Italian Bridge revisited (in b+w)

[pschlute]

I took this photo last month. I always thought it had more about it than those I showed it to seemed to think. I tried a different approach using b+w and more dodging and burning (using technique learned here.... curves layers) to try and bring out its charm.

Please be honest. It may simply be one of those photos where I think it has potential when in fact it does not and I just need to let it go.

[Shadowman]

It does have potential, I think a portrait format would really give it a boost, you'd lose most of the area to the side but the structure and the abyss below is really what this image is about.

[pschlute]

It does have potential, I think a portrait format would really give it a boost, you'd lose most of the area to the side but the structure and the abyss below is really what this image is about.

You may be right. On a separate subject I have an aversion to portrait orientated images as these tend to be overlooked in web based forum photo competitions (in my view).

[Manfred M]

Kill most of the foreground by getting more into a pano format. Open up some detail in the clouds and do some more hard dodging on the left hand side and you get a more compelling image. You might want to lift the shadows under the bridge a bit too.

There is potential in the image but I don't think you're there yet. This would have worked really well if you had taken it from a higher vantage point, but that might not have been possible.

A couple of minutes of work gives me this:

[pschlute]

I think the pano format makes it work. Thanks.

I was limited on vantage point both by other people and vegetation getting in the way. It is is a private garden which opens only half a dozen times a year so not easy to get back to and re-take.

[xpatUSA]

I think the pano format makes it work. Thanks.

I was limited on vantage point both by other people and vegetation getting in the way. It is is a private garden which opens only half a dozen times a year so not easy to get back to and re-take.

If I were shooting an "Italian Bridge" as opposed to a "River with an Italian Bridge over it" I'd be tempted to go the other way:



But then, I do tend to take things literally ...

[Rufus]

Quite a range of interpretations in just three versions!

I agree that less foreground helps. The pale light reflecting in the foreground is a bit distracting.

Manfred's crop still gives significant prominence to the wide area of plants (hostas?) on the right growing by the water, and there are a lot of mid-range tones.

I feel Ted's crop works best as it is clear what the subject is due to both its prominence in the frame and the lead-in lines. However, I would be inclined to pull back a little on the sharpening.

[xpatUSA]

I feel Ted's crop works best as it is clear what the subject is due to both its prominence in the frame and the lead-in lines. However, I would be inclined to pull back a little on the sharpening.

Looking again, I must agree with that last point. Sharpening up all that foliage just made it look cluttered. Thanks for the comment.

Wavelet Contrast processing might work better - increasing the contrast at larger radii but reducing it at smaller radii. Must play some more ...

[Manfred M]

I would be inclined to pull back a little on the sharpening.

Yes, the leaves have developed something I refer to as a "crunchy" look and that is why traditional sharpening and micro-contrast have to be applied very carefully. In practice, a slight blurring of leaves often results in a stronger image.

[xpatUSA]

Yes, the leaves have developed something I refer to as a "crunchy" look and that is why traditional sharpening and micro-contrast have to be applied very carefully. In practice, a slight blurring of leaves often results in a stronger image.

Indeed, I just now tried some Wavelet processing as I mentioned earlier; works very well.

[Wavelength]

I liked Ted's crop the best

[pschlute]

Thanks for all the thoughts. I will have another attempt at some point soon.

[pschlute]

Well this is going to be the final version

I used a 16:9 ratio. When I was happy with the dodging/burning I added a selective Gaussian blur to everything except the bridge itself and added a vignette. I think I have got what I was after which was a picture that evokes the past.

[xpatUSA]

Well this is going to be the final version

I used a 16:9 ratio. When I was happy with the dodging/burning I added a selective Gaussian blur to everything except the bridge itself and added a vignette. I think I have got what I was after which was a picture that evokes the past.

Nice job, Peter.

[Wavelength]

This is nice too

[mugge]

The final edit with the Gaussian blur fixed it for mine. Maybe some dodging (very minimal) of the building (excluding the roof)?
Cheers Ole

[Rufus]

The final edit with the Gaussian blur fixed it for mine. Maybe some dodging (very minimal) of the building (excluding the roof)?
Cheers Ole

+1 from me.