Black & White Black n White

isin2rt · 11-07-2010, 08:25 PM

Here is my boy Rocco. I don't really know how to make adjustments in black and white. I tend to tinker till it looks dramatic -- but I think I go to far for most people's taste. Thank you for any input.

Attached Images

Wombat · 11-07-2010, 08:36 PM

In any portrait, human or other animal, it's the eyes that engage the viewer. With this photo it looks like you might have captured the magic "specular highlight" that we all strive for, but it's virtually lost in the darkness. Lighten up the face, let the eyes shine and bring out the detail and it would be much improved. You won't lose the drama. Looks a bit blurry, too, especially the hair on his left side.
Cute pup.

isin2rt · 11-07-2010, 08:53 PM

Great point Wombat! I will tinker again. Thanks.

stl09 · 11-10-2010, 11:53 AM

I agree, the face of the puppy needs to be lightened up! But still a very cute little guy!

**Ash** · 11-10-2010, 12:58 PM

The lighting is the issue IMO.
Harsh ambient light falling on the subject from behind creates blown highlights in the small area it is hitting. There's only so much you can salvage from this image - perhaps a Highlights/Shadows treatment may do it, but I'd hazard to say the results will not turn out very well and the shot would be better off retaken with more controlled and diffused lighting to focus in on the subject's face.

11-07-2010, 08:25 PM	#1
isin2rt Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Maricopa, Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 49	Black n White Lens: Pentax FA 50mm F1.4 Camera: K200D Photo Location: Maricopa Az Aperture: F4.5 Here is my boy Rocco. I don't really know how to make adjustments in black and white. I tend to tinker till it looks dramatic -- but I think I go to far for most people's taste. Thank you for any input. Attached Images

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11-07-2010, 08:36 PM	#2
Wombat Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 901	In any portrait, human or other animal, it's the eyes that engage the viewer. With this photo it looks like you might have captured the magic "specular highlight" that we all strive for, but it's virtually lost in the darkness. Lighten up the face, let the eyes shine and bring out the detail and it would be much improved. You won't lose the drama. Looks a bit blurry, too, especially the hair on his left side. Cute pup.

11-07-2010, 08:53 PM	#3
isin2rt Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Maricopa, Arizona Photos: Gallery Posts: 49 Original Poster	Great point Wombat! I will tinker again. Thanks.

11-10-2010, 11:53 AM	#4
stl09 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 487	I agree, the face of the puppy needs to be lightened up! But still a very cute little guy!

11-10-2010, 12:58 PM	#5
Ash Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,920	The lighting is the issue IMO. Harsh ambient light falling on the subject from behind creates blown highlights in the small area it is hitting. There's only so much you can salvage from this image - perhaps a Highlights/Shadows treatment may do it, but I'd hazard to say the results will not turn out very well and the shot would be better off retaken with more controlled and diffused lighting to focus in on the subject's face.