Net even more self-portraits in B&W
Feb 2, 2013 11:33:24 #
Wife went out to get some ice-cream with the kids. I jumped out of bed to take some quick self portraits.
These were taken in the bathroom. It's a nice-sized room with a large tub for soaking and relaxing. My flash is on half power with reflected umbrella low and to camera left.
Camera is on tripod with remote.
I used a freeware B&W program. I can't afford silver efex or pretty much any of the others. Perfect B&W is within in my range, but I am not really impressed with the demo.
These were taken in the bathroom. It's a nice-sized room with a large tub for soaking and relaxing. My flash is on half power with reflected umbrella low and to camera left.
Camera is on tripod with remote.
I used a freeware B&W program. I can't afford silver efex or pretty much any of the others. Perfect B&W is within in my range, but I am not really impressed with the demo.
Feb 3, 2013 00:44:57 #
These are actually really good pictures. The big problem is the B&W conversion is not so good. You can do the B&W manually in Photoshop if you practice. I have a course coming out at the end of this month on how to do conversions for this type of shot. It adds a lot more contrast and separation between the whites and blacks. THe overall result is a better B&W. I have NIK Silver Efex but I have found I still have to supplement my B&W conversions with extra photoshop actions. I don't typically use Silver Efex anymore for portraits. If you would like to see a little higher contrast version of Picture 2, I would be glad to share it.
Russ
Russ
Feb 3, 2013 02:21:18 #
PalePictures wrote:
These are actually really good pictures. The big p... (show quote)
Still looking for an effective B&W conversion. I'd love to see what you can do with my shot.
Feb 3, 2013 08:29:43 #
PalePictures wrote:
These are actually really good pictures. The big p... (show quote)
I think we all would like for you to share, some of the portraits you have posted are stunning.
Feb 3, 2013 09:30:40 #
Keep in mind this is a conversion of a conversion. I would have modified the color base some to get a little more desirable effect. Overall I think it turned out pretty good.
Cropping is subjective. (This is just for a conversion example)
I really like the background selection. It gives a little retro feel.
Russ
One other note.
If you combined the full mirror shot of 1 with the pose/look/mood in two you would turn an average self portrait into a great one. IMHO.
Picture 1 is a better composition. Picture 2 reflects a better you.
Cropping is subjective. (This is just for a conversion example)
I really like the background selection. It gives a little retro feel.
Russ
One other note.
If you combined the full mirror shot of 1 with the pose/look/mood in two you would turn an average self portrait into a great one. IMHO.
Picture 1 is a better composition. Picture 2 reflects a better you.
Alternate #2
Feb 3, 2013 11:18:41 #
PalePictures wrote:
Keep in mind this is a conversion of a conversion.... (show quote)
I like it.
Two things:
Would your conversion work for a softer subject...say...a little girl?
Would you be willing--without giving away too many of your secrets--to give me a little insight into your processes?
I love the background. It's the perfect place to shoot as there is lots of opportunity for window light during the day. It's a large mirror so I have to be mindful of reflections.
This shot and others that followed were carefully planned out--I just have to make sure no one wants to shower or.........
Feb 3, 2013 16:25:45 #
hlmichel wrote:
quote=PalePictures Keep in mind this is a convers... (show quote)
There Are different techniques I am using for a softer look. I still like to keep it high contrast but also make it soft.
There are many techniques to convert a photo to B&W.(monochrome for the purist) My methods are as much art as they are a process. In 30 days I will provide to you and anyone else who wants to know the Art side(The way I do it) of creating a Black and White for both monitor display and print. Video will be released on March 1.
There is a girl on the front page of my website showing one of my soft conversions. (Still a lot of contrast).
Feb 3, 2013 23:54:08 #
hlmichel wrote:
quote=PalePictures These are actually really good... (show quote)
I like #1 and #3. I have seen gradients in PS(E) used to get monochrom imgaes, but I have not done it. You might try it sometime to see what happens. B&W conversion in PS(E) is not that great.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.