Nature Image for Conversion

[Shadowman]

This image was shot at f/8, ISO 200, 1/1000sec, I was shooting from a moving boat so settings were partially to get sharply focused capture and partially to get detailed surroundings. I like the color version but was looking for a black and white image to try out some new paper (Hahnemuhle German etching), I used the paper once for a black and white image containing skintones but didn't like how the texture of the paper created rough effects on some skin areas. Before I swear off the paper thought this image might be more compatible with the textures of the medium. Comments welcome.

[pschlute]

I like the colour version. The oof vegetation in front of the bird compliments the colour of the beak.

The b+w is not doing it for me I am afraid.

[xpatUSA]

I'm probably missing the point, John. Are you looking for comments as to the best way to convert this color image to grayscale, or for comments on the composition?

As to composition, there's no EXIF; therefore I don't know what camera or lens was used - but my personal inclination would have been to use a wide-open aperture or just under in order to isolate the bird from the foreground and the background, rather than your stated intent, sorry.

I don't print, so have no comment on the paper aspect.

[Shadowman]

I like the colour version. The oof vegetation in front of the bird compliments the colour of the beak.

The b+w is not doing it for me I am afraid.

Hi Peter,
Thanks for commenting, I converted to see if the details would compliment the textured surface of the paper.

[Shadowman]

I'm probably missing the point, John. Are you looking for comments as to the best way to convert this color image to grayscale, or for comments on the composition?

As to composition, there's no EXIF; therefore I don't know what camera or lens was used - but my personal inclination would have been to use a wide-open aperture or just under in order to isolate the bird from the foreground and the background, rather than your stated intent, sorry.

I don't print, so have no comment on the paper aspect.

Hi Ted,
Shot with the D750 and 70-300 lens so wide open would be near f/6.3 at 200mm but I'll confirm both focal length and aperture later. Accept any feedback but more interested in details of composition, bird's head, foliage, dark tones in image and how they work or don't within the composition.

[DanK]

Good capture, but IMHO, you aimed too high. You lopped off the bird's legs and have too much foliage on top, some of which is bright near the edge of the frame. I think this makes the image out of balance, and there is no obvious place for the eye to rest. Naturally, the eye starts at the center, and I found my eye wandering up and down.

[Shadowman]

Good capture, but IMHO, you aimed too high. You lopped off the bird's legs and have too much foliage on top, some of which is bright near the edge of the frame. I think this makes the image out of balance, and there is no obvious place for the eye to rest. Naturally, the eye starts at the center, and I found my eye wandering up and down.

Hi Dan,
I was at the mercy of the airboat and the sudden turn we had just made, part of the reason for the camera settings used. Thanks for commenting.

[xpatUSA]

Hi Ted,
Shot with the D750 and 70-300 lens so wide open would be near f/6.3 at 200mm but I'll confirm both focal length and aperture later.

Thanks for the info - I guess f/6.3 wouldn't make a deal of difference from f/8, DOF-wise. I was thinking more like f/1.4

Accept any feedback but more interested in details of composition, bird's head, foliage, dark tones in image and how they work or don't within the composition.

Out of interest, I split the color RGB channels in the GIMP and found that the blue channel brought out the bird itself quite well while suppressing the foliage somewhat, although how that would print is probably a different matter:



The idea comes from viewing Foveon full-spectrum images by looking at the layer raw data, although not exactly the same thing ...

Pity about the beak though, perhaps the red channel might be better but then the foliage would be more evident.

I like the way the foliage fans out above the bird's head and would be inclined toward a clos-ish portrait crop on that basis ...

[tbob]

I wonder if a subject with more inherent texture might have been a better choice for textured paper? I speak as a complete novice at printing my own images.

[Shadowman]

I wonder if a subject with more inherent texture might have been a better choice for textured paper? I speak as a complete novice at printing my own images.

Bob,

Perhaps, I was thinking perhaps architecture (old world) might be better suited for textured paper, I'd probably run into the same issues I did with skin tones if I printed the steel and glass architecture used today. Thanks for commenting.

[Shadowman]

Thanks for the info - I guess f/6.3 wouldn't make a deal of difference from f/8, DOF-wise. I was thinking more like f/1.4



Out of interest, I split the color RGB channels in the GIMP and found that the blue channel brought out the bird itself quite well while suppressing the foliage somewhat, although how that would print is probably a different matter:



The idea comes from viewing Foveon full-spectrum images by looking at the layer raw data, although not exactly the same thing ...

Pity about the beak though, perhaps the red channel might be better but then the foliage would be more evident.

I like the way the foliage fans out above the bird's head and would be inclined toward a clos-ish portrait crop on that basis ...

Ted,
I like the idea of the close crop, the fanning foliage is part of what made me think the conversion might work.