Elsie Allen
December 2024 - Untitled
Original
About the Image(s)
I was attracted to the rustic picnic table seating with the juxtaposed pumpkin.
For this I used an old Minolta 700 with 50 mm lens and Kodak Ultramax film ISO 400 because no B&W was handy. I have not used this camera in decades and am surprised anything came out.
Post processing included converting the .jpg from the scan to Tiff to edit in RAW. B&W conversion was done in Silver Efex Pro using a blue filter and color sensitivity adjustments before returning to PSE for finishing touches.
It's a learning process for me. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
7 comments posted
Interesting subject/composition ... the B&W treatment is "harsh" (just an observation) I feel may be introducing too much in texture overload, or what I often refer to as "visual overload" as our eyes and brain try a bit harder to differentiate between what appears as like-textures and shades.
As an exercise, try a new B&W interpretation that mimics the color original: one that reflects the exposure/tones that help differentiate between the walkway, leaf-covered ground and background trees, and lastly, which you already did, the pumpkin. (See my Comments on Dale's image in DD-87 for another conversation on this matter).
Both interpretations are viable options, I just thought it would be a valuable exercise to see the difference. You can also email me to review post-production procedures if you want. Posted: 12/09/2024 20:31:34
As an exercise, try a new B&W interpretation that mimics the color original: one that reflects the exposure/tones that help differentiate between the walkway, leaf-covered ground and background trees, and lastly, which you already did, the pumpkin. (See my Comments on Dale's image in DD-87 for another conversation on this matter).
Both interpretations are viable options, I just thought it would be a valuable exercise to see the difference. You can also email me to review post-production procedures if you want. Posted: 12/09/2024 20:31:34
Elsie Allen
Thank you, Lance, for this advise and direction.
That is what I needed. I too felt it to be a bit "crunchy" (as I call it). I did not know what to expect from this conversion and look forward to improving my technique.
I will review the materials as you recommend. Posted: 12/10/2024 01:18:44
That is what I needed. I too felt it to be a bit "crunchy" (as I call it). I did not know what to expect from this conversion and look forward to improving my technique.
I will review the materials as you recommend. Posted: 12/10/2024 01:18:44
Oh, and try to find UltraMax 400 B&W film (online). You may actually really enjoy the unique qualities it brings you, and of course, no conversion step to B&W. Posted: 12/12/2024 10:43:40
Another prime example of Tension Element. The pumpkin in the corner does it all. It becomes the center of attention. Well done. The film use and transfer to digital did not reduce the quality of the image. very well done.
Posted: 12/12/2024 03:50:55
Posted: 12/12/2024 03:50:55
Elsie - Amazing how switching to B&W flattens the depth of the picture. Similar to the presence of a pot in my picture this month, your pumpkin adds tension in the picture. I love it! Also, the pumpkin is the only smooth object; everything else is very coarse. Well done! Posted: 12/19/2024 16:14:42
Hi Elise. I like the composition and how the pumpkin (it looks like a child's ball in the mono version) balances out the table. As to suggestions, I think Lances comments are spot on. Keep up the experimentation! Posted: 12/19/2024 22:29:29
Elsie Allen
Thank you all for your kind comments and suggestions!
Posted: 12/20/2024 00:34:26
Posted: 12/20/2024 00:34:26