Photo Assignment for the Week: 4/16 - 4/23

[fish]

Here's your photo assignment for this week: Contrast.




As always, photos must be fresh - taken this week, not stuff you've got hanging around on your computer.
You've got a choice here...light object on a dark background or dark object on a light background.
We're gonna trying something new this week. Cletus, our new Photoshop Assignment czar has posted his first weekly Digital Darkroom Assignment (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=1062). It's highly recommended that you combine the two assignments if at all possible. Extra credit, if you will.

Have at it.



Advanced spin: I'm going to pass on the AS this week, to give folks a chance to adjust to the new format and synergy of the two assignments.

[gubbs]

M4http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3515366-M-1.jpg

[wxwax]

Now you're talking, Gubbs. That's exactly the kind of pic we're looking for! :thumb

[lynnma]

M4http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3515366-M-1.jpgNice shot Gubbs... is that the M4 in England??

[lynnma]

old apple tree....

[Rolling Stone]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/1610203-L-1.jpg

[fish]

Luminox.
http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3527752-L.jpg

[cletus]

Man... Four pictures up so far and all four are great :clap

You guys are going to scare everyone away :lol3

[Thwack]

...five days ago is still this week, right? :D

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3530558-M.jpg


I forgot to keep a copy of the cropped color version before converting it to B&W (and I don't want to wade through a ton of undo's). So, to see the original, I had to go back to the pre-cropped version:

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3530801-M.jpg

I think the b&w version looks much better than the original (even if you crop out the people and some of the blownout sky).

[Max Power]

Ok Ok, I shot this a week ago but with the contrast theme being the goal. I am not re shooting it. :rofl


http://coolpics.smugmug.com/photos/3371886-L.jpg

[gubbs]

Nice shot Gubbs... is that the M4 in England??Yes it is England, can't you tell by the weather? I took it on the way to work.
Thanks - Jon

[gus]

Jebus thwack...your punchin' out some beauties...i like the top B&W. got ansel written all over it mate :thumb

[peachmaan]

Shot on the 12th.... (I just can't stop breaking the rules.....)

[Thwack]

Jebus thwack...your punchin' out some beauties...i like the top B&W. got ansel written all over it mate :thumb

Thanks for the kind words! Seeing the before picture in color kind of surprised me how much better the cropped B&W version came out. I wouldn't have thought the crummy original had it in it and wouldn't have tried if it weren't for the challenge here. I'm having a blast (and still have way too much to learn).

I forgot to describe what process I used to convert the image to B&W. I'm lame, so I used the "B & W" button in iPhoto and let it do the work for me.

I'll have to read up a bit on doing it using other methods, but for this shot, iPhoto did a pretty good job.

[tmlphoto]

http://tmlphoto.smugmug.com/photos/3538386-M.jpg Busy week. Not much to choose from. Here's my best attempt for this week.

Conversion to B&W was in Photoshop Elements. Lowered saturation to 0. Adjusted mid tone levels and highlight levels. Bumped up overall contrast +8.

http://tmlphoto.smugmug.com/photos/3538385-M.jpg

[fish]

It's hard for me to do non-b&W contrast shots...I'll have to work at it some more.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3541996-L.jpg

[Max Power]

It's hard for me to do non-b&W contrast shots...I'll have to work at it some more.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3541996-L.jpg

What r you using for a light source?

[fish]

That shot was a little bit of ambient at 3 o'clock and overhead fluorescent tubes.

[Max Power]

That shot was a little bit of ambient at 3 o'clock and overhead fluorescent tubes.

It would be cool to see that shot again using a single point source of light. Maybe play with your flash from your point and shoot at 90 degrees, 3 o'clock, if you don't have a secondary flash for your 10D. Try it in a completely dark room. Set your camera up like you did before. Push the button and while the shutter is open, fire your secondary flash from the side to cast some shadows. It will take some experimenting to get the right distance to hold your flash source from the subject.

[fish]

Koala.
http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3546006-L.jpg

[Max Power]

Koala.
http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3546006-L.jpg


Very cool. What's the story on the coin.

[Rolling Stone]

Trees on the Island

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/1610031-L.jpg

[fish]

Very cool. What's the story on the coin.
Thanks. Nothing too special...1980 Ozzie Koala. 10grams. Reminds me of Humongus. ;) Actually, it just happened to be easy to get to and could be removed from its plastic case. The next two are a bit more special, but were in plastic cases and difficult to shoot and process. Obviously, I'm a hack at photoshop.

