Arches National Park

[Mike Buckley]

I'm back on track to converting my favorite images of the past to black-and-white. All of these were captured in 2004. I intentionally didn't present iconic sites, such as Balanced Rock or Delicate Arch, thinking it might be more enjoyable to see something a bit different.

The first photo was taken with a point-and-shoot digital camera. The other two were captured on color slide film.

C&C is always encouraged, though I don't have anything to ask about regarding these photos.


#1: Arch on the Devil's Garden Trail



#2



#3

[splashy]

Love the series, very nice.

[graynomad]

Nice to see some classic mono landscapes, and good shots as well.

IMO #2 could use some dodging on the extreme right and especially in the upper corner.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks for the nod, Mike.

Thanks for the idea, Rob! Much appreciated.

[jeeperman]

A nice series, Mike. #1 is my pick with a nice tonal range and great structure and detail.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Paul. The first one is also my favorite of the three.

[rawill]

Stating the obvious:
The first is quite different from the last two which have similar lines.

Hard to chose which I like best.
I think the first but would like a little less "window frame" BUT it is hard to see how it could be cropped without wrecking it.
The shape of the "window" makes that tricky.
I often like windows, they draw me on and I want to peer further.

The cloud in the second asks for another look, but the rock formation in the third one asks me to look closer.

I am not good at C&C, but I "think" I know what I like!

However, one thing that impresses is they were taken on a P/S.
I have taken lots of photos on a P/S while on holidays.

Now I am going back and spending some time on them to see if I can improve them.
I have put some in mini competitons, and asked for C&C on some.
I am learning, albeit slowly.

Even though I am not yet a B/W fan I have to say

Love your work.

Rbn

[Teton Chuck]

Mike, I especially like the first image. The range of shades is outstanding and the is something interesting to explore in nearly every part of the photo. I would like to see the original color version. Would help me understand what happens in the translation to B&W.

[Mike Buckley]

I am not good at C&C

I disagree, Robin. You're excellent at articulating what you like, dislike and what you would like to be changed. I'm sure everyone agrees with me that we're happy to hear from you.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Chuck! You asked for the color version of the first one:

[rpcrowe]

Great images. I love Utah but, have never been to Arches. It is definitely on my "must-see" list. The quality of the first shot is amazing; especially since you shot it with a P&S camera! Although the color version is lovely, I do prefer the B&W...

[JPS]

Hi Mike,
I was looking at this thread when 'her that must be obeyed' (the wife ) called me out of the office, to do some kitchen duties. Before I left I was just about to say I liked all the pictures, but No.1 in particular.
However, in my absence you posted the colour version. Now I'm torn between the two....think John, think....Mike, the colour version wins for me.
Thanks for sharing; a great set to view on a wet, cold day in the UK.

[Mike Buckley]

John: Glad to know that you survived kitchen duties.

Richard: I encourage you strongly to go to Arches National Park as well as nearby Canyonlands National Park. (I assume that you haven't been to Canyonlands if you also haven't been to Arches.) Even if Arches National Park had no arches, it would be one of the most beautiful national parks in the U. S. system.

[rawill]

Mike, I especially like the first image. The range of shades is outstanding and the is something interesting to explore in nearly every part of the photo. I would like to see the original color version. Would help me understand what happens in the translation to B&W.

Glad you asked Chuck, I was going to ask as well.

When I see the colour version all I can say is WOW.

Now I do not want the "window frame" changed at all.
The "window" invites me to look a long way further into the distance than the B/W version does.

Well nice of you to say about my C&C comments,
but I haven't a clue about noise and lots of other things I see written on here.

[bedantabd]

Thanks, Chuck! You asked for the color version of the first one:

The color version for me, Mike because it has more depth. The blue sky in the distance and the blue mountains further down, I can't see them in the BW version. Not sure about #2/3 though.

[rawill]

The color version for me, Mike because it has more depth. The blue sky in the distance and the blue mountains further down, I can't see them in the BW version. Not sure about #2/3 though.

Those comments, exactly.

2/3rds hehe.

[Sergio M.]

I agree with the color version having more depth, but the BW version has more mood and atmosphere for me.

[Mike Buckley]

I agree with the color version having more depth, but the BW version has more mood and atmosphere for me.

That pretty much sums it up for me as well. Each version has its own strengths. As a result, if I were to select one over the other, I imagine that it would largely have to do with whatever mood I'm in at the time.

[JPS]

That pretty much sums it up for me as well. Each version has its own strengths. As a result, if I were to select one over the other, I imagine that it would largely have to do with whatever mood I'm in at the time.

Mike,
I didn't think of it that way myself, but now you point it out, I agree personal 'mood' play's a big part in how I feel about a picture.

[terrib]

These are really nice, Mike. I also like #1 the best of the B&W. I was determined not to comment about color, but oh well, Chuck brought it up. I love the color one. I do have to agree with the comment about mood and atmosphere though. Maybe my thinking is somewhat shallow but the atmosphere for me is "Old West". B&W just makes me think of old times, old movies. It just takes me back in time to when we didn't have color in pictures and plunks me there and that's the filter I see everything through.