Black and white done right?

[ebojorq]

Hi, everyone.

I took this picture yesterday and the minute I saw it on my computer I knew it had some potential. I made some fixes and ended up with this black and white version:


(if you see it in lightbox it makes the edges of the picture stand out very neatly)

EXIF:
Nikon D3100
Focal length: 86 mm
Aperture: f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/50 s
ISO 100

Post production work: black and white conversion with Capture NX2; Filter hue = 60; Color Filter Strength = 40; Brightness = 15; Contrast = 42.

(link to the original)

My questions: does the black and white conversion really add to the picture? do the loss of detail in the sadows at the bottom left and the blown out top right make or break the picture? Could I have done something differently, and if so, what is it?

Thank you very much.

[Photologyst]

No offense, but this photo is totally blown to me. It is difficult to figure out what you were trying to convey.

What does the original look like?

[ebojorq]

None taken... it is precisely what I was trying to get, criticism. The link to the original is in the same post. Doesn't it show up? if not: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ebojorq/5320967795/

Edit: Didn't post the embedded picture as to follow the forum rules of only one pic per post. I don't if it is ok to embed now.

[IABoomer]

You linked it before in your original post, Photologyst must have just missed it.

It's almost like you removed all the midtones and everything is down to just black and white. GIMP calls it the "threshold" adjustment. I'm sure it's probably something similar in Photoshop.

The top right corner is pure white and you've lost any detail that was in the original. If there's a "curves" tool, play with that for your black and white contrast. Start from the straight diagonal line and adjust it into more of an "S" shape.

Check out a former "assignment" thread on high-contrast B&W for some tips on shooting and converting images.

http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112815

[Andy153]

Hi there, I've taken your original from your link and opened in Photoshop. I prefer the original colour to your B&W because the blown highlights on the right spoil the shot completely for me. However you say you think it has potential and I agree - in the attached version I played with I solarized it via a Nik Software Color Efex filter. I then put it through Noise Ninja which I think copies fine grain film when used on B&W pictures. The effect of reversing the highlights yet retaining the paint on the tyres - in my opinion makes this quite a pleasing shot......?

[ebojorq]

I'm sorry, AndyM... I can't see your attachment.

[IABoomer]

Well since we've got people taking stabs at this, here's one more. Using GIMP, I desaturated by luminosity, left the highlights alone, tweaked the shadow/lower midtones down a little, then added a little unsharp mask to bring out some of the texture.

[ebojorq]

I think I got what IABoomer and AndyM said about levels and contrast.

I tried with both and got this new result. I forgot to add grain as AndyM suggested but it looks good on the one I have on my pc.

[Photologyst]

OK, Efrain, so I finally figured out that the subject is two old tires. lol

Between the sameness of the sea and the tires as well as the blown highlights, this is a tough nut.

Here are my “solutions” such as they are. I decided that cropping was in order to focus on the subject. Rule of thirds and all that. IMHO, the only way to “save” such a photo is to PS process the extremes.

I really intensified the colours to HDR everything a bit, emphasizing the crumbling, rusting pier and the old tires.



Did a high contrast B & W conversion in Lightroom and adjusted exposure, recovery, blacks, etc. to get a decent S curve.



I think that I might even consider placing some sunbursts onto the sea sparkles.

I would love to see what other solutions people have, especially our resident expert, Ed Bayani.

[ebojorq]

Thank you all for your quick responses... Lessons learned:

Workflow for B&W conversion:
- tweak brightness and contrast first with a curves tool.
- desaturate
- rinse and repeat as needed.

right?