Here's a 1oz Singapore Bunny.
http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3547210-L.jpg

1881 UNC Silver Dollar from Carson City mint.
http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3547212-L.jpg

[fish]

Ok Ok, I shot this a week ago but with the contrast theme being the goal. I am not re shooting it. :rofl



Here's yer damn minute. :1drink

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3547755-L-1.jpg

[cletus]

Here's yer damn minute. :1drink

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3547755-S-1.jpg
That's cool! :thumb

[fish]

That's cool! :thumb
Thank you. :andy

You have no idea how long it took or how many bits I wasted working on that watch. :bash

[damonff]

Last Friday morning in my neighborhood...

http://nomadstudios.smugmug.com/photos/3516078-L.jpg


...and yesterday in Suzhou, about an hour west of here by train...


http://nomadstudios.smugmug.com/photos/3546722-L.jpg

[Thwack]

Tied tonight, shot tonight...fished in the near future.

http://thwack.smugmug.com/photos/3548527-M.jpg

[gubbs]

I use Photoimpact's convert to 16bit grayscale then adjusted the gamma and brightness down very slightly.
http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3551170-M.jpg

and the original (I prefer this one)
http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3551169-M.jpg

[peachmaan]

and the original (I prefer this one)
http://Gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3551169-M.jpg

me too... like it better....

Nice car you've got there.... original?/rebuilt?/yourz at all?
(good job on the polishing ..... plus on the "hiding-job" ) :thumb

[lynnma]

Last Friday morning in my neighborhood...

http://nomadstudios.smugmug.com/photos/3516078-L.jpg


...and yesterday in Suzhou, about an hour west of here by train...


http://nomadstudios.smugmug.com/photos/3546722-L.jpgNice Duotone Damon, I really like the first one, got a thing about mist..:D

[damonff]

Thanks Lynn. I worked on the first one for a while...

[gubbs]

me too... like it better....

Nice car you've got there.... original?/rebuilt?/yourz at all?
(good job on the polishing ..... plus on the "hiding-job" ) :thumb
Its a Kit car based on a "Lotus 7" and a lot of fun!!

[lynnma]

Thanks Lynn. I worked on the first one for a while...
wanna share your secrets? :wink

[Max Power]

Here's yer damn minute. :1drink

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3547755-L-1.jpg

Very cool. Thank you. :clap

[Argusphoto]

There is also man vs nature contrast

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3561088-M.jpg

[GREAPER]

My entry

[Thwack]

There is also man vs nature contrast

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3561088-M.jpg

I saw some great man vs. nature contrast yesterday while kayaking on a local reservior. They're slowly removing a couple of large hills as they quarry them for rocks, gravel, dirt, whatever. There's a lot of contrast between the untouched parts of the hills (lots of trees, etc) and the gouged out parts...but I didn't have a camera with me.

Might have to go back just for this.

[special kid]

here is my pics for this week. I'm not that good at photoshop but i gave it a whirl
http://www.newlookimages.com/Images/stbw.jpg
original
http://www.newlookimages.com/Images/stclr.jpg

[Sam]

Yahoo! I finally was able to go out today and take a few photos. It was cloudy and some light rain. About 55mm hand held. I hope this qualifies for contrast.

[fish]

Sam...that's gorgeous!! :thumb

[ian408]

Yahoo! I finally was able to go out today and take a few photos. It was cloudy and some light rain. About 55mm hand held. I hope this qualifies for contrast.
That's beautiful!

Ian

[gypsy77360]

http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3569017-M.jpg
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3569432-M.jpg
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3569091-M.jpg
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3569500-M.jpg
http://gypsy77360.smugmug.com/photos/3569305-M.jpg

will try again . Lighting is proving difficult for above subject , will pick another. Cheated a bit w/ iPhoto for B&W.

