Tree Tops Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Hello. I posted this shot because I'm experimenting with new B/W technique that was shown to me by my friend Miklos. He obtained in from www.gormanphotography.com.

Please let me know what you think. I've posted a version via my old technique in a workshop.

Once again, another photo from our trip up Dog Moutain. We were on the way down, still enjoying the sun coming through the trees.

danielswalsh, Photo65Net, bakes888, jhm, john_c, Theana, branley has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

danielswalsh (13297) 2007-01-22 22:45

Hi Don;

Comparing the two- I prefer the new technique as apposed to the old. I've yet to read the method your using... but will be checking it out shortly.

Sharp detail and excellent levels, I especially like the star created by the sun shining through the branches.
Looks as though your blacks are much darker in this new process as apposed to the old. I normally use the Channel mixer- ensuring that the total of the 3 sliders equals 100. I then use a levels adjustment tp get it just the way I like it.

All the best Don!
- Dan

PJE (19357) 2007-01-23 0:23

Well Donald I would have to say your processing here turned out very well. It seems to me that the greatest task is to isolate each shade and allow them to shine through without cutting out too many shades in the darker tones. I think due to the brightness of the sunshine the trees in the background will always be a challenge to lighten without doing greater harm to the subtle tones of snow in the foreground. I must say composition wise the smaller trees in this back lighting scenerio heighten the quality of this frame. Oh for the bright shining sunlight on a clear winter day.. Good work!

dsidwell (9745) 2007-01-23 0:24

Very lovely mottled light captured here, Donald! THe tones really are remarkable here. Whatever your method, they seem to work well.

leonorkuhn (13513) 2007-01-23 12:14

Hi Don,

Very nice shot. I like the sun rays between the trees, the soft shadows and the shoeprints.
Good B&W option.
Greetings,
Leonor

CaptainJack (0) 2007-01-23 23:50

Hi Donald, very serene location that is conveying this peace well in B&W. I agree with Daniel on the choice to go with this new technique. The smaller trees in the central part of this image (with those prints in the snow appearing almost like they belong to some moving trees) look much more alive appearing darker with the frosty silhouette with the new technique I feel.

poulinp (4464) 2007-01-24 11:41

Hi Donald.

Great light captured here. For the purity of the place, I would have prefer no step in the snow. Very good!

Photo65Net (43084) 2007-01-24 13:24

Hello Donald,
A nice winter compo, with great exposure control, and very nice POV over these trees.
Very nice, well balanced.
Good job,
JB.

bakes888 (18055) 2007-01-25 3:02

Hi Don. Great photo. Your new technique is a bit more high contrast than the old which suits this scene nicely. The sun breaking through the threes is the real star of this show though. Nice capture and thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

jhm (81817) 2007-01-25 9:57

Hi Donald,

My question; Griesdale this is a Flemish name have your roots in Belgium?
You took a BW picture about these lovely environment, but shadows and contrast are very well, also excellent composition! Nice job here! TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

john_c (24635) 2007-01-26 10:23

Hi Don,
The sunburst of rays in the upper left really enhance and save this photo from being too shady. This is definitely superior to the "old technique," Don. There is far more lustre and clarity in this one. The quality of your equipment also is exemplified here, with the trees seemingly having more body. The footprints in the snow enhance. Well done...later.
John

Theana (623) 2007-01-30 9:41

I think your experiment worked out well. The sun shining through the trees forms a nice "star" and the place looks like a real winter wonderland. The black and white contrasts in front of the white sky look really good and I think your framing is perfect for this shot.

Ann75 (0) 2007-01-31 1:10

Hi Don,

THis is an amazing shot with such a beautiful view. I love the way you captured the sun and decided to make this a black & white. The lighting is amazing and I love the details! Great composition and well captured, Don!

Greetings,
Ann

vagabondtravels (6097) 2007-02-03 22:30

Hi Don

Nice comp and great tones in this b&w. Spot on with the exposure.
Well seen and captured. Good work.
Ben

branley (3681) 2007-02-08 4:53

Hi Donald,

I have to be honest that before Dan & Paul pointed it out I couldn't see a lot of difference between the two images but now I can and your new technique shades it. Lovely capture, very crisp and detailed and you've controlled the sunlight through the trees very well. A fine image, well done.

Regards

Stephen