Beach sunset

I love it! B&W removes the cliché of sunset colors from the overall effect, letting the content speak for itself. The clouds are an engaging construct that fits perfectly into the composition (which is also excellent, IMO). And I love the simple black silhouette of the couple on the shore - I do not agree with the often expressed opinion that almost-black areas need at least some detail for best effect.

Many thanks for your comments and support. The colour version is very different with vivid tones that dominate the image and in my opinion spoil the mood and feel.

“The colour version is very different with vivid tones that dominate the image and in my opinion spoil the mood and feel.”

Did you try muting the colors instead of full black and white?

If you prefer black and white, this seems a bit severe and dominating, working similarly to the vivid colors and still against the mood. Maybe a softer touch. Current feel is dramatic bordering on harsh or foreboding, while the content has a more hushed and romantic potential.

There’s a noticeable halo and outlining around the couple which draws attention to the processing.

“The colour version is very different with vivid tones that dominate the image and in my opinion spoil the mood and feel.”

 

Did you try muting the colors instead of full black and white?

 

If you prefer black and white, this seems a bit severe and dominating, working similarly to the vivid colors and still against the mood. Maybe a softer touch. Current feel is dramatic bordering on harsh or foreboding, while the content has a more hushed and romantic potential.

 

There’s a noticeable halo and outlining around the couple which draws attention to the processing.

Sam.....colour version with muted colours ??

Those colors don’t seem muted to me. Would you be comfortable posting the original file, out of camera, before any processing?

Apologies Sam I posted the wrong version, I've that many versions (attempts), this is the one I should have posted, complete with blown highlights

The reason I was interested in the original was to see if some softness and subtle detail could be preserved in the solid black areas, which I think would help a less graphic and more romantic mood, if that’s where you might want to go. I’m trying to keep in tune with your desire not to have the vivid tones distract. Here’s what I was thinking about for a more muted color treatment, though I can’t undo the graphic blacks that are locked in. If the original is less severe in the shadow areas, there could remain a silhouette effect but with less severity.

Hi @ken Rackliffe

I really like this photo - the B&W version better than the color version. It's fine as is . One thought occurred to me that the clouds, the reflected sunset on the sea and the silhouetted couple seem to have equal 'visual weight' in the photo. So to me there's no obvious intention/subject/focus in the photo: it's a (really nice and very, attractive) scene in which I wonder: what's the "message" in this photo?

The Message' could be the clouds + reflected sunset in which the couple are 'stage props. If your intended focus is the couple( with sunset and clouds as a wonderful 'background' you might consider cropping from the left so that the couple (larger) have more 'visual weight 'ín the photo.

Whatever you decide,it's still a great photo!

The reason I was interested in the original was to see if some softness and subtle detail could be preserved in the solid black areas, which I think would help a less graphic and more romantic mood, if that’s where you might want to go. I’m trying to keep in tune with your desire not to have the vivid tones distract. Here’s what I was thinking about for a more muted color treatment, though I can’t undo the graphic blacks that are locked in. If the original is less severe in the shadow areas, there could remain a silhouette effect but with less severity.

 

[ATTACH=full]1293920[/ATTACH]

Sam, many thanks for your interest and involvement, your version is very pleasing and satisfying which I find extremely helpful. Your interest helps to prove the value of forums and interaction by the members. Best regards Ken

One thought occurred to me that the clouds, the reflected sunset on the sea and the silhouetted couple seem to have equal 'visual weight' in the photo. So to me there's no obvious intention/subject/focus in the photo: it's a (really nice and very, attractive) scene in which I wonder: what's the "message" in this photo?

For me, the concept of visual weight is often secondary to emotional weight and the contribution of each visual element to the image as a whole. Like many fine images, this one opens a window on one of life’s moments and leaves decoding or superimposing any message to the viewer. It’s interpretive rather than instructive or communicative.

That couple could be looking to an unseen distant shore as hope for an escape or a new life. They could be celebrating their first view of the ocean or their newfound love for each other. They could be watching the sun set on their last day of vacation, and they could be deciding to quit their jobs and never go back to Pittsburgh.

The message doesn’t always come from the artist.

Excellent point, @otislynch! I learned from it. I now better understand how the photo allows its viewers to 'write their own stories' into the photo. Your helpful comment has given me much to think about :). I'm vaguely aware of the concept in modern art and literature but as far as photography goes, I've always been locked into the paradigm of 'the photographer's purpose/intention/story/style'. It's refreshing to discover this different approach. Thanks for this!

Mike

For me, the concept of visual weight is often secondary to emotional weight and the contribution of each visual element to the image as a whole. Like many fine images, this one opens a window on one of life’s moments and leaves decoding or superimposing any message to the viewer. It’s interpretive rather than instructive or communicative.

 

That couple could be looking to an unseen distant shore as hope for an escape or a new life. They could be celebrating their first view of the ocean or their newfound love for each other. They could be watching the sun set on their last day of vacation, and they could be deciding to quit their jobs and never go back to Pittsburgh.

 

The message doesn’t always come from the artist.

The message doesn’t always come from the artist.

The message also may not be literal and may not be in subject/predicate form.

Am the only one seeing halos around the couple, in both version? I think it's a great image. I'm from the school that would like a little detail instead of full blacks, but that's a personal preference.

You’re not. I mentioned the halo in my 1st comment. I’ve also agreed with you and wrote a bit about detail in the black areas. :)