[RachelBrune]

Okay, everyone has posted some gorgeous stuff here. I really like seeing the before and after shots, playing around with colors and seeing what's left when you take the colors out. I don't think I'll ever get bored putting the colors in, taking them out, putting the colors in, taking them out... whee! (I hear the phone ringing, it's my life, wondering I'm going to get one...)
Here is a quiet little shot I took of my mom's apple tree (we think it's still alive, we're not sure, she got a little enthusiastic with the pruning shears) and her Japanese lantern type light. I grayscaled it in Photoshop Elements, and darkened it a tad, then boosted the contrast to bring out the highlights. I'm not sure by how much, usually I move the lever until I get something I like.

[pathfinder]

Luminox.
http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3527752-L.jpg
Great image - shot in the dark almost? Mine shows a little rougher life..... Great lens the 100 Macro eh!?

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3570495-L.jpg

[Shakey]

My attempt at this assignment.

http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/3571022-M.jpg
Does this qualify?



Tim

[pathfinder]

And here is another appearance of a frequent subject - My blue sphere - this time for contrast....... This will be it final appearance so as to not wear out its welcomehttp://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/Laughing.gif

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3570381-L.jpg

And in B&W for a nice transparent look for that contrast effect...

http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3571063-L.jpg

[pathfinder]

My attempt at this assignment.

http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/3571022-M.jpg
Does this qualify?



Tim
Great picture - Lovely eyelashes...

A side note - My Suzi is covered in dust - she got baptised in the dirt yesterday afternoon.http://www.dgrin.com/images/icons/cool2.gif

[wxwax]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/1610203-L-1.jpg
Nice shot, DD. :thumb

[wxwax]

Trees on the Island

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/1610031-L.jpg

Another nice one, DD!

[wxwax]

Last Friday morning in my neighborhood...
http://nomadstudios.smugmug.com/photos/3516078-L.jpg

Damonff, I really like your mist shot.
:nod

[wxwax]

My entry
Another good one. Man, give folks a real photography assignment, and watch the talent bloom.

[wxwax]

My attempt at this assignment.

http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/3571022-M.jpg
Does this qualify?



Tim

Dunno if it qualifies, but it sure is lovely.

[wxwax]

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3571909-L.jpg





http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3571689-L.jpg

[fish]

Really belongs in the rose thread (where I'll also put it) but it's kinda contrasty.

http://fish.smugmug.com/photos/3570837-L.jpg

[wxwax]

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3572343-L.jpg

[wxwax]

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3573087-M.jpg

[damonff]

Thanks Sid. I went downstairs to walk my dog at around 5:30 without my camera (what was I thinking???) and I saw a bunch of really cool mist. Of course, I had to follow through on the dog business but after it was done I ran for the camera, ran downstairs and was able to catch some and luckily also got the guy in the left corner. Thanks.

~Damon

[damonff]

Another one from my trip to Suzhou last Saturday...

http://nomadstudios.smugmug.com/photos/3553884-L.jpg

[damonff]

I like the color one more...good one!http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3571909-L.jpg





http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3571689-L.jpg[/QUOTE]

[Argusphoto]

I took this one Friday before the new assignment. We had a western cookout at work. Many people wore western wear, but not anyone in this picture.

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3561786-M.jpg

[rescue951]

painting on a wall. The color was wonderful. later

[dragon300zx]

http://www.michiganwater.com/normallight.jpg
http://www.michiganwater.com/normallightsmallbw.jpg
http://www.michiganwater.com/sunthrough.jpg
http://www.michiganwater.com/lightthrough2bw.jpg
http://www.michiganwater.com/lightthroughsmallbw.jpg

[RachelBrune]

Cheated a bit w/ iPhoto for B&W.
Ha! There's no such thing as cheating. Photos are photos whether they become art through good composition, or if you create the composition later with your (digital) darkroom.
Just my opinion. Nice work. :-)

[AltPro]

[QUOTE=fish]Here's your photo assignment for this week: Contrast.




As always, photos must be fresh - taken this week, not stuff you've got hanging around on your computer.
You've got a choice here...light object on a dark background or dark object on a light background.
We're gonna trying something new this week. Cletus, our new Photoshop Assignment czar has posted his first weekly Digital Darkroom Assignment (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=1062). It's highly recommended that you combine the two assignments if at all possible. Extra credit, if you will.

PHOTOSHOP & PHOTO CHALLENGE
My entry into this weeks assignment, is RoRy EliZaBeTh, born 3:05am Easter Sunday, 11 April 2004, weighing in at 7lbs 11oz & 20.5" long.

