Inspiring Photo: The Guitarist #10061417

The Guitarist

Uploaded: April 23, 2010

Description

Exif: F Number: 2.8, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/80 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 800, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 200.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 40D

Comments

Jeff E Jensen April 23, 2010

So, here's my attempt at the monthly challenge. I converted this to B&W using a gradient map. I then added the sepia tone at 50% opacity back to the guitar. I also did a bit of high-pass at some point. The focus is a bit soft, so I have been playing with some filters, but haven't yet found one that I like. I am open to suggestions, though, keep in mind that I don't have any other than those that come with PSE7. #1261951

Aimee C. Eisaman April 23, 2010

I really like how you did bw and sepia together...really cool idea. Infact I didn't even pick up on it until I read your post. It just seems so natural for this image. I think you did a fine job with the monotone conversion. :~)

How did you like using the gradient mapping? Was it easy...did it give you more of a look that you like? I never use it....did once long time ago when Dale suggested it for an image, but now I like to use tints. The tints should be at the bottom of your filters bin on the right. That is if PSE7 kept close to the same layout as PSE6. Just in case you want to try them sometime. #8565559

Joan E. Hoffman April 23, 2010

I apologize, have not yet worked on an image for this months theme. I still have 7 days so I will try!

Love this Jeff... hmmm... maybe the "soft" focus just works with this... I find it very engaging! I think you did a great job with the toning! Very nicely done. Aimee... I rare use the conversion, and generally use the tints! Lots of options that way! However, as you've noticed, I am a colour girl! LOL #8565570

Jeff E Jensen April 23, 2010

Thank you ladies!

When I'm converting something to B&W, I usually try the convert tool and the gradient map to see which I like better. I'd say about 2/3 of the time I use the gradient map. It's really pretty simple to use. I did use the sepia tint filter to get the sepia. This is the first time I have used it, I will definitely have to play around some more. #8565602

Peter W. Marks April 24, 2010

And as usual Jeff I would like to hear a little about the image. The who, what where and whys of life always interest me. Like Aimee, I didn't pick up on the sepia, very subtle my friend.
I don't have a problem with softness as this shot looks as if it was made in subdued light and really wouldn't look particularly sharp.
Wish I could hear him. #8566648

Jeff E Jensen April 24, 2010

Thank you Peter. This was taken down in Dale's neighborhood. While there for work a couple of months ago, I stayed in a hotel right across the street from Disneyland. One evening, I went for a wander through Downtown Disney. This guy was part of a band that was playing on an open-air stage that evening. They were very talented and I enjoyed having their music to shoot to.

This was taken well after dark with the stage lights providing the lighting. Here's a shot of each of his band mates as well as another shot of him. #8566826

Aimee C. Eisaman April 24, 2010

Looks like a good time! I just love that guys hat....bet there's a story with that one! :~) #8567170

Dale Hardin April 24, 2010

Love this series Jeff. Great job of capturing the group in that light. Nice POV on them also. Makes the images more interesting than straight shots.

I like the way you Incorporated the duo tone in the b/w image but otherwise the conversion seems flat and strange. Almost as if all the texture had been stripped from his face. Hard to say what to suggest unless saw the original.

However ........ based on this shot as posted, if you want to add some texture to the image using only PSE7 stuff, give this a shot.

Duplicate image and apply the filters/artistic/color pencil with settings of 1-15-25 and blend with the original layer using 100% overlay blend. Then add levels adjustment layer with settings of 15-175-255. Let me know what you think.

PS: On the levels adjustment, be sure to set the black to 15 BEFORE changing the midrange. If you change the midrange first and then the black, the midrange will move. #8567539

Jeff E Jensen April 25, 2010

Thanks Dale and Aimee!

Here are your suggestions Dale. The only issue I had is on the levels adjustment, 175 was not an option, so I went with 1.75??

#8567996

Jeff E Jensen April 25, 2010

By the way, here is the original file. #8568005

Aimee C. Eisaman April 25, 2010

I actually liked the softer look of your original post better personaly! :~) #8568013

Laurence Saliba April 25, 2010

Yeah I like the first one better too, I always love candids of music people!!! #8568540

Teresa H. Hunt April 25, 2010

I like the first one better too. I love the sepia on the guitar. I didn't notice it until I read your post. But each time I looked at the shot it stood out more. I liked it more and more. :) #8569365

Jeff E Jensen April 25, 2010

Thanks all!

My version of Dale's suggestions didn't turn out anything like his version, so here's another version. #8569440

Aimee C. Eisaman April 26, 2010

Nope..still like the original post best! #8570441

Anthony L. Mancuso April 26, 2010

Good job with the B+W conversion Jeff, I also prefer the original. His chin and face line look a bit odd to me, like he was pasted on the background. I'm late to this party though and will understand if you are ready to move on without tweaking it again.. #8571700

Michael Kelly April 26, 2010

Also very late - the original looks fine to me and your use of the slight toning on the guitar works very well with this shot. Another well seen well made shot. #8571967

Jeff E Jensen April 26, 2010

Thanks all. I agree, the first is still my favorite. I guess we'll see what the judges think about it. #8572131

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