From Under the Bridge

[sachtjen]

Hi All,

I submitted this to the monochrome mini-competition a couple of rounds back. Now that the competition is closed, I would like to see if anyone would like to offer some C&C. I welcome feedback on composition, post-processing or anything else to improve the picture.

The boats are a little out of focus. I know that. I have another shot where the boats are sharper but I don't like the framing as well. I think converting to B&W makes it more interesting than the original, but I want to get your thoughts.

#1: As I submitted to competition



#2: Original Color



#3: Sharper image but clipped pathway

[Shadowman]

Michael,

Would be of interest to see camera settings, time of day, and also camera model. I mention camera model because most are rating on dynamic range capability which is the issue with your image of having a bit too much or possibly you not utilizing your camera's exposure compensation setting. The dark shadowy area is a bit too distracting, too large, and not very interesting. It looks like there is some flattering light on the left hand side and then a lot of in shade or reflected light area which looks a bit dull. It would also be helpful if you include the software you use to edit your imagery.

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Michael,

Your decision to go monochrome originally was correct, the low sun on the fence isn't helpful to the image.

I thought the crop in #3 had gone too far and I started trying to describe how I'd crop #1 down a little, but when I decided that meant all 4 sides, it became easier to show rather than describe, so I post a cropped version here.



If you'd rather I hadn't altered your image and reposted, please let me know and I'll remove it.


While I had it briefly open in ACR, that warned me that you have 'crushed to black' some large areas under the bridge - that's not something I'd personally have done, but then I don't often shoot or process for mono - so I'm not used to the usually more contrasty look (that often works well).

Hope that's helpful,
Dave

PS
In addition to the question John asked while I was mucking around, can you confirm if you are shooting RAW or jpg?
(goes to dynamic range, crushed blacks, etc.)

[sachtjen]

Hi John and Dave,

Shot on:
Nikon D3400
18.0-55.0 mm f/3.5-5.6

Shot at:
18mm
f4.0
ISO 400
0.6 seconds (on a tripod)
about 30 to 60 minutes before sunrise

Shot in RAW.
Edited in Lightroom CC.

Quick edit #1.



I applied Dave's crop, more or less. I maintained the aspect ratio which gave me slightly more photo retained on either side. I like your crop. I realized the amount of hedges to the left are not necessary. Also cutting the shadow areas down does make them less imposing. Besides the crop this was a default conversion to B&W with no other processing. In the original submission I did push the range from 100% white to 100% black as much as possible. I may have gone overboard.

Quick edit #2



I applied dehazing and brought the shadows up 100% to show how much detail can be pulled out of the shadow. I don't mind some mystery in the shadows and I like the framing and contrast of the extreme blacks, but I'm not disliking the details brought out in the girders. Bringing the shadows up this much did bring out the noise. Maybe I can find a happy medium. I will continue to play with this one.

Thank you both for your suggestions. Dave, I don't mind others editing my photos. I'm here to learn and sometimes showing is easier than telling.

[Wavelength]

The golden light has a special effect in the color, for the rest, i like #3; The cinemascopic screen like effect adds some beauty

[sachtjen]

Thanks Nandakumar,

The golden light is from a street light. I find the difference in color distracting, but I like hearing others opinions.

It's a lot of black. As I was shooting it I didn't think it would turn out very well, too much bridge and shadows. But I'm just learning so I considered it an experiment. When I saw the results, especially after converting to B&W, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the dark framing worked, though I agree with Dave, a little cropping helps.

[Rainforest]

For what it's worth Michael, your quick edit #2 puts the viewer more in the photo and allows some exploration for me. I like the added angle details too. Interesting shot :-)

[Merlin52]

Nooo. opening up the shadows was the wrong thing Michael as it has exposed all the luminance noise you get in underexposed areas and you have also overlightened it...it is supposed to be dark.

In your raw (jpeg?) file your camera probably exposed for the boats area and the contrast range was just too much for your camera sensor to capture, so you have to accept some dense shadow areas which in this case is OK because everyone knows it is dark under a bridge
So, use that area (bump up the 'roof' bits that are light to add a little Form) to Frame the rest of the image, the viewer's brain will fill in the 'detail' from their own memories of dark spaces under bridges anyway and the picture becomes all about the boats, path and water all surrounded with a very nice/unusual triangular frame.

I think your original submission wasn't far off ( I think I voted for it ) and Dave's edit has added a bit more contrast (always a plus for mono) and punch which you can pick up on for future mono's .

[sachtjen]

Thanks Susan and John for the additional feedback. I think it's interesting how varied opinions can be. I see it both ways. When I brightened the shadows I liked the geometric patters than emerged but I also like the dense dark shadows. You're under the bridge which is dark and scary, but there's a path out and just steps away are the brightly lit still waters.

I tried to bump up the roof bits that are light while maintaining the shadow feel. After adding some contrast back to the overall image I'm back to something that isn't significantly different from Dave's crop.

It's minor tweaks, but I feel like it a better image that the one I started with. This is my first time submitting a photo for CC. It's been a lot of fun. Thanks everyone who gave feedback.

[Rainforest]

Nice tweaks Michael. I like it better too.

[IzzieK]

The last one is the best one, Michael -- for what it is worth. It is really nicer now than the first one. Converting to Black and White is the best decision you've made for this shot.