This was one of her first photos. Taken just 5 days after she was born, and she is rather jaundiced. So, I knew I would be converting some of them to B&W anyway.

Made touch up to any outstanding Blemishes.
Checked and Adjusted Levels & Curves
Changed the Mode to Grayscale
re-Adjusted Levels
Curves
Contrast
Mode-DuoTone
Selected PANTONE 7533 C & PANTONE 1405 C

I remain,
ginette

[Sandy]

Everyone is doing an impressive job. great photos. This photo was taken while I was bicycling past the Director's Guild on Sunset Blvd. I desaturated the photo and used curves to brighten it up.


http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5633523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D56% 3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C%3B325693ot1lsi



http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5633523232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D56% 3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C%3B3256%3B9ot1lsi

[Sandy]

Congratulations to the parents of the beautiful baby girl. I prefer the B& W version.

[QUOTE=fish]Here's your photo assignment for this week: Contrast.



As always, photos must be fresh - taken this week, not stuff you've got hanging around on your computer.
You've got a choice here...light object on a dark background or dark object on a light background.
We're gonna trying something new this week. Cletus, our new Photoshop Assignment czar has posted his first weekly Digital Darkroom Assignment (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=1062). It's highly recommended that you combine the two assignments if at all possible. Extra credit, if you will.

PHOTOSHOP & PHOTO CHALLENGE
My entry into this weeks assignment, is RoRy EliZaBeTh, born 3:05am Easter Sunday, 11 April 2004, weighing in at 7lbs 11oz & 20.5" long.

This was one of her first photos. Taken just 5 days after she was born, and she is rather jaundiced. So, I knew I would be converting some of them to B&W anyway.

Made touch up to any outstanding Blemishes.
Checked and Adjusted Levels & Curves
Changed the Mode to Grayscale
re-Adjusted Levels
Curves
Contrast
Mode-DuoTone
Selected PANTONE 7533 C & PANTONE 1405 C

I remain,
ginette

[AltPro]

Congratulations to the parents of the beautiful baby girl. I prefer the B& W version.

Thanks, Sandy! I do too.
ginette

[Argusphoto]

I posted the color version earlier. Using Photoshop, I changed the mode to B&W, then selected the grill and adjusted the mid-levels to make them lighter. Finally, selecting the whole picture, I used levels to make it darker.

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3586894-M.jpg

Would you like fries with that?

[Shakey]

Another of my feeble attempts.

http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/3587070-L.jpg


PS ,and Pathfinder it is good you are getting that DR dirty.

[Sandy]

Interesting...just let the mind wander.

Another of my feeble attempts.


http://shakey.smugmug.com/photos/3587070-L.jpg


PS ,and Pathfinder it is good you are getting that DR dirty.

[Shakey]

That's me, my mind does wander a bit. :D


Here is the original before B&W conversion.

I call this shot Eye Shadow

[Argusphoto]

color version previously posted.

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3603245-M.jpg

[Argusphoto]

This time I will post the B&W first.

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3603241-M.jpg

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3603240-M.jpg

[rutt]

... go cycling:


http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3603541-L.jpg

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3603557-L.jpg

[rutt]

This time I will post the B&W first.

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3603241-M.jpg

http://wallyworld.smugmug.com/photos/3603240-M.jpg
I like the color much better in this case. What was gained in B+W? The beautiful skin color was lost...

[rutt]

That's me, my mind does wander a bit. :D


Here is the original before B&W conversion.

I call this shot Eye Shadow
This is another case where I think something valuable was lost by the converstion (the great feather color) but don't understand what was gained.

[rutt]

My entry into this weeks assignment, is RoRy EliZaBeTh, born 3:05am Easter Sunday, 11 April 2004, weighing in at 7lbs 11oz & 20.5" long.

This was one of her first photos. Taken just 5 days after she was born, and she is rather jaundiced. So, I knew I would be converting some of them to B&W anyway.


Very nice baby shot. Why convert to B&W? I think she is more beautiful in color.

[damonff]

Love the cycling one. I have to try that when I get back to the States.


http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3603541-L.jpg

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3603557-L.jpg[/QUOTE]

[gubbs]

I took this on Good Friday but only got a chance to look properly at it today!

