First Attempt at B&W Grunge Style Portrait: Admittedly, this shot was not well planned. Lighting was natural with an cell phone, but I thought afterwards it was good material to...

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Admittedly, this shot was not well planned. Lighting was natural with an cell phone, but I thought afterwards it was good material to practice some B&W techniques and try to show some feeling.

I converted to a dark background, did some dodging and burning, then added a texture layer or two.

I would appreciate any suggestions or comments from the more experienced with this style.

(Download)

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

jaysnave wrote:

Admittedly, this shot was not well planned. Lighting was natural with an cell phone, but I thought afterwards it was good material to practice some B&W techniques and try to show some feeling.

I converted to a dark background, did some dodging and burning, then added a texture layer or two.

I would appreciate any suggestions or comments from the more experienced with this style.

What the H3LL is "Grunge"? Is it a Grimy Sponge? a Gruesome Lunge? Is it really a word? Is it really something?

Your use of language defines your character.

Tom G Loc: Atlanta, GA

And the photo is quite unimpressive...

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Tom G wrote:

What the H3LL is "Grunge"? Is it a Grimy Sponge? a Gruesome Lunge? Is it really a word? Is it really something?

Your use of language defines your character.

"Grunge photography goes far beyond what the naked eye perceives and brings with it a dimension of frightening and powerful emotions.

These images are usually heavily edited and enhanced in order to create the grunge effect.
This effect can be described as dark, dirty, old, gloomy and definitely has an eerie vibe to it.

Youve probably spotted plenty of examples of grunge photography as movie studios use it a lot when promoting their horror and scary movies, giving the viewer a feeling of dread and fear."

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Tom G wrote:

What the H3LL is "Grunge"? Is it a Grimy Sponge? a Gruesome Lunge? Is it really a word? Is it really something?

Your use of language defines your character.

Somebody give you a lump of coal or something for Christmas? I thought I made it clear that this photo was not being offered as a reason for a grumpy Tom G rant, but looking for suggestions on how to create this style. Some examples to help you understand grunge photography. http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/08/100-striking-examples-of-grunge-photography/

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Tom G wrote:

What the H3LL is "Grunge"? Is it a Grimy Sponge? a Gruesome Lunge? Is it really a word? Is it really something?

Your use of language defines your character.

While I am not impressed by the image, "grunge" is a well-known photographic style about which every portrait photographer is aware. It is generally a gritty, highly detailed image.

Your response defines your character, btw.

JosephSF Loc: Sonoma County CA

CaptainC wrote:

While I am not impressed by the image, "grunge" is a well-known photographic style about which every portrait photographer is aware. It is generally a gritty, highly detailed image.

Your response defines your character, btw.

Cliff, just got a chance to peruse your website and see your photos. WOW! Spectacular. Definitely something to aspire to.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

JosephSF wrote:

Cliff, just got a chance to peruse your website and see your photos. WOW! Spectacular. Definitely something to aspire to.

:thumbup: Cliff is the hero to many (at least the smart ones) here on UHH.

trc Loc: Logan, OH

bkyser wrote:

:thumbup: Cliff is the hero to many (at least the smart ones) here on UHH.

I'll second that!

Best Regards,
Tom

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

trc wrote:

I'll second that!

Best Regards,
Tom

Hey, your Cliff testimonials are taking over my thread. Just kidding, the captain has been a tremendous resource of mine as well including some great recommendations on equipment. Not to mention a tremendous human being involved with the "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" organization. I have so much respect for someone who can give in that way.

Ok, so now I am doing it. But back to my horrible attempt at the grunge look if that is even the right term. Should I just scrap that idea or are there some pointers from some of you for my next attempt?

MWojton Loc: Yardley, PA

Tom G wrote:

What the H3LL is "Grunge"? Is it a Grimy Sponge? a Gruesome Lunge? Is it really a word? Is it really something?

Your use of language defines your character.

1)Wow Tom G. What a big help you are. You sound like a great guy to hang around with.

2)I will second the Captain's expertise on portraits.

3)Sorry to hijack the thread.

Dave Chinn

jaysnave wrote:

Hey, your Cliff testimonials are taking over my th... (show quote)

I agree with Cliff. My suggestion would be to scrap the cell phone. I tried it with a cell phone camera just to compare results and I was not happy with it at all. I Googled grunge photo tutorials and found several so you can pick and choose.
Regards, Dave

http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=grunge%20photo%20editing%20tutorials

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

DEC wrote:

I agree with Cliff. My suggestion would be to scrap the cell phone. I tried it with a cell phone camera just to compare results and I was not happy with it at all. I Googled grunge photo tutorials and found several so you can pick and choose.
Regards, Dave

http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=grunge%20photo%20editing%20tutorials

Thanks, I will check them out. I like your avatar by the way. Don't think I am a credible judge, but it looks like a great B&W portrait.

WAR10CK Loc: Blacklick, OH

Tom G wrote:

What the H3LL is "Grunge"? Is it a Grimy Sponge? a Gruesome Lunge? Is it really a word? Is it really something?

Your use of language defines your character.

Tom G wrote:

And the photo is quite unimpressive...

Wow dude, just wow...