More rust: a multiple choice test

[DanK]

The best thing to do with the two images below is:

(a) post the color

(b) post the black and white

(c) post neither

[Mike Buckley]

I'm not big into choosing between one or the other, so I'll only mention that I wouldn't know that these pipes (or whatever they are) are rusty based only on viewing the photos. Despite that I could go the rest of my life without making another color photo, I like the color version best because of the better separation between the subject and the background. I should also mention that it's both a unique and very nice photo.

Consider editing your first post to include the option of posting both versions.

[Manfred M]

My first job after I graduated with my mechanical engineering degree was with a well known company that made these small package boilers right through to steam generators for thermal electric power plants and nuclear power plants. These images do bring back memories of seeing these being fabricated on the shop floor.

The first shot looks like an old decommissioned package boiler, the patina of rust on the water tubes is what these units look like when they are not operating. The black & white image is a view more reminiscent of what a newly built unit looked like. The steel tubes still had a silvery look as the tubes had been treated to ensure that they do not get corroded before the unit is installed and commissioned.

So, from a realism standpoint, the first shot is definitely more realistic, but the second one looks great as well. I suspect I prefer the second shot, because I got to see more units that looked like this. That fresh and new look.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Dan,

This is a worthwhile image (you expressed some doubt in another thread).

I prefer the colour.


I see you shot at f/16 at 17mm - resulting in lots of Depth of Field (DoF).

Hindsight being what it is

I now suggest that less DoF is perhaps what this image needed, particularly for subject/background separation in monochrome versions.

Sorry (for stating the obvious), Dave

[mugge]

I prefer the B&W image. I agree with Dave, the background needs to be separated a tad more.
Cheers Ole

[Shadowman]

(a)

[John 2]

Nice pattern shot Dan. Colour for me. BG separation is also Ok particularly in the colour shot where the BG looks de saturated. I know it isn't but the effect gives all the separation needed IMHO.

[Sam W]

Hi Dan - I'm slightly in favor of the B&W. They are also interesting rotated 180 degrees...putting the large dark area at the bottom.

[DanK]

Thanks, all. I'll have to think more about the separation issue. If I have time tonight, I'll hunt for some with a wider aperture, but I think I used the narrow aperture to cope with the distance from the bend to the top. The surrounding pipes are not far back.

[Kaye Leggett]

a)

[tbob]

The colour version. The variability in rust patina holds my attention much longer and gives the image much more character.

[Wavelength]

Color for me.... both are very nice

[bnnrcn]

Color for me

[IzzieK]

Color for me too...

[outwithmycamera]

As intriguing as the pipes are, I almost have to say of the three choices you presented i'd go with option C. I think this is a case where there is something there but you haven't quite got a composition or subject or treatment that works. I'd go back, explore the subject more, get closer, find different angles, you know the drill.