I use Photoimpact and as far as I know can only use the "Data type" "16Bit Grayscale" option to convert to B&W. I then adjust contrast/brightness/gamma. Using my colour shot can anyone give me examples of what you can do with B&W using PS. Many Thanks
Jon
http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3603923-L.jpg
,,
http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3603927-L.jpg

[RachelBrune]

Okay, here's my stab - a little SFX. I grayscaled it in PS Elements, then scaled down the brightness two notches and bumped up the Contrast by about 25. Now, it looks like a Jersey swamp! (There's the Jerse devil... peeking out of the undergrowth... )

[QUOTE=gubbs]I took this on Good Friday but only got a chance to look properly at it today!

I use Photoimpact and as far as I know can only use the "Data type" "16Bit Grayscale" option to convert to B&W. I then adjust contrast/brightness/gamma. Using my colour shot can anyone give me examples of what you can do with B&W using PS. Many Thanks
Jon
http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3603923-L.jpg
,,

[Sandy]

Nice swamp Rachel. I have relatives in NJ. Looks like Spring on the east coast.



Okay, here's my stab - a little SFX. I grayscaled it in PS Elements, then scaled down the brightness two notches and bumped up the Contrast by about 25. Now, it looks like a Jersey swamp! (There's the Jerse devil... peeking out of the undergrowth... )

[QUOTE=gubbs]I took this on Good Friday but only got a chance to look properly at it today!

I use Photoimpact and as far as I know can only use the "Data type" "16Bit Grayscale" option to convert to B&W. I then adjust contrast/brightness/gamma. Using my colour shot can anyone give me examples of what you can do with B&W using PS. Many Thanks
Jon
http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3603923-L.jpg
,,

[Sandy]

Once upon a time when there was only Black & White contrast was everything.


http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A56%3B2723232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D5 6%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C%3B89%3B5%3B8ot1lsi
Photographer Sid Whiting 1920-30's St. Louis, MO

[rutt]

Once upon a time when there was only Black & White contrast was everything.


http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A56%3B2723232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D5 6%3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C%3B89%3B5%3B8ot1lsi
Photographer Sid Whiting 1920-30's St. Louis, MO
In this case, I don't wonder what the reason for B&W was. And I'm not sure color would have added anything.

[rutt]

I took this on Good Friday but only got a chance to look properly at it today!

I use Photoimpact and as far as I know can only use the "Data type" "16Bit Grayscale" option to convert to B&W. I then adjust contrast/brightness/gamma. Using my colour shot can anyone give me examples of what you can do with B&W using PS. Many Thanks
Jon
http://gubbs.smugmug.com/photos/3603923-L.jpg
,,
When this shot is converted to B&W it will lose the beautiful water colors, which are it's best features IMHO. I think postprocessing energy would be better expended in recovering or recreating a sky. You can see from the reflection in the water that the sky had some blue.

[RachelBrune]

It is spring here, but I was just messing around with Jon's photo, as per his invitation. :-) For some reason I like the faux horror movie feel of the high contrast you get from playing around with the photoshop tool. Also, my friends just gave me a "Weird NJ" book for my birthday and now everything looks like a potential horror movie.
Hey, what's photography if not fun?

Nice swamp Rachel. I have relatives in NJ. Looks like Spring on the east coast.

[DoctorIt]

Funny, or rather interesting, how many submissions are b/w. I just looked at the assignment topic on saturday and didn't really look at any posts. So today, i go to submit some, and lo and behold, lots of bw! Mine are too, nothin too good though, spent the long weekend on the road (can you guess where i went?):
:D


http://www-unix.ecs.umass.edu/~ermiller/photos/2004-04/2004-04-16.jpg

http://www-unix.ecs.umass.edu/~ermiller/photos/2004-04/2004-04-19.jpg

[gubbs]

When this shot is converted to B&W it will lose the beautiful water colors, which are it's best features IMHO. I think postprocessing energy would be better expended in recovering or recreating a sky. You can see from the reflection in the water that the sky had some blue.
Your right, the sky was a beautiful blue but I'm new to this and was shooting towards the sun, so if the sky had been correctly exposed I think I would of lost the colours in the water and of the grasses. Advice?
Thanks

[rutt]

Your right, the sky was a beautiful blue but I'm new to this and was shooting towards the sun, so if the sky had been correctly exposed I think I would of lost the colours in the water and of the grasses. Advice?
Thanks
If you took a shot of the sky at about the same time, you could blend it in pretty easily. Otherwise, you have to find one that works, or perhaps you could do something with the blue from the water. So perhaps you have a shot with the sky properly exposed?

