Kure Beach Fishing Pier

I'm new...new to this list...new to photography...new to

handcoloring...so PLEASE be gentle!

 

I took this photo this summer at a family vacation spot. I have had

several prints of this pier blown up and want to give them as gifts.

I've attempted to handcolor using Marshall Oils with the following:

Sky Blue for the sky..with a hint of violet; blue and green for the

ocean; and Brown for the sand and pier (can't see it on the pier).

Everyone I have shown it to thus far, likes it...I don't...and I

don't know why.

 

What do you guys think? Should I just color the pier and the sand?

Should I add more violet and orange to the sky? Should I do the

whole thing in Sepia? Should I keep it strictly B&W? Or...should I

just leave it alone?

 

Thanks for any and all advice!

 

Denise

Good use of composition, giving lots to look at both near and far (esp. the texture of the sky/clouds), and how the clouds seem to mirror the water line. Couple of areas in regards to coloring. Keep the water as is, the green looks great. The biggest distraction I see is the cloud in the upper left. It is VERY grey relative to the water/wave crashing and greatly reduces the overall contrast. I would dodge this considerably. Also, I cant tell on the screen but to some extent this also applies to the other clouds-have they been colored? Last, in keeping with what appears to morning/evening you may want to explore using some oranges/yellows vs. blue. Please keep in mind I have NO experience in coloring a BW and how much work would be involved here. Good shot...it's giving you lots to play with. Enjoy.

I wanted to see how it looks back in B&W. It's not bad. Herewith goes it, just for comparison for other photo.netters...

 

Doesn't look bad. I like the dock, just between the sky and the sea, and the way it takes my eyes away from the beach.

 

I like the colored version, it give's some more dramatism. May be the water is not so 'credible'.

Thanks for the comments, thus far! Yes, I agree the upper left corner is a bit dark...all the contrast and dark areas are a natural part of the photo...the oils used to color are transparent. I'll play with it a little.

 

Scott, very observant of you...it was a VERY EARLY morning shot. I may try to play with some oranges and purples for the sky.

 

I appreciate the comments and the ratings. Keep them coming!

 

Many thanks...Denise

If you're experimenting with handpainted B&W, may be you'd like to take a look to the works of this guy:

 

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo.tcl?photo_id=405993

 

It's incredible!! Don't lose it!!

Thank you, Nestor! The portfolio you suggested is incredible! I appreciate your input and help.

 

Denise

Nicest 'pier' shot I've seen.