Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Please critique the conversion. Many thanks!

Mt Adams, on Flickr

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Very nicely composed and exposed. The conversion really works for this image, Linda.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks Ken! I'm trying a few different things now that I have a Mac and Affinity instead of Windows and PS Elements

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Your conversion works very well, Linda! BTW it was very clever to leave in the ducks in the foreground for the birders (LOL).

srt101fan

First, very nice, Linda; I like!

Second, I'm ambivalent about the "layers" in this image. I just read a new topic about layering that got me thinking (https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-699513-1.html#12294792). Even though I very much like the overall image, the layers raise a question in my mind but I'm not sure what. Maybe it's the clear visual appeal of the background (mountain) and foreground (ducks and reeds(?)) with a rather undefined middle ground? Is this a case where parts of the photo (foreground and background) are great candidates for B&W conversion but part of it isn't?

Third, speaking of the foreground, and ignoring all the "cropping naysayers", I think you have a wonderful image in the first two ducks (I confess that I enjoy finding images hidden as "pictures-within-pictures". That, for me, is the one and only advantage of higher megapixel cameras).

Fourth, for those of us trying to learn Affinity Photo, could you give us a quick rundown of how you approached this conversion?

jaredjacobson

I agree. This is beautiful. I actually like the two part focus with the ducks in the foreground and the bright mountain. In this case, the two subjects encourage me to linger a bit and find the layer of ducks in the muddier middle.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I try to please everyone, Mike 🤣Thanks for taking a look!

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Gorgeous image Linda - B&W really works for this one!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thanks so much for your thoughtful and detailed discussion, Pete. I see that Jared has commented also. I'm going to visit his discussion thread on compositional layers shortly.

Hidden images-within-images are fun to discover. You've reminded me of a MinnieV-coined term I haven't used for awhile: harvesting pixels. Sometimes it's fun to just aim and take the shot, and work out the story later

I'm afraid I misled about Affinity's role here. I did this conversion in Nik Silver Efex. I also did one in Topaz Studio 2 (both software accessed as plug-ins via Affinity). The Topaz didn't come out well, but could be my lack of experience using, whereas I've worked more with Nik. I will try one with Affinity only and get back to you.

Your observation about an "undefined middle area" is great! I wouldn't have thought of that and I definitely see your point. The color gives us a little more information, though the timing isn't ideal with its being just before all the spring foliage emerged. Below is the edit I started with for the b&w conversion. For the limited Affinity b&w filter options, I'm thinking some pre-conversion edits will be needed. I'll keep track of those when I do my homework assignment Thanks again!

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you very much, Jared! I'm excited to participate in your layering topic - just as soon as the coffee de-muddies my sleepy brain. It's only 5 a.m. in Yakima as I write this

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I appreciate your time and interest, Bill!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Conversion: Excellent!
Critique: Nothing to add.

Linda, this is far and away my favorite photo of the day--congratulations.

nanaval Loc: Cornwall

Very good Linda and it looks so much better in B/W than colour..

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Thank you John! The day is young, but I humbly accept your lovely praise 🤗

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Val, I'm very interested to learn why you like the b&w better, if you have time to elaborate. Thanks much!