B & W Attempt: I am still trying to get the hang of monochrome. I realise that I have perhaps chosen a subject that cries out for colour, but they didn't have colour in 'those' days. I...

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

I am still trying to get the hang of monochrome. I realise that I have perhaps chosen a subject that cries out for colour, but they didn't have colour in 'those' days. I don't have any fancy dodging and burning tools, however comment on that side of it would still be appreciated.
I am a bit unsure of the balance between highlight and shadow and have settled for this rendition and submit for slaughter.

Sunset over the Village

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

Forgot to post this.

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

Second attempt!!
I am not being allowed to upload. It is a Jpeg file but will reduce and try.

Original

Full Original (I hope)

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

My initial impression is that you do not need that big band of black cloud taking up the 20% of your photo. Most of the interesting stuff is going on below, including the sunrays emanating from lower clouds.

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

Bob Yankle wrote:

My initial impression is that you do not need that big band of black cloud taking up the 20% of your photo. Most of the interesting stuff is going on below, including the sunrays emanating from lower clouds.

Thanks for your reply. That was my first consideration. Cropping above didn't give the composition the right balance. I admit that the temptation to include the highlit cloud was very strong and no doubt swayed me in that direction. Your point is perfectly correct and I'm not trying to 'justify' my submission. You are giving the C & C requested and appreciated.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I agree with Bob. There is a lot of interest for me in the village, with all those rooftops packed tightly together and nestled beside the wooded hill.

I adjusted exposure levels a bit on this one, too.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I was submitting my first edit while you were answering Bob. Here is another idea (just a crop, no adjustments). I wonder if your original is one of those shots that tries to show too much in one image, similar to what I often attempt :)

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

Linda From Maine wrote:

I agree with Bob. There is a lot of interest for me in the village, with all those rooftops packed tightly together and nestled beside the wooded hill.

I adjusted exposure levels a bit on this one, too.

Thanks so much. I like it. My first crop was similar but with less off the top. This gave an unwanted mid position. You have balanced it fine. I have landscape shots of the same scene but didn't even consider as B & W as I am keeping the colour ones. Thanks for input, time and effort.
Incidentally, this is the view from my sunroom. Doesn't half change over the period of a year!

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

Linda From Maine wrote:

I was submitting my first edit while you were answering Bob. Here is another idea (just a crop, no adjustments). I wonder if your original is one of those shots that tries to show too much in one image, similar to what I often attempt :)

I think you hit the nail on the head. I don't think I wanted to lose anything.
Realism has to creep in, that's why I enjoy this platform. I only have relatives that look now and again and the reply is always positive. I need an outside opinion that is unbiased and as I have developed a thick skin over the years, needs to be honestly given.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

nairiam wrote:

I think you hit the nail on the head. I don't think I wanted to lose anything.
Realism has to creep in, that's why I enjoy this platform. I only have relatives that look now and again and the reply is always positive. I need an outside opinion that is unbiased and as I have developed a thick skin over the years, needs to be honestly given.

Did you see what St3v3M wrote on page 2 of my "A ranch and Mount Adams" regarding composition? Those remarks were actually what made me think to mention what I did here on yours.

He's such a treasure!
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-165203-2.html#2802596

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

Linda From Maine wrote:

Did you see what St3v3M wrote on page 2 of my "A ranch and Mount Adams" regarding composition? Those remarks were actually what made me think to mention what I did here on yours.

He's such a treasure!
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-165203-2.html#2802596

Thanks for the info. I will file and keep. Wonderful how some people can speak volumes by using only a few words.
Any comment from St3v3 is a valued comment.
In the film days I was a regular finger square user. Went digital with only screen. Forgot all about it and don't believe I've used it once in the last 10 years. Time for me to rethink!
Thanks again.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

nairiam wrote:

In the film days I was a regular finger square user. Went digital with only screen. Forgot all about it and don't believe I've used it once in the last 10 years. Time for me to rethink!
Thanks again.

Exactly the same for me :)

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

nairiam wrote:

I am still trying to get the hang of monochrome. I realise that I have perhaps chosen a subject that cries out for colour, but they didn't have colour in 'those' days. I don't have any fancy dodging and burning tools, however comment on that side of it would still be appreciated.
I am a bit unsure of the balance between highlight and shadow and have settled for this rendition and submit for slaughter.

Nairiam, I think the biggest problem with this image is the lack of contrast in the middle section, the distant hills and the sky. You could also lose about a third from the top of the image.

Graham

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Linda From Maine wrote:

I agree with Bob. There is a lot of interest for me in the village, with all those rooftops packed tightly together and nestled beside the wooded hill.

I adjusted exposure levels a bit on this one, too.

Please not people have been banned for adjusting others photos on this forum

nairiam Loc: Bonnie Scotland

Graham Smith wrote:

Nairiam, I think the biggest problem with this image is the lack of contrast in the middle section, the distant hills and the sky. You could also lose about a third from the top of the image.

Graham

Once again, I think you have identified my weakness - I don't recognise a potential monochrome. I see your remark regarding the middle section as being devoid of contrast, but point out there are no distant hills, only cloud behind the treeline except for a smidgen on the LHS. The RHS shows sunlight under that cloud.
Thank you so much for looking and taking the time to comment.