b&w landscapes Leslie Gulch Triad IR

I always seem to question my cold tones. So, I worked up a warm tone version too. I think I like the cold tone better (much better); but . . . .

 

 

Ian I really like the warm tone better than the colder toned image. Did you shoot this in 14bit? Have you noticed a difference between 12 and 14? Excellent photography. - Sean

Hi Sean, thanks for the feedback. I'll have to ponder the differences between the two longer. Clearly I'm of two minds on this myself.

 

As for your question about 14bit vs. 12 bit:

 

1. I entered the wrong information when I uploaded (corrected now). The colour shot is from my D300. This is in IR from my D80 (which I had converted to full-spectrum by having the IR-Blocking filter replaced with clear optical glass by LifePixel). So, this is 12 bit. The colour (and a B&W I worked up from the colour -- which I didn't post) is in 14 bit.

 

2. Do I notice a difference between 14 bit and 12 bit? Well, I have basically shot my D300 in nothing but 14 bit so I don't have much in 12 bit for direct comparison. I do notice better tonal range in the D300 images versus the D80.

 

The improvement isn't only in total dynamic range, but also in better details in shadow zones which can be raised to be mid-tones with less 'noise' or breakdown in the image.

 

But, whether that is because the D300 images are 14 bit and the D80 images are 12 bit or whether it is other improvements in sensor and processing technologies, I don't know.

All comments are welcome. I am particularly interested in any thoughts

on the two toning options presented here.

 

Thanks in advance.

I too, like the warm version better. I was ready to say that I think the color version is the more effective; but looking at the warm black and white, I'm not so sure any longer. Your tonal range is superb, and the tack-sharp details really make it work well monochromatically. You started with a well exposed image, so it stands to reason that it would fabulous both ways. Nice work; I vote for including both (color and B&W) in your collection. Cheers! Chris

Alright, you two plus my mother have convinced me the warm is better.

 

Here is the cold-tone for record and I'll swap out the posted version.

Do you use Nikon Capture?

 

Just curious because I bought it and am not sure if am I am sold totally on it. I have CS3 for my PS needs but I got Nikon Capture for things like this.

 

I love the tones on this but wondered what you do to process your pictures in to reduce and such.

 

The B&W tones are so vibrant and so rich (which NOW I have to look and see what the difference is on the 14 blah between my D80 and D300 are). You guys all lose me on this stuff.

 

You know me still point and shoot most of the time. If I had another 24 hours a day to learn more I would but I am still working so hard at doing these sill J.O.B.S :)

 

 

Micki!

 

It's been a while hasn't it. You certainly were busy with jobs weren't you. Although, I just went and saw that you've been posting quite a bit more recently. I'll have to come over for a browse soon.

 

I have Capture NX too. It came free with my D300. I can't stand it. I am so used to how Adobe Bridge/Lightroom works that I resent re-learning the whole process.

 

For this shot, much of the 'effect' is because it is in Infrared on a converted camera. There isn't much you can do to simulate that without going the whole nine yards and converting your camera for IR.

 

But, to answer more generally, I use:

 

1. RAW Conversion is done in Lightroom. I'm going to upgrade to Lightroom 2.0 soon. I currently am using 1.4.1.

 

If you have CS3, Adobe Bridge uses the same conversion engine and has very similar controls. Lightroom adds organization and print controls that I find very useful.

 

2. I export to Photoshop for dodging, burning, and noise reduction. Then the image goes back in my Lightroom Library. I also export to PS for print proofing, export sharpening, framing for PN.

 

3. I recently bought Viveza, which is a plugin for CS3 (http://www.niksoftware.com/viveza/usa/entry.php?view=intro/viveza_announcement.shtml).

I love the programme. It makes localized adjustments so much easier than trying to do good selections with the lasoo and magic wand. I don't know how useful it would be for event/weddings/hockey -- it certainly works for landscapes. It lets me avoid a finicky selection or a time consuming dodging session 85% of the time.

 

This particular image was converted in Lightroom, the B&W was done in Lightroom, the toning was done in Lightroom, it was exported at 700 pixels to PS for final sharpening and framing. So, easy peasy.

 

 

An even warmer tone I worked up and have been mulling over.

Excellent B&W processing, effective dramatization of the rocks, a dynamic composition. I'm not able to add more, to improve the image.

Cheers.