stumped

[ucci]

An old stump which has been standing there for over 50 years. It caught my eye because of its well weathered texture. It is an old grey box gum tree which was ring barked and left to die as part of clearing the land for farming pursuits way back, whenever. Its wood is now as tough as tempered steel. The B&W conversion was done in CS5 with the B&W levels filter.
Taken with Tamron 70 - 300mm lens on Canon EOS1000D. AV setting f 4.0, ISO auto. pp in ps.
Thanks for dropping by to view
Cheers
Ken

[Donald]

What gorgeous texture.

I wonder, Ken, if it's worth trying to just screw back a bit on the brightness? The highlights feel very bright and a bit harsh. If they were softened down a bit, maybe by burning, it might make the image even richer?

Sorry, should have said - I'm talking about the B & W version. That has GOT to be a B & W image.

[ucci]

What gorgeous texture.

I wonder, Ken, if it's worth trying to just screw back a bit on the brightness? The highlights feel very bright and a bit harsh. If they were softened down a bit, maybe by burning, it might make the image even richer?

Sorry, should have said - I'm talking about the B & W version. That has GOT to be a B & W image.

Thanks for helpful comment Donald. I did try that originally and thought it was a bit too sombre and lost some of wood's finer texture. But I will go back and give it another go. I also realized you were referring to the B&W post. The color post was only a 'before' from me. But you may have a case to answer before the Great Goddess of PIx in the Sky as you have converted me to a B&W devotee! But I don't think so. For as some would say, ' way to go...'

[ucci]

Hi Donald
Had a go at what I think you were suggesting I aim for. Is this anywhere near the mark? Certainly I am happier with this result, thank you.
Cheers
Ken

[Donald]

Is this anywhere near the mark?

Bingo. Well, at least as far as I'm concerned.

[MrB]

That has GOT to be a B & W image.

I like both the colour and the final monochrome images, but I prefer the colour version. Not only are the subtle colour tones appealing but, for me, those colours add emphasis to the contrast between the living and the dead.

These are, of course, just different opinions.

Philip

[ucci]

I like both the colour and the final monochrome images, but I prefer the colour version. Not only are the subtle colour tones appealing but, for me, those colours add emphasis to the contrast between the living and the dead.

Philip

Thank you for viewing and for useful comment Philip

[Mike Buckley]

The light is SO much more interesting in the second B&W and the image is well deserving of the extra effort. I hope you'll return to the stump often, capturing it in different light and at different angles.

[Maritimer1]

So much detail. Great image, Ken.

[ucci]

The light is SO much more interesting in the second B&W and the image is well deserving of the extra effort. I hope you'll return to the stump often, capturing it in different light and at different angles.

Thank you for viewing and commenting Mike.

[ucci]

So much detail. Great image, Ken.

Thank you Myra