Inspired by this month's theme I have decided to experiment with B/W conversions and high key images. Here is another frame from a very special Kalahari sighting in 2014, a simple B/W conversion this time - let me know if this works for you or you find it boring, processed in LR and PSCC.
Nikon D3S
Nikon 300mm F2.8
ISO 1000
F5.6
1/2500s
Hope you have a wonderful week-end!
Truly delighted to learn it is Friday today, for some reason I was convinced it was Thursday ,LOL
Liked the composition because it tells a story and the b/w treatment of the image with nice gradations on the lion. There is however a sense of too much selective processing on the lion... not sure if that is really the case or just me.
Many thanks for taking the time to view and comment. I truly appreciate your thoughts, decided to experiment with conversions this month and would like as much input as possible. At first I wanted to go for a high-key look but then changed my mind.
This was processed in LR and PSCC, no additional software used. Levels, curves, D/B. Without a precise plan of action, I ended up with this version which I quite liked in the end. Let us see what the others say! Glad you spoke your mind Nikhil - you made me look at this frame again and gave me an idea - I might surprise you with another version soon:)
Hi Gabriela, I like the tonal range here, albeit viewing on the laptop, however the previous posting is a strong composition IMHO. Nice to see a 'wider' aspect in shooting.
Steve, I did realise the other frame was better in terms of comp. I only chose a different image from the same sighting because I was a bit tired of the previous ( I did too many versions of it - colour as well as B/W).
Have a great evening, thank you so much for your time and comments - appreciate it.
Hi Gabriela - Another nice image of the sighting but I agree with Steve that the comp of the other image is stronger. Still a bit more contrast than I would think for the traditional definition of high key. Presume you also know that high key images can be color too.
Hi Gabriela -- I too agree with Steve and Rachel on the comp, though this image looks much better processed . the harsh settings of the kalahari are quite evident with the skeleton and the dryness in the environment reflecting it quite comprehensively .
Rachel, as mentioned in my intro this is just a plain B/W ( not intended as a Hi-Key). I did a bit of research regarding Hi-Key images but I am finding difficult to find the right frame for this kind of conversion. I am working on it though:)
Apologies Haseeb, I guess we posted our replies at the same time
Thank you so much for your kind words, I am enjoying your comments and observations! BTW the "skeleton" is indeed an old eland carcass from a lion kill in October 2012. It might still be there in February next year when we are visiting the place again.
Another nice "wider" frame here, agree that the previous composition was stronger, but I like the tonality on the lion here, more details visible on him too.
I'd crop some space off the LHS?
Thank you Morkel, will crop and see what it looks like, appreciate your thoughts. Trying to do something different but I admit I feel a little out of my comfort zone with those conversions, not giving up though:)