sbeme: You have one of those images whose appeal spans several color treatments and converts to b&w. I like each here. Let me suggest opening up the shadows of the b&w image. The two color images contain more shadow information and detail, and satisfy more for it. The b&w image may, too.
AuntiPode wrote:
I agree with you, Scott, it's difficult to may a classic composition of such a busy subject. I also agree with Melvin the the colors and textures have promise. Why not let the colors have their way?
(Tweaks to Levels, Exposure gamma, Vibrance/Saturation, Hue/Saturation/Lightness.)
anotherview wrote:
sbeme: You have one of those images whose appeal spans several color treatments and converts to b&w. I like each here. Let me suggest opening up the shadows of the b&w image. The two color images contain more shadow information and detail, and satisfy more for it. The b&w image may, too.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I actually dialed back a bit of shadow detail to try to draw the eye to the engine block and cut down a bit of distraction. Just a bit. I will take a look at the BW with more shadow detail.
sbeme: This contrasty, toned b&w version shows another possibility of this image. I prefer it over the others because it has removed distractions while presenting the old motor dramatically via a dark, near-abstract visual, now more elemental and hence reduced to expressing the old energy of this machine.
Moreover, this fourth image goes behind beautiful documentation, color relation, and mere tonality, to offer instead a stark statement of its subject's underlying character via the bold massiveness achieved here.
It could improve, perhaps, by cropping a little more tightly from the top frame edge. You may also consider removing that wispy distraction along the upper-right area of the frame.
The squiggles you've introduced add a peculiar dainty touch in the presence of mechanical power.
Karen,
Right on target.
A solarization filter in Color Efex. But I found the effect too much and tried to tone it down. Still I liked a lot of the effect on the engine. But not too keen on the squiggles, except to the degree they evoke energy.
Still working on this one.
Scott
sbeme: The squiggles contribute to this particular image by supporting it. At least in the small Web version, they become noticeable only after a longer viewing of the image. Then, emerging, they seem to outline the edges of machine parts as if defining their shape will slow their aging to rust. Leave the squiggles.
I prefer straight photography, but every now and then, as with this old car motor, I see an image presented with a touch elevating it to an evocation of the subject and its nature. Your image says time may enrich our sense while decaying the object of it, like an ancient ruin that moves us to appreciate the whole.
anotherview wrote:
sbeme: The squiggles contribute to this particular image by supporting it. At least in the small Web version, they become noticeable only after a longer viewing of the image. Then, emerging, they seem to outline the edges of machine parts as if defining their shape will slow their aging to rust. Leave the squiggles.
I prefer straight photography, but every now and then, as with this old car motor, I see an image presented with a touch elevating it to an evocation of the subject and its nature. Your image says time may enrich our sense while decaying the object of it, like an ancient ruin that moves us to appreciate the whole.
I hope to see more of your images in the future....Show more →
