Platform 4

[John 2]

Two version of the same image. Taken with the first version in mind but I know colour popping is not always favoured however, in this case I thought it added to the image. As always, comments valued.

Fuji X
23mm f1.4 @f8
1/850th sec ISO 500 with-2 compensation

[purplehaze]

I quite like #1, John. I agree that the colour adds to the image, in that it works with the converging lines to draw the eye in. Very nice image.

[Otavio]

Hi, John. Both are nice images, but I prefer number 1. I think the red light adds to the scene. Nicely captured!

Cheers,

[FootLoose]

I quite like the processing of the first version, John, but I don't like the red light. The tint gives the scene a very different feel to the second. The warmer tone gives it vintage atmosphere, whereas the b&w makes it feel more industrial.

Just a quick note on the composition: the post 2nd from the left: the white post in the middle of the track almost directly behind it. I find the overlapping is a bit distracting, especially in the first.

[NorthernFocus]

They're both nice images. Arguments can be made in favor of either one. Maybe the BG disappears a bit more in the second one. Well done.

[Mike Buckley]

For me, the use of color or not has to do with which story you are trying to tell. The color version draws the viewer toward the rear of the scene. The monochrome version draws the viewer toward the uprights at the sides. Both stories are being told very well.

[Shadowman]

Nice capture.

[bnnrcn]

Hi John #1 for me, because the darks are not too strong and the image draws me towards the rear of the scene as Mike says. I find the darks too strong in #2.

[deetheturk]

Very good John, I like both versions with #1 getting a slight edge!

[John 2]

Thanks for the feedback all.

I don't want to sound rude, but to me your shooting settings makes no sense.

(I prefer the 1st)

Saludos.

Gonzalo, in what respect? The ISO setting was a left over from being in the station itself where the light wasn't too good. Here, I metered for the highlights outside of the platform (strong sun) then dialled the compensation back to get some detail in the roof shadows. What may be confusing is the fact that in PP, I have inserted a low opacity white layer between the outside BG and the platform structure just to emphasise the perspective of the pillars and create some separation between the main subject and the outside BG. The result is that you are not seeing the tonal balance of the original.

[Mike Buckley]

The settings look exactly like the kind of mistake I've often made: using a previous setting that is not the ideal setting for the current situation. You could have used the camera's base ISO value and still been able to use a shutter speed that would have been plenty fast enough considering your focal length.

[Brownbear]

Hi John,

A very nice image. I like the composition and the amazing detail captured. I prefer the first image because the light seems softer creating a more beautiful setting and lighter mood. I especially like the red light for the beautiful colour and also because it draws my eye down the framed walkway/driveway.

[John 2]

Thanks Christina.

The settings look exactly like the kind of mistake I've often made: using a previous setting that is not the ideal setting for the current situation. You could have used the camera's base ISO value and still been able to use a shutter speed that would have been plenty fast enough considering your focal length.

Agreed Mike but at the time...........

[davidedric]

#1 by a long way. #2 is just a b&w image of what?

Personal opinion, of course,

Dave

[John 2]

....of a pattern I guess Dave. Under other circumstances I might have given the second image a more graphic look but it was the first version I had in mind when I made the image. Thanks for commenting.

[nikon66]

For me the first shot, well done.

[John 2]

Thank you Steven.

[TonyW]

Like many others, I like the image and prefer the first version. But I am confused by the discussion about the settings. The issue seems to be that the ISO is higher than necessary. That might be so but at the same time it seems quite satisfactory. I don't think of 500 as being a high value and as I look at the image I don't see any noise.

[Mike Buckley]

The issue seems to be that the ISO is higher than necessary. That might be so but at the same time it seems quite satisfactory. I don't think of 500 as being a high value and as I look at the image I don't see any noise.

In theory, we should always shoot at the lowest ISO a given situation allows. That's because of the potential for noise, especially if the image is not properly exposed, and because the higher the ISO value, the less dynamic range. So, it's always best to exercise the discipline of shooting at the ideal combination of settings. I always do that except when I don't.

[John 2]

............... I always do that except when I don't.

That's the real world. I am less disciplined than I used to be simply because one of the greatest areas of progress in recent years has been noise performance. I now mainly use a Fuji XT and the new X Tran sensor does live up to the claims made for it. It's pretty well noiseless up to about 1600 under all conditions (given a reasonable crop where one is needed). That's why a light went on for me when Joe and I think you Mike suggested the advantages of auto ISO in a couple of recent posts.