Bright Ideas (Larger View Available)

Majestic and serene. Great scenery, very well presented. Made an interesting read, the processing details.

Karl's version gets my vote too, Alf......

Although I like your presentation above, and it's impressive in its own right, I get the feeling of being caught in some kind of 'mirrored landscape' of sorts, where the main points of interest don't seem to get fully optimized perhaps... B&W was definitely a solid choice for this though.

best to you, Marjolein

Many Thanks for your interest and thoughtful comments.

The processing was a challenge and I couldn't get it right at first, however the introduction of the Nik Silver Efex software made an amazing difference.

Best Regards

Alf

MARJOLEIN

Sincere Thanks for your thoughts and invaluable feedback.

Such is the clarity of the water and the uncharacteristic state of calmness of this old glacier, that the mirrored effect does play with your eyes somewhat. I think it makes more sense in the larger view, but yeah Karls version is a definate winner. I do tend to like wide view images, and try and share the view I had when taking the shot and consequently use a 14mm lens with a full frame camera to achieve that.  Of course on some occasions the desire to do so, blinds one to other possibilities.

Cheers Marjolein!

Alf

not much to add to comments above - just that I'm also a happy Silver Efex user. You'll surely enjoy it! I hope, they'll continue maintaining and developing it now that Google bought Nik Software recently.

Many Thanks for stopping by. 

The Nik software certainly adds new dimensions to  B & W images and a useful range of effects that I have found easy to comprehend and use,

I wasn't aware that Google had acquired Nik Software though, that's got to be good news! 

Best Regards 

Alf 

Very well done! Really a great B/W! Compliments!

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words, much appreciated.

Best Regards

Alf

Quite a different view of Idwal with lovely clarity and reflections in the water and with great views of the Idwal Slabs, Y Cribin and Tryfan. The mono gives it that timeless feeling. Excellent work.

John

Idwal is fast becoming one of my favourite locations, the wild beauty of the place is stunning at times. I'm in awe of your knowledge of the geography and names of these places.

Many Thanks for your interest and kind words!

Best Regards

Alf

This image certainly has rendered many thoughts and ideas for you Alf. Personally I like it as it is. Is is nice to know that you could actually have 2 different prints if you decided to crop, but that will be your choice in the end. Technically you know I cannot help you in any way whatsoever, I can only comment on how the image moves me as it is. Such beauty and I can truly appreciate why you love this place. The reflections in the water are amazing. I am happy for you that you actually had a calm space in time to capture this image. Your wife certainly has opened up a whole new world for you with this gift. I imagine you wonder why you never tried it earlier. It is like a new toy and I am sure you will have many more postings of images that perhaps you have not liked in colour that now you'd consider them in Black and White. Cheers Alf, glad you are enjoying your gift. Seems women have more ways than one to put SMILES on your faces ;-) enjoy, cheers for now, Gail

That is the beauty of this site, It is home to such a wealth of talented individuals that all see things in a very slightly different way.  The technical imput is important, but not more important than people feelings and impressions. Therefore your views and feedback is invaluable to me.  The place is very special, it has wild, almost prehistoric kind of beauty that is timeless. I count myself as being very fortunate in finding this place so calm on the particular morning. I struggled for a while with B & W processing eventually getting proficient by using "channels" to make the various adjustments. But yes you are right, the gift from my wife has opened up all kinds of possibilities and a person with such creative skills as yourself Gail, might want to put it to the test. I do believe there is a 15 day free trial available. Yes you women know how to keep us guys out of mischief. Just give us another toy to play with  : - )

Many Thanks for your thoughts and kind comments Gail.

Best Regards

Alf

Love the photo and all the comments above from which I have learned somethig.  I still think that the upper-left cornor is a little brighter or my moniter it too bright.  The composition is excellent and the reflection is beautiful.  I do believe you would make it an excellent one in the near future with more process try.  Best Regards,

Your observations are correct. The upper left corner is too bright if measured by the standards that blown highlights are not acceptable. I too have held that kind of rigid belief myself for some time. But then I got to thinking about how one could possibly record those intensely bright moments without radically altering the whole mood of the image.  This is the result, I think it does deliver in some ways, but I do concur with you, it probably needs more work.

Many Thanks for your thoughts and invaluable feedback!

Best Regards

Alf

splendid shot Alf.  This is truly a masterpiece.  I love the B&W treatment and the tonal range you have achieved here.  Great reflection and interesting but intriguing composition.  As you know i have not visited PN often lately, but when i do, i never fail to check your work for inspiration and just pure enjoyment.  Happy new year to you and your loved ones, may 2013 bring you happiness and fulfillment so we can all benefit from your art.  Your friend - michel

Sincere Thanks.

Your imput and feedback means a lot to me, and I really appreciate you taking time out to deliver your well considered views.

I know from viewing your past work, just how precise and accurate you process B & W images, and I do remember on many occasisons you have steered me in the right direction too. Therefore it it very gratifying to read your words today.

 Visit us again soon, your imput is both educational and inspirational!

May 2013 be a peaceful and prosperous year for you and your loved ones.

Your Friend

Alf