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Thread: African Assassin Approaching

  1. #1
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    Default African Assassin Approaching

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    I have recently started using Nik Silver FX for doing B&W conversions, and I love it. Don't know how I did so many conversions without it :).

    This image was posted previously at the bottom of this thread (http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=57810), for those (like Harshad ;)) who would like to see the colour version...

    I have printed this on large format canvas and it's a belter! It currently hangs in the living room of a good friend's home.

    Would love your feedback on this...Capeesh? :D

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    f4.0 @ 1/1000 SS @ ISO-400
    Morkel Erasmus

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  2. #2
    Todd Frost
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    You know I am a fan of your b/w conversions and this one is no different. The only thing I would do is bring up the blacks slightly on cat only. Great mood with the conversion. Well done. TFS
    ps. The color version is not to shabby either :D.
    Todd

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    Lifetime Member Marc Mol's Avatar
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    I like the high contrast, vignette effect with the dappled lighting falling on Mambiri. The only thing I'd do would be to tone down the sunlit band of light behind her.
    Well done Morkel, I too like the various effects that Silver FX is capable of.
    TFS


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    Quote Originally Posted by Todd Frost View Post
    The color version is not to shabby either :D.
    That's what I want say , BTW we can shoot real b/w leopards if you want :eek::eek::D:D:D
    TFS excellent image

  5. #5
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    Hi Morkel,

    have to say I prefaer the colour version, B&W does not work well with all animals it reaally depends on the environment ,

    I prefaer the colour crop so decided to use that , not a fan of vignetting it has its place but i feel it overpowers your image..plus the subject needs to be centered for it to work..

    please excuse my cloning skills there others who can do a lot better just wanted to give you an idea of how the inclusion of second leopard gives a more powerful image..
    Last edited by peter delaney; 04-24-2010 at 03:11 AM.

  6. #6
    Lifetime Member Stu Bowie's Avatar
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    Hey Mork, before reading Peter's comment, I would have gone with a central placement too. However, Im not too keen on the second leopard. Just shows how we all differ.

  7. #7
    Wildlife Moderator Steve Kaluski's Avatar
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    Hi Morkel, I much prefer the post with the single leopard as it's has less to distract from. Saying that, the 'band' that runs behind as mentioned earlier is your key problem and would certainly tone it down as it's just too prominent, plus I not sure why you added the vignetting? I also find the B/W quite contrasty, however in some ways I don't mind it as it really packs a punch. I guess at the end of the day I am 50/50, but probably would go with the colour version, but with this crop.

    Could you drop me a line about NIK as I did have a quick chat with Chas about this too.

    TFS
    Steve
    Post Production: It’s ALL about what you do with the tools and not, which brand of tool you use.

  8. #8
    Alfred Forns
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    Hi Morkel Do like the single image better Processing wise the vignetting is a bit strong and overpowering ! Not a bad image for the conversion but also prefer the color version !!!

  9. #9
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    thanks so much for the varied comments and feedback everyone. I quite like the vignette effect in this one, but will definitely revisit this shot in colour to try and create a shot with the leopard smack dang in the middle.

    here is a rework of the OP with the brightly lit background sections burned a bit...
    Morkel Erasmus

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    I like the single leopard much better. The vignette effect of the repost is more to my liking. Maybe just a tad brighter overall?

  11. #11
    BPN Member Morkel Erasmus's Avatar
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    thanks Ed - will brighten it up and see what the outcome is...
    Morkel Erasmus

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