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Still preferring RGB
Jun 7, 2021 23:15:08   #
FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9
 
I posted image #1 once before. That was not long after joining UHH and I hope to be forgiven for doing it again. The reason for re-posting is that I simply converted it to B/W today with the result that I have confirmed my preference for RGB.

BTW, I removed the terribly cluttered background of the original image and replaced it with this self-made textured one. Then created a PNG layer of the orchid itself and gave it a 3D effect by adding a Drop Shadow. Then I merged all layers. As mentioned, I did the conversion today .


(Download)


(Download)

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Jun 8, 2021 00:01:45   #
Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona
 
OK Kip. IMHO you have posted two totally different pictures and I am unable to choose between them. The first is a beautiful rendering of a pretty flower. The second is a rendering of the essence of a pretty flower with all extraneous distractions removed.

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Jun 8, 2021 00:08:25   #
Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida
 
Both are beautiful, Kip! Nice work on the background and the conversion!

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Jun 8, 2021 00:14:29   #
FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9
 
Thank you both Curmudgeon and Carol.
Aren't we having fun? . . .

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Jun 8, 2021 00:15:56   #
Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona
 
FotoHog wrote:
Thank you both Curmudgeon and Carol.
Aren't we having fun? . . .


Absolutely, I wouldn't do it if it wasn't fun

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Jun 8, 2021 08:02:23   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
The drop shadow is a great idea! Your b&w conversion demonstrates the limited tonal range of your color. So we are left with the intricate design and shapes of the blossoms. That is enough for me to enjoy: a somewhat subtle study of beauty in a different form.

Converting to b&w - or better yet, shooting for a b&w result - is best done with the idea of capturing textures and shapes and using light and shadow to tell the story. Training your brain to see in black and white is a different experience altogether

If you're curious, or for others interested, this short article covers some of those ideas:
https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/10-reasons-to-shoot-for-black-and-white/

.

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Jun 8, 2021 08:04:13   #
ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA
 
Great work on #1 - I think you could sell prints of it. #2 doesn't excite me - it's flat. In general, I don't like b&w photos of flowers - they don't work for me.

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Jun 8, 2021 08:08:38   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
Another exercise: ask yourself what color would have done for your last b&w posting:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-699767-1.html

IMO it would have detracted from the impact!

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Jun 8, 2021 10:26:42   #
ygelman Loc: new -- North of Poughkeepsie!
 
FotoHog wrote:
. . . I simply converted it to B/W today with the result that I have confirmed my preference for RGB.

BTW, I removed the terribly cluttered background of the original image and replaced it with this self-made textured one. Then created a PNG layer of the orchid itself and gave it a 3D effect by adding a Drop Shadow. Then I merged all layers. As mentioned, I did the conversion today .

I would say that your B/W version shows your lack of experience in doing this. I would even guess that your preference for color acts as resistance to making good conversions. I'm not being harsh; just do good work with color.
.

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Jun 8, 2021 11:28:36   #
FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
The drop shadow is a great idea! Your b&w conversion demonstrates the limited tonal range of your color. So we are left with the intricate design and shapes of the blossoms. That is enough for me to enjoy: a somewhat subtle study of beauty in a different form.

Converting to b&w - or better yet, shooting for a b&w result - is best done with the idea of capturing textures and shapes and using light and shadow to tell the story. Training your brain to see in black and white is a different experience altogether

If you're curious, or for others interested, this short article covers some of those ideas:
https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/10-reasons-to-shoot-for-black-and-white/

.
The drop shadow is a great idea! Your b&w conv... (show quote)

Thank you Linda for your thoughts on relevant principles pertaining to B/W photography and for referencing the online article. I found it quite interesting and thought provoking. I can see where shooting "for" rather than simply "in" B/W would make an important difference in the outcome. I will try and "bend" my mind to do that. . . .

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Jun 8, 2021 11:38:23   #
FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9
 
ecobin wrote:
Great work on #1 - I think you could sell prints of it. #2 doesn't excite me - it's flat. In general, I don't like b&w photos of flowers - they don't work for me.


Glad you like #1, and thanks for your thoughts. They seem to reflect my own prejudice regarding B/W.

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Jun 8, 2021 11:53:20   #
FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9
 
ygelman wrote:
I would say that your B/W version shows your lack of experience in doing this. I would even guess that your preference for color acts as resistance to making good conversions. I'm not being harsh; just do good work with color.
.

Thank you for your input. I accept your opinion that my B/W version shows my "lack of experience in doing this". I promise to practice more in future. . . .

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Jun 8, 2021 13:26:27   #
Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
The drop shadow is a great idea! Your b&w conversion demonstrates the limited tonal range of your color. So we are left with the intricate design and shapes of the blossoms. That is enough for me to enjoy: a somewhat subtle study of beauty in a different form.

Converting to b&w - or better yet, shooting for a b&w result - is best done with the idea of capturing textures and shapes and using light and shadow to tell the story. Training your brain to see in black and white is a different experience altogether

If you're curious, or for others interested, this short article covers some of those ideas:
https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/10-reasons-to-shoot-for-black-and-white/

.
The drop shadow is a great idea! Your b&w conv... (show quote)

That was a good article. Thanks, Linda.

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Jun 8, 2021 23:09:29   #
Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan
 
There is more than just technique issues involved, in terms of subject matter your phalaenopsis orchid specimen could have been better.

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Jun 9, 2021 08:44:41   #
FotoHog Loc: on Cloud 9
 
Fotoartist wrote:
There is more than just technique issues involved, in terms of subject matter your phalaenopsis orchid specimen could have been better.

Can you please be more specific as to "in terms of subject matter" to help me understand what you are talking about?
Did I choose the wrong orchid?

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