Machinery Train

ironlionzion · 10-13-2011, 02:14 PM

I found that when I look back at many of my edited pictures, they look oversaturated (amateur mistake, I know). I decided to try something different by boosting the contrast and reducing the saturation. I think it compliments the subject well. What do you guys think?

Attached Images

foto guy · 10-13-2011, 05:34 PM

Works well, but I personally would convert to black and white. These kinds of shots often do well in B&W.

**baro-nite** · 10-14-2011, 04:47 AM

Moderate desaturation usually makes me think of an old, faded color print. Which is a suitable effect for a shot, such as this, that evokes nostalgia. Does for me, anyway; this scene might have looked nearly the same 30 or 40 years ago. I agree with foto guy, my first instinct would be a B&W conversion simply because color isn't doing much compositionally here, and also for the nostalgic effect of B&W. The main interest is the receding lines of track and train, so you're right to boost contrast, emphasizing these -- you could take this further. Could also darken the top third of the image (with a gradient mask) to enhance the sense of receding into the distance.

ironlionzion · 10-14-2011, 06:45 AM

Thanks guys, I tried the black and white and I really like it, great suggestion. I'll have to look up how to do a gradient mask.

Don From The Radio · 10-20-2011, 01:13 AM

I'm going to take this in the exact opposite direction. I know you wrote it off as an amateur mistake, but I wouldn't mind seeing that yellow locomotive and the red building a little more colorful.

**Schraubstock** · 10-20-2011, 03:25 AM

Originally posted by Don From The Radio

I'm going to take this in the exact opposite direction. I know you wrote it off as an amateur mistake, but I wouldn't mind seeing that yellow locomotive and the red building a little more colorful.

You mean like this?

ironlionzion · 10-20-2011, 11:20 AM

here is what would be my take on the oversaturated image.

Attached Images

10-13-2011, 02:14 PM	#1
ironlionzion Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 409	Train Lens: M50 1.7 Camera: K-x Photo Location: Rochester I found that when I look back at many of my edited pictures, they look oversaturated (amateur mistake, I know). I decided to try something different by boosting the contrast and reducing the saturation. I think it compliments the subject well. What do you guys think? Attached Images

10-20-2011, 03:25 AM	#6
Schraubstock Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,386	Originally posted by Don From The Radio I'm going to take this in the exact opposite direction. I know you wrote it off as an amateur mistake, but I wouldn't mind seeing that yellow locomotive and the red building a little more colorful. You mean like this? Last edited by Schraubstock; 03-07-2012 at 09:36 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
how to train FA 50mm f1.4 (or train myself) to get the best ouf of the lens	aquashin	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	21	06-28-2010 09:32 AM
Machinery Derelict Train	kalison	Post Your Photos!	3	06-05-2010 06:18 PM
Landscape Christmas Train	Jimbo	Post Your Photos!	27	12-20-2009 08:44 AM
Downtown Train	Buschmaster	Monthly Photo Contests	2	11-25-2009 09:25 PM
Cityscape The Morning Train	kevinschoenmakers	Post Your Photos!	13	10-25-2009 07:13 AM

10-13-2011, 05:34 PM	#2
foto guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vernon, Connecticut Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 292	Works well, but I personally would convert to black and white. These kinds of shots often do well in B&W.

10-14-2011, 04:47 AM	#3
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,294	Moderate desaturation usually makes me think of an old, faded color print. Which is a suitable effect for a shot, such as this, that evokes nostalgia. Does for me, anyway; this scene might have looked nearly the same 30 or 40 years ago. I agree with foto guy, my first instinct would be a B&W conversion simply because color isn't doing much compositionally here, and also for the nostalgic effect of B&W. The main interest is the receding lines of track and train, so you're right to boost contrast, emphasizing these -- you could take this further. Could also darken the top third of the image (with a gradient mask) to enhance the sense of receding into the distance.

10-14-2011, 06:45 AM	#4
ironlionzion Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 409 Original Poster	Thanks guys, I tried the black and white and I really like it, great suggestion. I'll have to look up how to do a gradient mask.

10-20-2011, 01:13 AM	#5
Don From The Radio Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Delaware Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 344	I'm going to take this in the exact opposite direction. I know you wrote it off as an amateur mistake, but I wouldn't mind seeing that yellow locomotive and the red building a little more colorful.

10-20-2011, 11:20 AM	#7
ironlionzion Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 409 Original Poster	here is what would be my take on the oversaturated image. Attached Images