[AltPro]

If you took a shot of the sky at about the same time, you could blend it in pretty easily. Otherwise, you have to find one that works, or perhaps you could do something with the blue from the water. So perhaps you have a shot with the sky properly exposed?


I always was taught to expose for the shadows, and print for the highlights... Works pretty well for me, most of the time...[SIZE=3]

[rutt]

I always was taught to expose for the shadows, and print for the highlights... Works pretty well for me, most of the time...[SIZE=3]
Very nice. How did you do it, exactly?

[wxwax]

This is another case where I think something valuable was lost by the converstion (the great feather color) but don't understand what was gained.

Funny that, I was thinking the other way. I like the starkness of the, heh, contrast! I think it's a stronger shot in B&W - it becomes a story about the contrast and the shapes - a good story, for me.

[Sandy]

Orchids......http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5748723232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D56% 3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C%3B%3B8766%3Aot1lsi


http://images.snapfish.com/33%3A5748723232%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E232%3B%3D%3A37%3D56% 3C%3DXROQDF%3E23234%3C%3B%3B87672ot1lsi

[RachelBrune]

Jon has inspired me. Here is a Jersey swamp grayscaled, darkened, and with the contrast bumped up. Voila! Swamp Thing!

[Shakey]

Hoffa's Grave revealed! :rofl

[damonff]

Today, down the street...

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3623625-L.jpg

[RachelBrune]

Today, down the street...

Cool! Nice angle.

[wxwax]

Today, down the street...

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3623625-L.jpg

:thumb I love it!

[DoctorIt]

Today, down the street...

Those are some totally cool 2-headed people you have out there!

:D

Very nice shot!

[AltPro]

Very nice. How did you do it, exactly?

rutt:

Quite a bit of what I shoot now, I do without thinking through all of the steps, so you may have to bear with me a bit as I try to explain this.

This scene was shot in one of my favorite place out in Pungo, VA. Knowing the area quite well, I knew when I wanted to be there to get what I was looking for. I also knew that I was going to use 35mm film, would want to be able to easily enlarge the photo to 11x14, so set up my Bogen/Manfrotto tripod.

When I was on site, I knew I wanted clear detail to show up in the reflected surface of the brackish water. It was a clear days, and I was set up in the shadows. So I took exposure/light readings of the reflections in the water, and decided which ones I wanted to stand out the most. I also took readings of the brighter tree trunks and the grass on the far shore. Having those readings, I began shooting, Bracketting 2 shots under and over, finally taking 5 shots total. (Using F-16 shooting 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250).
I also repeated the shot at F-11 & F-32 Metering the same, with maybe three minutes between the very first shot and the last, at the very most.
I was fairly certain when I started that I would want the F-16 aperature so that I could get both a bit of foreground and far-trees in relative focus. I was not sure however if I would want the 1/30, 1/60/ or 1/125, but in the end, wound up using the 1/30 & 1/60 to attain the lighting richness that I wanted, and printed accordingly, adjusting for the highlights. This one is 1/60 at the F-16. No filters and no real photoshop tinkering. Just scanned in the negative with my HP negative scanner, and adjusted the levels.

Had I used the Bright grasses in the background as my metering point, the image would have been underexposed for what I was looking to achieve, and the print would have had too little detail. Had I used the deep shadows, then the opposite overexposure would have occured, and I would have had a very dense negative. But then I'd rather a dense negative than a thin one, anytime.

Did this help?
ginette

[Rolling Stone]

Taken at dinner a few nights ago. We just happened to get the right seat so I excused myself for a few moments and went to the car and got the camera.

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3637595-L-1.jpg

[Rolling Stone]

Taken recently at the rail yard in Spruce Pine, NC

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3334013-L.jpg

[DoctorIt]

Taken at dinner a few nights ago. We just happened to get the right seat so I excused myself for a few moments and went to the car and got the camera.

nice! i like it :thumb

[AltPro]

Taken at dinner a few nights ago. We just happened to get the right seat so I excused myself for a few moments and went to the car and got the camera.

