Portrait-BW Conversion

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Archive 2008 · Portrait-BW Conversion

vleetj
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p.1 #1 · Portrait-BW Conversion

I'm very new to portrait photography, but would like to learn and improve my skills. I don't have much in lighting setup. This was shot using CGardner's DIY hot-shoe flash diffuser and a plastic milk bottle diffuser for the D90's built in flash.

C&C welcome.

One:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

Two:

Thanks For Looking...

--john

Nov 30, 2008 at 05:56 PM

Walter Koch
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p.1 #2 · Portrait-BW Conversion

John,

I like #1 better than #2. #2 looks to soft to me. Hope this helps.

Walt

Nov 30, 2008 at 08:10 PM

mosier
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p.1 #3 · Portrait-BW Conversion

Hey John, this is great for someone new to portrait photography

I agree with Walter that the second image looks softer. It also looks a little more underexposed to me then the first. I might suggest next time you do a shoot to have your model wear a top that contrasts a bit more with the background. Otherwise, I really like the expression and the pose of the first image a lot.

Cheers,
Jeff

Nov 30, 2008 at 08:28 PM

tsaraleksi
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p.1 #4 · Portrait-BW Conversion

While there is something to be said for a soft conversion, I think these are both lacking in whites and blacks, which makes the image feel a bit muddy.

Nov 30, 2008 at 08:29 PM

vleetj
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p.1 #5 · Portrait-BW Conversion

All,

Thanks so much for the comments...#2 is very soft the original is much sharper.

The softness was purposeful because of who she is, a kindergarten teacher.

thnx again

--john

Nov 30, 2008 at 08:59 PM

genoph
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p.1 #6 · Portrait-BW Conversion

Great shots for a first effort. PP I'd defintely bring out the contrast range. don't crush too much, and avoid losing highlights, but just expand the tonal range. I like the first one the best, also, maybe play with th B+W conversion.

I think it would have been nice to see her either looking more OC or right into the frame, but that's composition for yah

Nov 30, 2008 at 09:08 PM

Steady Hand
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p.1 #7 · Portrait-BW Conversion

Hi John,

You have already gotten some good comments and suggestions.

My Simple Suggestion: Avoid "flat" looking black and white (or color) images.

By "Flat" I mean "tonal range" here. The #2 image is a good example of a "flat" or "muddy" or "murky" looking image.

My Simple Suggestion: take that image file and adjust the levels in photoshop. This is easy to do.

Nov 30, 2008 at 10:03 PM

vleetj
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p.1 #8 · Portrait-BW Conversion

Steady...much appreciate your insights...will work on it. Is "flat" and "muddy" due to a lack of contrast, sharpness or ??

Thx

--john

Nov 30, 2008 at 10:37 PM

FSJ_Guy
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p.1 #9 · Portrait-BW Conversion

Yes, flat and muddy refer to the lack of contrast.

Soft and blurry would refer to sharpness.

Sometimes long-time photographer get caught up using words they've used for ages and forget that not EVERYONE knows what the %^# they're talking about!

I've been guilty of this, too.

Dec 01, 2008 at 02:46 AM


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