Two Versions (out of three)

[Brev00]

The blessing of having both the Nik and Topaz bundles is having so many options, so many ways of interpreting a scene from the chair in one's study. The curse, of course, is having so many choices and deciding between them. Of course, one doesn't always have to decide. There are times I want to try a few versions. And, maybe keep each one. I shouldn't fail to mention that my basic software system, Elements 9, has a pretty good conversion feature, too.

These two pictures are from two very slightly different photographs--taken seconds apart. The difference is in the processing:

I like Topaz BW Effect quite a bit but especially for its rich array of tones. I find it to be a lot of fun to match the black and white with the tones available in this plug-in:





I sometimes convert an image in Elements and finish it in Topaz.

Silver Efex is very popular and for good reason. Working here, I usually bring the full color file into the plug-in and work through the effective array of sliders, from structure to film to border and everywhere in between. But, sometimes a preset works well with or without some adjustments:





The third version is one of the original color versions which is in may gallery if anyone is interested. Thanks for viewing!

Both shot with a Nikon D90 and my newly returned from Sigma repair, the 17-70 os.

--

brev99

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[kgwhite]

Here is my take for what it is worth.

Your original color image is a subtle rendering of the landscape. One of the conversions is fairly subtle the other is bold. You lost fine detail in both images. You also changed brightness, contrast and balance of the light which may be necessary for successful black and white conversion. The resulting images are alternative but not necessarily complimentary to the original. Perhaps that was your intent.

Here is an outline of my general workflow for conversions. Please do not substitute your judgement for mine. You may have a radically different approach. You may have a more effective approach.

In general I find it difficult to control plugins that modify images drastically. I usually make bulk modifications using a plugin then realize the final image in the editor. There you can make very specific adjustments using layers with masking and set the white/black points to get full range of brightness. I Apply toning and selective sharpening to certain areas as a final step.

 

[bosjohn]

after a lot of back and fourth at various sizes I have decided I like the first best. What you have done in the second is stunning but too bright to make a sunset feeling

 

[Brev00]

Here is my take for what it is worth.

Your original color image is a subtle rendering of the landscape. One of the conversions is fairly subtle the other is bold. You lost fine detail in both images. You also changed brightness, contrast and balance of the light which may be necessary for successful black and white conversion. The resulting images are alternative but not necessarily complimentary to the original. Perhaps that was your intent.

Thanks for the compliment of the color version and the time you took to view the set. I appreciate the in depth analysis. Yes, the three versions stand on their own as alternatives rather than as complementary pieces. I posted the darker black and white to Facebook and plan to post the others but over a period of time so my Facebook friends can see each as a separate entity.

Here is an outline of my general workflow for conversions. Please do not substitute your judgement for mine. You may have a radically different approach. You may have a more effective approach.

In general I find it difficult to control plugins that modify images drastically. I usually make bulk modifications using a plugin then realize the final image in the editor. There you can make very specific adjustments using layers with masking and set the white/black points to get full range of brightness. I Apply toning and selective sharpening to certain areas as a final step.

 

[Brev00]

after a lot of back and fourth at various sizes I have decided I like the first best. What you have done in the second is stunning but too bright to make a sunset feeling

 

[kgwhite]

Sorry for the over the top and somewhat officious analysis.

In my defense let me say that my job as a software developer gives me a somewhat anal and dry outlook. Occupational hazard. I actually do photography to get away from that stuff. Is it working yet?

 

[bosjohn]

I forgot to add the first is also stunning. to me it boiled down to which gave me the best feeling for the subject which includes a setting sun,

 

[Brev00]

Sorry for the over the top and somewhat officious analysis.

In my defense let me say that my job as a software developer gives me a somewhat anal and dry outlook. Occupational hazard. I actually do photography to get away from that stuff. Is it working yet?

 

[mnodonnell]

Ignoring the processing, I have issues with the composition. What is the focus of the image? Perhaps the opening in the sky could have been the star of the show, accented by the path, but both have been left on the edge of the frame.

I would have been drawn to the two trees in the left distance, the ones with some remaining color. Move further along the path, feature those trees, and set them off against the dramatic sky.

 

[Brev00]

Ignoring the processing, I have issues with the composition. What is the focus of the image? Perhaps the opening in the sky could have been the star of the show, accented by the path, but both have been left on the edge of the frame.

I would have been drawn to the two trees in the left distance, the ones with some remaining color. Move further along the path, feature those trees, and set them off against the dramatic sky.

 

[mnodonnell]

Composition is king. Why worry about processing before that issue is addressed?

And theoretically you could go back.

 

[Brev00]

Interesting. I just saw that c & c tag at the end. I never entered that. Is it a default thing on a photo share? I will have to look more carefully next time I post.

I accept your critique as your point of view. I understand your point and thank you for sharing it.