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/3637595-L-1.jpg

Very Nice, DirtDog... Very Nice indeed!!!
My family hates when I do stuff like that though... They complain about my having my cameras glued to my hand, and wonder if I even enter the bathroom without one.... So I just assure them "One should never pass on an opportunity to capture art..."
I do like it!

ginette

[Rolling Stone]

Thanks for the comments, folks. I was getting some interesting looks from the diners at the next table, just told them it was a school assignment. They bought us drinks.

[rutt]

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3637663-L.jpg (http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3637663-O.jpg)

In this case I exposed for the beautiful late afternoon sky instead of the building. The silhouette of the building is by far the best thing about it.

[damonff]

I like how it looks like a b/w at first glance and then you see the beautiful blue sky. Nice.
http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3637663-L.jpg (http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3637663-O.jpg)

In this case I exposed for the beautiful late afternoon sky instead of the building. The silhouette of the building is by far the best thing about it.

[Rolling Stone]

One of my motorcycle riding buddies and I had stopped for a moment to discuss some techniques for riding in rough terrain. I noticed his shadow on the rock wall and grabbed the gun for a quick shot.

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/1744809-L.jpg

[rutt]

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3637663-L.jpg (http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3637663-O.jpg)

In this case I exposed for the beautiful late afternoon sky instead of the building. The silhouette of the building is by far the best thing about it. I listened to myself and took an exterme approach. After all the assignment is contrast. What do you think?

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3640040-L.jpg (http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3640040-O.jpg)

Now it reminds me of this Magritte painting Empire of Light II. If only I could get some lights in the window and cars with headlights on the street...http://www.dry-wet.com/Posters/m-04-15s.jpg

[rutt]

One of my motorcycle riding buddies and I had stopped for a moment to discuss some techniques for riding in rough terrain. I noticed his shadow on the rock wall and grabbed the gun for a quick shot.

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/1744809-L.jpg
Great stuff. Real shadows. Now that would be an assignment of the week!

[ian408]

Taken at dinner a few nights ago. We just happened to get the right seat so I excused myself for a few moments and went to the car and got the camera.


Nice. Very nice.

[damonff]

I prefer the second one; the extreme shadow is nice.


I listened to myself and took an exterme approach. After all the assignment is contrast. What do you think?

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3640040-L.jpg (http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3640040-O.jpg)

Now it reminds me of this Magritte painting Empire of Light II. If only I could get some lights in the window and cars with headlights on the street...http://www.dry-wet.com/Posters/m-04-15s.jpg

[SeeMoon]

Oops..wrong thread.. I'll try again;

[cletus]

Oops..wrong thread.. I'll try again;
No problem!

By the way... That's a great picture!

[damonff]

A collonade...

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3646546-L.jpg

Riding with No Hands...

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3646544-L.jpg

Planting Shrubs...

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3646548-L.jpg

And Some Sticks...

http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3646545-L.jpg

[Buddy]

contrast??
http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651157-M.jpg
I need to crop the truck out.

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3393751-S.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651308-M.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651309-M.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651540-M.jpg

not really the photography "contrast" definition, but :D

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651615-M.jpg

[damonff]

I like the last one Buddy. It feels like I'm deep in the woods.

contrast??
http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651157-M.jpg
I need to crop the truck out.

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3393751-S.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651308-M.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651309-M.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651540-M.jpg

not really the photography "contrast" definition, but :D

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651615-M.jpg

[cletus]

contrast??
http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651157-S.jpg
I need to crop the truck out.

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3393751-S.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651308-S.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651309-S.jpg

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651540-S.jpg

not really the photography "contrast" definition, but :D

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651615-S.jpg
All of them are vey nice :thumb. Last one is my favorite.

[fish]

I really like this one, Buddy.

http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3651308-M.jpg

You've merged two different definitions of contrast. Nice. :thumb

[rutt]

I tried to capture the spirit of the Magritte painting better. It might not be a better image this way, but it is more surreal.

http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3659604-M.jpg (http://rutt.smugmug.com/photos/3659604-O.jpg)

[pathfinder]

It's April - the dogwoods are blooming - so here they are in color and B&W.....


http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3660460-L.jpg



http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3660461-L.jpg

[Sandy]

A beautiful shade of red.. It's April - the dogwoods are blooming - so here they are in color and B&W.....


http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3660460-L.jpg



http://pathfinder.smugmug.com/photos/3660461-L.jpg

[knary]

http://wxwax.smugmug.com/photos/3572343-L.jpg

waxie, king of composition.

