Moraine Lake in black-and-white

[Mike Buckley]

This scene of Moraine Lake and the Valley of 10 Peaks in Banff National Park is almost always shown in color. That's very understandable, considering the brightly colored canoes, the unusual, brilliant green color of the lake, and the three layers of green trees, brown rocks and blue sky. Despite all of those obvious advantages of using color, a monochrome treatment brings out different (not necessarily better) aspects of the scene, which in their own way are just as dramatic.

Captured in 2009 and recently converted. C&C encouraged, though I have no questions to ask.

[Donald]

Would the real Ansel Adams please step forward!

[Bobobird]

Nicely done.

[Steve S]

Beautiful composition , mike...............................a layer mask around the boat area to reduce highlights.

[dje]

Very nice work Mike. The B&W gives a dramatic look to the place particularly with those wispy clouds. I like the composition too.

When I was there last year, I took most of my shots from the top of the rock pile, but looking at your shot and a few others since, I think the a lower view such as yours gives a better perspective and also highlights the water reflections better.

Dave

[Brownbear]

gorgeous shot, love the B&W

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, everyone!

a layer mask around the boat area to reduce highlights.

Nice idea, Steve! Is this more to your liking?

[Shadowman]

Very nice.

[jeeperman]

Nicely done, Mike. I think I actually prefer the original.

I thought wrong. I like the edit. lol

[gcowan]

Nice work Mike. It is an enchanting place. I didn't think of monochrome when I was there the colours were so strong especially with the canoes in the foreground.
Graham

[Steve S]

I think that helped, i can see more detail in the boats and dock now. Nice image mike!!

[Karm Redland]

Beautiful image.

Karm

[pnodrog]

Reducing the highlights on the boats certainly improves what was already a pretty impressive scene.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks again, everyone!

Steve mentioned that his idea of reducing the highlights on the canoes and dock improved the detail in that area. That's because I also increased the contrast in that area. The other improvement for me, perhaps a more important improvement, is that the brightest tones in that area no longer pull the viewer's eye immediately to the bottom right corner of the image.

[tbob]

Every scenic calendar in Canada seems to feel obligated to show this lake. I think your image is a vast improvement. The great thing about the view is the rock and tree texture and tones, this black and white really emphasizes it.

Really well processed too; if my limited experience in the medium is any criteria.

I will have to stop looking at your black and white stuff, it starting to make me appreciate the conversions. Slippery slope and all that. Could end up like Donald.

[Mike Buckley]

Could end up like Donald.

Life could be worse.

[Donald]

Could end up like Donald.

I wouldn't wish that on anyone!

[Brownbear]

Wish it on me.. your b&w photos are simply stunning..

[mknittle]

That is nice!!

[FlyingSquirrel]

Yet another fantastic B&W from you. You are killing it on these monochromes, Mike