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Untitled

© Stephen Shoff

Untitled

Uploaded: November 01, 2012

Description

f/10.0, 1/50 sec, ISO 640 ; EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro

National Arboretum. Nik SilverEfex Pro conversion.

I was looking through my National Arboretum pictures for a friend who wanted Koi pictures. I was reminded of some broad-leaf cactus along the back wall of the courtyard and got to playing with this image.

Exif: F Number: 10, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/50 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 640, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 100.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Comments

Michael Kelly level-classic November 02, 2012

Very nice abstract. Very sensuous with those great curves and textures. I don't think it would be as effective in color. so a good choice to go with the B&W. I don't see a thing I would change here. #1496090

Jeff E Jensen November 03, 2012

This is amazing, Stephen! Your conversion is fantastic. The only think that I think is out of place is the bit of leaf edge along the bottom left corner. I think where it isn't connected, it doesn't add to the image. #10402811

Peter W. Marks November 03, 2012

What an ad for 'Silver Efex' Stephen. Wonderful tones. #10402848

lisa anderson November 03, 2012

I think this is very beautiful! I personally like the bottom left hand line-the only thing I would change is the upper right leaf edge looks very fuzzy and if that could be toned down a little, I think it would add to the image. #10402906

Stephen Shoff November 03, 2012

Jeff's suggestion.

Mike, the original image is a very nice, soft and soothing green with yellowish edging. Much less contrasty than this interpretation. It works well. It is so monotone it could probably be converted to any color you want. So to, the B&W interpretations are effective across the whole range of high key through low contrast to this bolder, higher contrast rendition. It could fit into many decor themes.

Yes, Peter, as described above, Nik revealed a whole universe variety.

Thanks for your comments.
#10402911

Debbie E. Payne November 03, 2012

Just beautiful,Stephen. The curves are perfect and very sensuous. I think that black and white was definitely the way to go -- that takes it from a well-done picture of the plant to art! #10403028

Rita K. Connell level-classic November 04, 2012

Stephen, I love this, its a wonderful how you capture the curves, tones and textures are wonderful. The edit one is really perfect this one is going in my favorites. Great Job!!!! #10403782

Michael Kelly level-classic November 04, 2012

I think Jeff's suggestion was a good one I like this last even better. #10404142

Stephen Shoff November 04, 2012

I'm surprised at the consensus. Lisa's opinion matches my own. In my view, the image has two progressions, 1) four lines whose angle progress from negative (i.e. below horizontal up to the horizontal axis, to near vertical (i.e., from almost vertical down to the horizontal axis, and 2) four lines whose degree of curvature progresses from more sinuous with an almost negative (i.e., counter-clockwise curvature) to nearly straight and finally a sharp positive (i.e. clockwise curvature). The extra extension of the bottom line, rather than being disconnected, appeared to me as being a continuation of the first line and is required to fully define the first of the 4 progressions. It additionally served to fill what would otherwise have been a very large area of empty black.

I do admit, however, the the large area of black on the lower left (i.e., Jeff's suggestion) has its own dynamic and strength. It is growing on me.

Lisa, I had the same though about the out-of-focus right leaf, but couldn't do anything about it.

I do have and additional question before I enter this in the contest...That area of black in the lower left is not completely black. Its color coordinates are about ( 23,23,23). Do they need to be an absolute black? #10404525

Peter W. Marks November 05, 2012

"Do they need to be an absolute black" you ask. My thinking is "no". Black as we know, is not a colour but merely an absence of light, so we could say that if something is absolute black then in effect we cannot see it. So my feelings are that on your image Stephen, the 'black area' should be seen rather than be something that effectively cannot be seen. I know some will find my hypothesis open to debate and totally disagree but I would support my own argument by asking that they consider other forms of monotone images such as sepia, selenium, duo-tone etc.where even what we know to be black will not be seen as such. 'Black and white' in photography isn't often, literaly that, as of course in most images there are many, many tones of greys.
Now, we are really talking about BP contest submission here and there is no telling what their judges see over their coffee and donuts so I will follow this with great interest. Good luck my friend! #10404912

Aimee C. Eisaman November 05, 2012

A great image for Dales challenge this month! I really enjoy this Stephen and think that I would have gone even further with the removal of everything peeking out from the bottom if it was possible to match any shading in the shadows. From the looks of it here it's a pretty solid tone. As it is in your last post I think the shade or black or whatever you want to call it is just fine! :~) #10405226

Michael Kelly level-classic November 05, 2012

Photos are a visual experience. Does it look good is the only question we need ask in the final analysis. For me your black areas look fine as presented thus no need to make a change. #10405239

Jeff E Jensen November 05, 2012

Thanks for making the change, Stephen. I like it. Again, excellent job on the conversion. #10406156

Teresa H. Hunt November 05, 2012

I think this is fantastic!!! I think B&W was the perfect choice for this one. #10406202

Debbra Bailey November 06, 2012

Awesome image Stephen! I prefer it without the line in the lower left :) #10407038

Chris Budny level-deluxe November 06, 2012

Very nice in b/w! I think I kinda like the original (with the "extra" wavy line)---though I know I'm late to the party here.
Also, on my crappy work monitor (which is often overly bright) I see what look like cloning artifacts in the 2nd version. Very straight, faint lines in that big black area...
I love abstracts like this, and the b/w really makes it strong. #10407148

Stephen Shoff November 06, 2012

Chris, I saw the same artifacts on a 2nd, very bright, home monitor. I was surprised that no one else had mentioned it. I've reworked it for the image I will submit.

Thanks for all of your feedback. Even my non-photographer reveiwers are returning a split decision. The Phellos have a proven track record, so I'll probably submit the revised version. #10407651

Beth Spencer November 09, 2012

I really like what you have done with this picture!! Great conversion! I bet we see it again! #10412023

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