[damonff]

I teach in a private boarding school here in Shanghai. Here are a few photos of my students...

She brought her camera to class today and I always have mine so, I took some pictures!
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663806-L.jpg

Getting help from a boy in class...
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663803-L.jpg

He was playing with his Gameboy...
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663804-L.jpg

[SeeMoon]

Lisbon night falling..

[AltPro]

[QUOTE=damonff]I teach in a private boarding school here in Shanghai. Here are a few photos of my students.
Getting help from a boy in class...
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663803-L.jpg
I am always intrigued by your subjects, something "romantic"(the right word eludes me) about being able to capture these moments in time, 1/2 a world away.
"Getting Help from a boy in class, is without a doubt my favorite today. I like the feel--that you captured a private moment of interaction. The lighting really worked well for you, lending to the overall mood of the subjects and composition. It's one of those photographic images that makes me stop-- like looking into a small personal window of time.

She brought her camera to class today and I always have mine so, I took some pictures!
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663806-L.jpg
This one is my second favorite... I like the concentration on her face, and the fact that it makes me wonder just what she is photographing. This one too has a pleasing composition, and a pleasing angle.
Both of these photos really moved me.

Now I really find myself wondering, what you teach so far away from my little corner of the world...

Keep photographing...
I remain,
ginette

[lynnma]

Lisbon night falling..Interesting picture seemoon. It's great to see all these exotic places. Thanks for sharing.
Lynn

[lynnma]

I teach in a private boarding school here in Shanghai. Here are a few photos of my students...

She brought her camera to class today and I always have mine so, I took some pictures!
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663806-L.jpg

Getting help from a boy in class...
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663803-L.jpg

He was playing with his Gameboy...
http://www.nomadphotographystudios.com/photos/3663804-L.jpgAgain wonderful shots, and I'm with Ginette, very moving and gentle pictures. What DO you teach Damonoff??
We want to know more.
Lynn:D

[cmpalmer]

I took this one two weeks ago in Washington, D.C. outside of Union Station. This contest got me going back through my pictures to play with B&W conversions, here is my result:

http://cmpalmer.smugmug.com/photos/3606050-M.jpg (http://cmpalmer.smugmug.com/photos/3606050-M.jpg)
It was actually a very dreary day (as you can see from the umbrellas).

Original is here: http://cmpalmer.smugmug.com/gallery/102358/1/3606050 (http://cmpalmer.smugmug.com/gallery/102358/1/3606050)

[AltPro]

Again wonderful shots, and I'm with Ginette, very moving and gentle pictures. What DO you teach Damonoff??
We want to know more.
Lynn:D


Here is one that my son LuC and I took yesterday, while on our way home from his Ortho appointment... We actually took quite a few... Continuing on my project of documenting the older farms of our area, (Isle of Wight County, Virginia). All too quickly these old homes are being pilaged and burned to the ground. All to make room for "progress..."

ginette

[AltPro]

Here is one that my son LuC and I took yesterday, while on our way home from his Ortho appointment... We actually took quite a few... Continuing on my project of documenting the older farms of our area, (Isle of Wight County, Virginia). All too quickly these old homes are being pilaged and burned to the ground. All to make room for "progress..."

ginette

Another shot at the same old farm house, from inside what would have been the "main room" of the home, shot through to the porch window.

[AltPro]

Another shot at the same old farm house, from inside what would have been the "main room" of the home, shot through to the porch window.

And converted to Black & White...

[AltPro]

And converted to Black & White...
Here's one that I think will work as one of the last submissions into the Contrast Assignment... Done without a camera, but still a photograph...
Hope everyone is having an enjoyable weekend.
I remain,
ginette

[Buddy]

:scratch :dunno


http://buddy.smugmug.com/photos/3747489-M.jpg

[Rolling Stone]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/717808-L-1.jpg

[Rolling Stone]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/717809-L-1.jpg

[cletus]

http://dirtdog.smugmug.com/photos/717808-S-1.jpg
:bow:bow:bow

[wxwax]

I agree. The Force is strong with this one.