened yet again so it will stand out from the background. And maybe crop down a bit from the top. Why do I keep thinking "Iron Butterfly?" Good attempt at bringing out an unusual look. Posted: 07/06/2026 00:56:01
I also go along with what has been said. Cropping closer would probably eliminate the distracting bright spots in the top right corner or tone them down. Also brightening the butterfly should bring it out more. Posted: 07/12/2026 18:12:48