Fran Yates  


The Totem Pole by Fran Yates

May 2023 - The Totem Pole

May 2023 - Fran Yates

Original

About the Image(s)

This photo was taken in Monument Valley after sunrise, but early morning.
I was attracted to the ripples and shadows in the sand. This was an “On your Stomach” shot.

It was converted to Black and White in Silver Efex Pro.


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




Vincent Cochain   Vincent Cochain
Two beautiful versions of an image.
I appreciate the structure in the sand and dunes. The shadow is also interesting.
Why did you cropped on the right?
Is it not (maybe my screen) to dark in the stone of the Totem?
I find a disturbing element in the color version (kind of dust "above the hollow, between the 2 small mountains on the right"), but this element is no more at the same place in the B&W version. It is more on the left. Am I the only one who see that?
  Posted: 05/10/2023 02:46:25



Jerry Hug   Jerry Hug
Fran, It is another great Monument Valley shot. One of my favorite places to shoot. I have images from the Valley in Book written by a famous Historian about the area. They used on image on the cover and the beginning of every chapter. I was all in B/W and about a place they called the John Wayne point.

I think that some of the areas to the right of the totem pole needs a little dodging or in present day terms brightening up. I think that the Totem Pole is too dark, but it may not lighten up?

I love the sky and the shadows in the sand. Seems like you cropped the far right side off in the B/W version as well as the bottom and left side? Jerry   Posted: 05/10/2023 08:49:33



Kathryn Delany
Fran, lovely capture. The light and colours in the original is great - that time of day of course. The conversion works, though if there is detail in the rock stack it would be nice to pull up the shadows for a bit of detail. The lines in the sand and the shadows serve as wonderful leading lines. Overall the rock formations feel too dark. the original crop works better for the composition as it gives room for the stack to balance (just an opinion). The grasses on the left feel too bright and the effect there could be toned down a touch. There is a very large spot in both images on the right line of thirds toward the horizon. It can be easily cloned out. It is a beautiful capture and personally I prefer the colour version.   Posted: 05/17/2023 14:07:03



Fran Yates   Fran Yates
Thank you for all your comments. When I see them together, I agree. I like the original crop and I should have brought the textures and shadows out in the rock formation. How come I don't see it until it is on the screen?   Posted: 05/17/2023 15:19:02



Ken Wilkes   Ken Wilkes
I prefer the color version although maybe a little saturated for my taste. The black and white version would work better for me with more detail in the rock formations. Perhaps darkening the sky a bit also. I think the wavy texture in the sand works well for black and white.   Posted: 05/19/2023 11:06:36