One has to get back to the picture for a second look after reading that diatribe below :-) Sometimes the technical details can be thrown out of the window (except sharpness, DOF, exposure, balance, composition, and tonal range) when an image stands out like this . And I don't even know what I particularly like about it. Just makes you smile and you immediately take a liking for the Tuba Man :-) regards, Graham
First of all, thanks a lot for the great critique. I really appreciate it when people really let me know what they think.
Let me address the issues you mention.
Tonal flatness: I agree, this image came out flatter than I intended it to. I didn't spend a lot of time adjusting this image so I didn't make some adjustments I normally do. The bell of the tuba is overexposed due to lighting over my left shoulder...while adjusting my tones (more on this in a second) I couldn't make it play nice. Some masking would have helped adjust the rest of the image, but frankly...I was tired and didn't feel like speding the time. Maybe I'll give it another go round when I'm energized (this past week has been exhausting).
As for the method I use for B&W conversion...I'll not claim credit for it, but it's kind of a mashup between a few methods I saw somewhere.
1. Duplicate image/layer 2. Set new (RGB) layer to "Color" mode. 3. Create a "Channel Mixer" adjustment layer above the previous two layers. 4. Set mode of Mixer to monochrome and adjust channels as desired (mine usually end up around 85, 15, 5) 5. Select "Color" layer from step 2 and adjust "hue/saturation" for finesseing of tones in image.
I find that I get a lot of control out of what tones I want in the image with this techniqe, and (when ihave the time and energy) I can get ALL my tones spot on with masking and various adjustments...just use multiple "color mode" layers and layer masks.
As for the focus...due to the pace at which the band was moving, I had to allow my auto focus to do the work for me. Seems like it picked the horn instead of the face. I used the center selection point to select focus, but when you're zoomed in to 500mm (even with a monopod) and trying to track action, getting focus spot on is a challenge. As it is, I can probably "Fake it" in post.
I actually added the vignetting in post due to personal taste...I like it. I add it to nearly all my b&w images...don't know why...just like it. To each their own.
I have also endeavored lately to try and crop all my images to a size that is printable. It's a new challenge for me since the default area of an image on my 20d is not printable at 8x10 without cropping or "letterboxing." Maked me think about composition a bit more than usual!
Thanks, as always, for the feedback! Hope you gleaned a little insight into my crazy world. ;-) :-P
You may choose from either of the two following critiques:
[1]
This B&W conversion seems to have come out a bit flat Jacob . . . I'm curious to know how you did the conversion (I'm working on B&W conversion procedures with PS E4 and have found a number of betterways than gray scale or desat followed by light, midtone and contrast adjustments--in my opinion)
A good focus on the horn with that rifle sized lens (LoL) but it might have been better to focus on the gentleman with the puffy cheeks. That's where the action is and the DOF would have made quite clear what the player was playing anyways. There also appears to be a bit of vignetting which could be easily cropped out without affecting the composition.
Now I'm not here just to talk smack about your image Jacob, because in all honesty I think it's not only a good idea but also a good shot. For example, while I might think it would have been better to have a focus on the man's face . . . I'll not lie and tell you I wasn't intrigued by the scratches and battle scars evident in that instrument. It gives it a lot of character and really seems like a unique POV. Perhaps it's a case of the grass is always greener . . . Perhaps had you focused on the face I might have thought . . . wow . . . but the instrument would have been different. In other words . . . do your thing . . . it's different and unique . . . but I'll still suggest things for you to consider that might make the image better or more dynamic . . . just don't feel like I suggest these things because I don't like the image. I only give detailed and analytical critiques when I sense a skill and potential which might be helped by me suggesting something new to consider or if I feel it might be a fun and entertaining interchange.
[2]
Nice image. good comp. well done!
(Choose only 1 of the above critiques)
Hehehehee . . . Best regards to you Jacob Doyle I <~~~~~
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{K:174058} 10/17/2006
