Lonely Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

We were out in the evening walking at the entrance to Stanley Park in Vancouver. I'm always impressed by how difficult it is to capture the different tonalities that are eye easily resolves. The light was quite low here so I used ISO 1600 and subsequently NeatImage.

The choice of b/w here is to bring out the contrast in the clouds. The colours were quite cool and not reflective of the image in my mind.

As always, your constructive critiques are appreciated.

Don

jmcl, danielswalsh, jhm, john_c, rafid76, JPlumb, branley, bakes888, TopGeo has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Cormac (26447) 2007-02-20 23:32

This is a wonderful image Don! First of all, the tonality is great, with lots of subtle shading and details in things like the clouds and the ripples. The composition is also good, with the single bird making a good subject, and the bird standing out incredibly well with the light reflection on the water and the v-shape wake. Congratulations on a beautiful shot, probably the best I've seen you post yet!

Ann75 (0) 2007-02-21 1:07

Hello Donald,

Great shot in black and white as it creates such beautiful contrast. I love the duck in the foreground creating that movement on the water. Great distant view of Vancouver with the dominiting bright cloud above it! Great composition and great quality! Well done, Don!

Greetings,
Ann

jmcl (13721) 2007-02-22 0:47

Hi Donald,

Beautiful .. powerful ... this lone little life in this vast ominous world .. to be pragmatic for a second .. your control of the light here is just great ..

take care,

John

vagabondtravels (6097) 2007-02-22 5:19

Hey Donald

Nice b&w. Really good tones. Good choice of vertical comp. I like the loon(?) and his trail leading you into the image. Well done.
Ben

danielswalsh (13297) 2007-02-22 23:44

Hey Don;

This sho brings back memories of the TE meet in Dec. Maybe it's because we were aroudn this area. Or maybe it's because I have my camera bag right beside me... (hmmm hearing rumbles in the distance?).

Good tonal levels in the shot, and sharp detail- but I find myself wondering if (for this shot) it may have been better in color as I 'kind-of' feel that the buildings and boats are getting lost in the shot.

Would you consider posting a color version/ workshop for comparison Don?

I think you'd still be able to maintain/ increase contrast in the sky without losing the color of the rest of the shot.

Don't get me wrong- this is a GOOD SHOT, just call this a 'THOROUGH CRITIQUE' Hahaha..

All the best mate!
- Dan

dsidwell (9745) 2007-02-23 0:20

Hello Don. I sure like the crystal clear tones here. Very nice, clear work. I like the composition, too, and the inclusion of the duck at the bottom. Nice work!

jhm (81659) 2007-02-23 6:59

Hi Donald,

This is a wonderful image certainly the ripples in foreground through the duck give a lovely V form, great shot in black and white as it creates such beautiful contrast of the clouds to the water. TFS.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

coco (27574) 2007-02-24 10:39

Hi Donald.

Is the picture tilt?
If is, I don't mind. The black and white is good and the composition just great.

Well done.

john_c (24635) 2007-02-24 11:51

Hi Don,
There are so many layers of interest here. Your choice of both the vertical and B&W format has paid rich dividends. The eye travels upward from the fanned ripples of the duck to the luminence on the water and then to the buildings that nicely divide the water scene from the billowing, tumultuous clouds. I like how the sails of Canada Place particularly stand out. A very fine capture, Don. It reminds me of the fact that sometimes when the actual colours do not reflect the ambience we sense at the time that a B&W motif might work. Here is works in spades. Warm regards.
John

PJE (19353) 2007-02-25 21:16

Hello Donald. I like the mood captured here. I do like the image details captured in the clouds above and throughout the frame. Excellent idea to step up the ISO to capture this little duck. The other thought that came to mind was that of "Its a Big World Up Ahead" Just some thoughts and impressions. Nice one Don!

bebep (2087) 2007-02-27 19:48

Hi Donald,
I like the high contrast, excellent sharpness & tonal range, very good compo, but what strikes more they are the clouds in sky, amazing!!

Greetings

Giuseppe

rafid76 (2611) 2007-03-06 3:13

from looking at your other fotos i see you have a fetish for triangles. well this increases your images value and their themes behind it. good choice on black frame. the B&w have more of a silver tone which makes it more enjoyable to look at everyday.

JPlumb (3153) 2007-03-06 4:23

Hi Don, beautiful shot of the water with amazing contrasts. I'm not good with black and white so I avoid it, but I appreciate when someone can do a good job such as this. The composition is awesome with the duck heading into the harbour, creating the texture with his small waves. He's got lots of room to move. The thick clouds cap it all.

Thanks, John

branley (3681) 2007-03-06 13:34

Donald, this is a wonderful post. Great light and subtle tones make this a winner....and the duck? it's simply outstanding, well done.

Regards

Stephen

bakes888 (18055) 2007-03-14 3:49

Hi Don. Nice work. I love the treatment you have given this photo but I think it was a strong image to start with. Excellent composition and POV. Your B&W treatment has also accentuated the textures of the water. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

TopGeo (21385) 2008-01-24 4:49

Hi Donald! excellent B&W picture!A amazing idea that resulted with the bird that you gave a prospect good, the cloud in the background very impresses. Beautiful composition.
Georgios