From Florence - part 8 - Black&Whites

[MilT0s]

This is the last part of the "From Florence" series. Two Black & White shots.

#19


#20


In both situation I had to deal with difficult lighting situation. A combination of harsh light and haze. The colors were totally washed up and the tonalities really bad. Fortunately in both cases the B&W conversion fit well but still lot of work was needed.
When I saw the RAW of #20 on my computer monitor I selected it as a rejected file, it was that bad. For some reason I later decided to play with it in B&W and I am pretty pleased with the result.

For #19 I had a additional challenge, not to disturb the young couple and be totally unnoticed. Please don't get me wrong on that, I am not a paparazzi! I just wanted a candid and spontaneous shot and not spoil their moment.

I like both photos a lot and I would love to hear your thoughts.


The whole set can be found in my site

Part 1 - The River
Part 2 - The Duomo
Part 3 - Love Padlocks
Part 4 - The Haze
Part 5 - Pigeons
Part 6 - Shadows
Part 7 - Abstracts

~~~ The End ~~~

[rpcrowe]

I love these. Great images and super B&W conversions... Placing the people in the image provides life to to the photos...

[Mike Buckley]

I like both photos a lot

I should think so! It's fascinating to learn that the two images required considerable post-processing, as the look appears very natural and not at all contrived or "worked." Great job!

It's so cool that everyone in the foreground and medium ground (is that a phrase?) in #20 is walking in the same direction. Without that element, the photo would have suffered tremendously.

In #19, I would like to see just a tad less sharpening though your current version is certainly within the realm of good practice. Less sharpening would perhaps enhance the romantic element of both the couple and such a gorgeous combination of vertical man-made structures, which by the way are so perfectly positioned in the frame. Consider also decreasing the contrast in the sky considerably, as it distracts me just a bit from the couple and the vertical structures.

Now that this is your last thread from your Florence series, I want to make a special point of offering kudos for your presentation style, interesting commentary, and consistently high quality of photos throughout the series.

[Donald]

Now that this is your last thread from your Florence series, I want to make a special point of offering kudos for your presentation style, interesting commentary, and consistently high quality of photos throughout the series.

I would endorse that statement. It has been a pleasure to this series of images, which has finished in this thread on a very high note.

These are, I think, two high quality images. In the first one, you have created a tremendous sense of depth. It has a wonderful 3D feel to it. I think the composition of the second one is excellent, with the Ponte Vecchio providing a magnificent back-stop to the scene immediately in front of us.

[MilT0s]

Richard, Mike, Donald thank you very much for your kind words.

Mike what wonderful suggestions! Thank you very much, I'll work on your ideas about sharpening and sky contrast.

Donald the secret is dodge and burning. Original file was awfully flat but I liked the composition in the first place and that was my motivation.

Thank you all again.

[dje]

Both excellent images IMO Miltos, my favourites in the whole set actually. Well done.

Dave

[Nicola]

these are the most beautiful of your "Florence job" Miltos
I saw them on your website a few days ago
my ccompliments

[MilT0s]

Dave, Nicola thank you very much

[jeeperman]

Have to agree, all have been a great and interesting series, Miltos. These last couple however are by a fair margin my favorite, for much the same reasons as have been stated above. Very nicely done.

[MilT0s]

Paul thank you very much,glad you enjoyed the series.

[MilT0s]

Following Mike's suggestion on #19 here is an altered version:



The modifications I made:

- Decrease the contrast of the sky to keep the attention on the main subjects
- Decreased sharpening on some areas for same reason
- Some minor dodge and burning
- A tiny cloning
- Noise reduction selectively on some areas

Mike original comment was:

In #19, I would like to see just a tad less sharpening though your current version is certainly within the realm of good practice. Less sharpening would perhaps enhance the romantic element of both the couple and such a gorgeous combination of vertical man-made structures, which by the way are so perfectly positioned in the frame. Consider also decreasing the contrast in the sky considerably, as it distracts me just a bit from the couple and the vertical structures.

Would be really interested to hear your opinion on the two versions.

[Donald]

I think the second version is more subtle and since this appeals to me, I will say I prefer it.

However, I believe we are making comparison between two versions of a very high quality image and in whatever version you decide you keep it, you should very very proud of it.

[Mike Buckley]

I really like the overall look of the second version much better and am complimented that you took the time and effort to try out my ideas. However, as Donald mentioned, the first version is also wonderful.

[MilT0s]

Following Mike's suggestion on #19 here is an altered version:



Modification I made:

- Decrease the contrast of the sky to keep the attention on the main subjects
- Decreased sharpening on some areas for same reason
- Some minor dodge and burning
- A tiny cloning
- Noise reduction selectively on some areas

Mike original comment was:

In #19, I would like to see just a tad less sharpening though your current version is certainly within the realm of good practice. Less sharpening would perhaps enhance the romantic element of both the couple and such a gorgeous combination of vertical man-made structures, which by the way are so perfectly positioned in the frame. Consider also decreasing the contrast in the sky considerably, as it distracts me just a bit from the couple and the vertical structures.

Would be really interested to hear your opinion on the two versions.