Chan Garrett
August 2026 - Untitled
Original
Original 2
About the Image(s)
I am reading the book, "Photography and the Art of Seeing'" by Freeman Patterson. In one of the chapters he advises experimentation. For my image this month I have taken an image of a tree (Original) and created my B&W image (Original 2). My experiment (Final) is simply how far I can push the exposure and still maintain an acceptable recognisable image.
Cannon R5 with 50mm lens. Aperture priority set at f/11.
Processed in Lightroom Classic and Photoshop.
9 comments posted
Chan, your image is very interesting. The bark on the tree is sharp and detailed. I think the the fence is too washed out-bright, as my eye goes there. I think you did accomplish what you set out to do. Posted: 08/03/2026 23:50:18
Thank you. Yes, the fence is too bright. As I stated, this as an experiment to see how far I could push the exposure. My real finished image is original 2. Posted: 08/09/2026 19:27:22
Good for you for experimenting! The original tree is beautiful, but its background is messy. Your special effect removes most of that distracting background. I really like your intermediate bw image because it shows the beautiful details of the tree and its branches and leaves. I'd maybe put the special effect image and the bw image both as layers on top of each other in Photoshop and adjust the opacity to blend them. I like aspects of both. Posted: 08/04/2026 19:41:08
Thank you for that suggestion. I may try it to see what I can do. Original 2 is really my finished image. Posted: 08/09/2026 19:35:15
A very interesting experiment! I'm so glad you posted the two images that preceded it. It really is a fabulous tree, and I like how you cropped it to remove some of the distractions. The high key treatment does a great job of removing more of the distractions and creating a more abstract image. I like Canan's idea of blending the B&W and the final image, or perhaps just easing up on the high key a little, as Cindy suggested. You accomplished your stated goal, however, and I find the process you went through very educational. Thank you! Posted: 08/05/2026 21:29:48
I appreciate your comments. Yes, this was an experiment an shows a process that I may be able to use with some other image. Original 2 is my finished image. Posted: 08/09/2026 19:43:46
Love your creativity! You certainly pushed the exposure/contrast to the limit. Lots of clipping in the final image (which isn't necessarily bad - it's all about taste). At first I wasn't sure what I was looking at - then it became clear - perhaps that's the goal. If I was going to hang one of these in my home - I'd choose the middle image (it's a little less jarring). I like Canan's point about something in between your Final and Original 2. I took your Final and reduced the exposure by one stop in the attached. What do you think? Posted: 08/07/2026 13:20:05
Yes, original 2 is my finished image. I note that as the exposure is pushed, my blue toning becomes much more blue (lighter tone) and becomes (to me) distracting. Posted: 08/09/2026 19:48:36
I understand your experiment and it is interesting. I have not read Paterson's book but have heard him speak and seen his work, he is a master worthy of studying. In addition to the exposure issues I must say the tree is interesting and a lovely composition. Posted: 08/11/2026 00:46:17