Lake Isabella

[RedBaron2010]

Looking for opinions about the composition of this shot I took of the lake. I changed the picture to black and white to show more contrast. I darkened the picture a little because when I simply converted to b&w it looked a bit too light. I also cropped the left side a little because there was space between the tree and the left edge and it seemed to draw the eye to that space.

Nikon d70
vr 18-200 mm zoom
iso 200
1/500s
f11

Thx
-T

[BK553]

If that one branch wasn't hanging like a foot from the lens, it would be a great picture. It's still a good one though. Nice and sharp in the distance. Someone one here is about to lecture you on rules of thirds, but I don't care too much about that.

[RedBaron2010]

Actually, I purposely wanted the branch hanging on the left like that. I felt it would give a feeling of standing under the tree. Rules of the 3rds yes. I will check that again.

[BK553]

I think i get the "under" the tree feeling from the other branches, the super OOF branch gives me the "tree in the way" feeling. Just my opinion though, I'm sure others will disagree. good shot either way though

[navcom]

Hi there!

First thing, I agree that the foreground branches are pretty distracting. Second, remember that black and white photographs are all about contrast. What you were really trying to achieve by darkening the image was increase the contrast. Unfortunately darkening it just darkened it. Try increasing your exposure up a stop and then adjusting your black point to increase the contrast between the lights and shadows. This will add a lot of depth to your image.

It's a good "punchy" image though, and playing with the black point will make it pop.

Hope that helps!

P.S...I took the liberty of editing your image in Photoshop. I upped the black point and lowered the white point a bit to show you what I was talking about. If you don't want your images re-posted, just say the word and I'll delete it.

[Sterling]

Definitely agree with navcom. Your black and white has neither and as a result is just grey.

[RedBaron2010]

Originally Posted by navcom

Hi there!

First thing, I agree that the foreground branches are pretty distracting. Second, remember that black and white photographs are all about contrast. What you were really trying to achieve by darkening the image was increase the contrast. Unfortunately darkening it just darkened it. Try increasing your exposure up a stop and then adjusting your black point to increase the contrast between the lights and shadows. This will add a lot of depth to your image.

It's a good "punchy" image though, and playing with the black point will make it pop.

Hope that helps!

P.S...I took the liberty of editing your image in Photoshop. I upped the black point and lowered the white point a bit to show you what I was talking about. If you don't want your images re-posted, just say the word and I'll delete it.

Hello,

I saw your edits, and thanks for showing me! I dont mind at all having my images reposted, I am still learning :-)
I am not sure where you adjust the black points, in PS Elements, but I will look that up. I like what you did with it though. It does show more contrast.

Thanks again!
-T

[EOBeav]

Originally Posted by BK553

Someone one here is about to lecture you on rules of thirds, but I don't care too much about that.

:-) It's a good rule to know so that you know how to break it.

But yeah, the out of focus branches are killing your shot here. I would have loved to seen those hills framed by that tree.

[Krusty79]

Here's a tutorial on setting the black, white and grey points. The grey is the tough one.

Levels: Getting the Professional 'Pop'

[RedBaron2010]

Thanks Krusty, and actually in Decembers Outdoor Photography mag, there is an article about it as well.

-T