Cormorants in black and white...

[jprzybyla]

When I began working up this image it seemed to cry out for a black and white. I stumbled around trusting my eyes until it seemed acceptable. To those who use black and white as their medium (Donald and others) I would like comments and suggestions, good and bed. Thank you for viewing.

[Donald]

The composition is superb, Joe.

The only question going around in my head is whether it would be worth making the birds and the tree 'pop' from the background a bit more by lightening the background. I don't know if that would work - need to try and see. As it is it retains that wonderful sense of calm and serenity. Something that is, effectively, more contrasty might lose that sense of pacefulness.

[jprzybyla]

The composition is superb, Joe.

The only question going around in my head is whether it would be worth making the birds and the tree 'pop' from the background a bit more by lightening the background. I don't know if that would work - need to try and see. As it is it retains that wonderful sense of calm and serenity. Something that is, effectively, more contrasty might lose that sense of pacefulness.

Hello Donald, thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge and eye. The image posted below attempts to implement you suggestions.

[Donald]

Hello Donald, thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge and eye. The image posted below attempts to implement you suggestions.

What's your own view, Joe? A better image?

[jprzybyla]

What's your own view, Joe? A better image?

Hello Donald, I do think it is a better image. The subtleness of the lighter background enables to birds and dead snag to be more prominent. I tried to find a balance between a slightly lighter background and the tones found in the birds and dead tree. Pleas if you will, tell me your thoughts.

[Donald]

I think what you've done does have a positive impact. It's not overdone (which would have been easy to do), but is subtle and delicate. But click on one of the two to view them in the Lightbox and then toggle between the two. Then you see the difference. I think the newer version makes the birds jump out more.

I hope some other folks will tell us what they think.

[ShaneS]

I'll chime in to say that Joe's subtle change (and it is very subtle) at Donald's suggestion has a great impact on the overall image. What a great opportunity for others to see that changes don't always have to be dramatic to have a dramatic impact.

This is a perfect example of what I love about being part of this forum. The camaraderie and overall sense that each member wants every other to fulfill their highest potential as a photographer is really fantastic!

[Brownbear]

Beautiful... I agree that the edited version, although so subtle stands out wonderfully.

[jprzybyla]

I think what you've done does have a positive impact. It's not overdone (which would have been easy to do), but is subtle and delicate. But click on one of the two to view them in the Lightbox and then toggle between the two. Then you see the difference. I think the newer version makes the birds jump out more.

I hope some other folks will tell us what they think.

Thank you Donald, I appreciate and value your comments.

[jprzybyla]

I'll chime in to say that Joe's subtle change (and it is very subtle) at Donald's suggestion has a great impact on the overall image. What a great opportunity for others to see that changes don't always have to be dramatic to have a dramatic impact.

This is a perfect example of what I love about being part of this forum. The camaraderie and overall sense that each member wants every other to fulfill their highest potential as a photographer is really fantastic!

Hello Shane, thank you for taking time to view and comment. I totally agree on all points regarding this forum. My photography has improved immensely because of it.

[jprzybyla]

Beautiful... I agree that the edited version, although so subtle stands out wonderfully.

Thank you Christina.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Joe,

I really cannot decide which of the two I prefer; my initial thought on seeing the first image was with Donald's - that a little more contrast wouldn't hurt.

However, my initial thoughts on seeing the second were that, despite the subtleness, there was certain detail in plumage which I preferred in the first, but then I critically compared the two (at 100%) and now suffer "analysis paralysis"


One thing I will "lob in" (for consideration), and I accept that this may not have been possible - is that when I shoot Cormorants from this rear three quarter angle, I try to get a shot that shows a better lit head; i.e. I wait until they turn their heads slightly more to camera, so the sunlight rakes across the eye and beak. As it is, the sides facing us are both in shadow.

All the best,

[Karm Redland]

Joe, great composition. I would try to improve the clarity or sharpness or contrast of their heads. I think in both images their heads look a bid washed out and faded to me.

karm