Color or black and white?
Jun 10, 2016 14:35:30 #
I haven't done much with black and white, but I thought I'd try this shot of a hummer. What do you think? C & C welcome.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-500
f/9
1/1000
ISO 4500
Processed in Elements 14 and Topaz DeNoise6
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-500
f/9
1/1000
ISO 4500
Processed in Elements 14 and Topaz DeNoise6
Jun 10, 2016 14:42:39 #
The interest for me with #1 is the soft light on the hummingbird's head and coming through the translucent wing. That is lost in the b&w, though perhaps a different edit would benefit (lighter exposure overall, more contrast, selectively lighten the bird's eye, etc).
Also, perhaps consider the delicate nature of the tiny hummingbird (or what we think of as delicate; yes, I've seen them be very territorial - lol) and whether b&w can capture that.
Questions to ask yourself when considering conversion: what does color add to this image? Do the colors compete for a viewer's attention and detract from the subject, story or mood? In what way is it better in b&w?
In general I don't care for out of focus elements in b&w. I think sharply defined lines, shapes, shadows, textures work best. As does a subject or scene with more contrast - where you can have a nice range of tones or something more graphic that's mostly all black and all white.
Just one person's opinion
Also, perhaps consider the delicate nature of the tiny hummingbird (or what we think of as delicate; yes, I've seen them be very territorial - lol) and whether b&w can capture that.
Questions to ask yourself when considering conversion: what does color add to this image? Do the colors compete for a viewer's attention and detract from the subject, story or mood? In what way is it better in b&w?
In general I don't care for out of focus elements in b&w. I think sharply defined lines, shapes, shadows, textures work best. As does a subject or scene with more contrast - where you can have a nice range of tones or something more graphic that's mostly all black and all white.
Just one person's opinion
Jun 10, 2016 14:49:38 #
In the color version the subject appears to 'be in the spotlight'. That is lost in the B&W. As Linda mentioned, some different editing might make a difference. As posted, I like the color version better.
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Jun 10, 2016 16:11:52 #
Jun 10, 2016 18:34:18 #
Both shots have nice composition and focus. Personally, The B/W shot, if you add some contrast, is just about perfect. The eye, in perfect focus, peeking over the wing is a stunner. I'd hang that on my wall anytime.
Jun 11, 2016 07:24:58 #
Jun 11, 2016 08:04:33 #
sleepydrdr wrote:
I haven't done much with black and white, but I thought I'd try this shot of a hummer. What do you think? C & C welcome.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-500
f/9
1/1000
ISO 4500
Processed in Elements 14 and Topaz DeNoise6
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-500
f/9
1/1000
ISO 4500
Processed in Elements 14 and Topaz DeNoise6
I am usually a great fan of B&W but in this instance I prefer your colour image. The B&W seems to lose detail to me. Sorry.
Jun 11, 2016 10:06:05 #
Jun 11, 2016 11:08:50 #
Jun 11, 2016 11:26:19 #
Jun 11, 2016 11:54:21 #
Jun 11, 2016 12:18:53 #
Jun 11, 2016 12:55:17 #
Jun 11, 2016 14:01:36 #
sleepydrdr wrote:
I haven't done much with black and white, but I thought I'd try this shot of a hummer. What do you think? C & C welcome.
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-500
f/9
1/1000
ISO 4500
Processed in Elements 14 and Topaz DeNoise6
Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-500
f/9
1/1000
ISO 4500
Processed in Elements 14 and Topaz DeNoise6
Really nice capture...I prefer it in color!
Jun 11, 2016 14:27:32 #
Thank you all for your helpful comments. I think, overall, I also prefer color. With the suggestions made by Linda, I reworked the B & W a little, and I like it a little better.
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