B/W Bird Scene

[kinetic]

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[ladyups]

Hi Mark...there are some beautiful textures going on in that top image....the wood, rocks and water and added to the mix are the feathers on the bird. It looks like a bit of moss on the left hand side, was it? I like the image of the closeup of the bird...too bad the limb is in the way but then I guess you didn't want to get your feet wet to go and remove it....:D:D:D

Lovely images are your norm and these are no exception!

[DoctorJazz]

The word "dazzling" comes to mind with these B+W's. I love the reflective light on the water in both, and the patterns there are so beautiful in B+W, as is the presence of the bird in the scene. Love the bird's eye in no. 2.

Thanks for sharing these!

[Kaye]

Mark, these look like beautiful B&W images to me although I have no experience in B&W. At this stage, it always makes me feel I would like to see the colour version as a comparison.

[kinetic]

I have added a 3rd photo of this bird which is a “White Throated Dipper” and not the easiest bird to photograph,
its always bobbing up and down, hopping from rock to rock and drops in and out of the water all the time.
The way you see it here is a common pose perched on rocks in the water ready to just drop in to find grubs etc.

Mary thank you for your comments, I was having a B/W afternoon at a nearby river. On the first photo it was tempting
to zoom in and just take the bird as in the second photo, but for this one I wanted the bird to be part the scene and not
to be the scene. Regarding the moss I think it was some form of greenery. Oh and my feet were wet, cant you tell from my position.
Mark

Hey Sandy, Thank you very much for your kind comments. I like the fact that you talk about the scene first and then add
“presence of the bird in the scene” and that is what I was looking for, the bird to be incidental to the photo. Thanks again Sandy
Mark

Hi Kaye and thank you very much for your comments.
You mentioned “It always makes me feel I would like to see the colour version as a comparison”
The idea is that you don’t see a colour version because the intent is B/W. The colour thought never comes into it for me only B/W.
Nearly all my B/W photos are never seen in colour, even by me. It’s a sort of rule I have “shoot colour keep colour, shoot B/W keep B/W”
but there are rare occasions I break the rule, which I will do for you in order for you to make your comparison.
I will and add it to this thread for you after I convert it back to colour, hope no one will mind me adding a colour photo to the B/W section.

Thanks again Kaye
Mark

[Kaye]

Mark, please only do this if you wish and you have the time. Do not just do it for me.

[kinetic]

Hi Kaye, not a problem, when I convert them I think I will open up a new thread under “Nature and Animals,
and do a few cropped variations. Just don’t want to add a colour photo to the B/W section,
what do you think, maybe I would get away with just one.
Mark

[Kaye]

Mark, I am sure it would not be a problem at all posting it here, but if you prefer, why not save it up for Nature & Animals with no sneak previews. Up to you.

[kinetic]

Thats it posted Kaye.
Mark

[kinetic]

but then I guess you didn't want to get your feet wet

Mary how wet do you think my feet got in this one

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3933/wetfeet.jpg

[ladyups]

Mary how wet do you think my feet got in this one





ROTFLMBO.....I'd say you had better had your hip waders on! Plus, you might have wanted to tether yourself to a tree or something secure, just in case you lost your footing...:D:D:D:D:D

BTW...that is one super awesome image! I admire the lengths you go to 'get that shot!'. :)

[Kaye]

Thanks Mark,
I really think I like the colour version a little more. It shows a little more detail in the background and water than the B&W, but is also a few shades lighter I think. This makes me wonder whether the same shot in B&W would have more detail a few shades lighter??

Your latest B&W is my pick of the bunch. Fantastic shot. I will let Mary answer about your feet!

[kinetic]

Hi Kaye, remember you are viewing the B/W in shades of grey void of all colour
So the perception is that things can be much darker. With the colour version,
you are viewing and separating shadows and highlight’s bases more with colour
separation to which your eyes are more accustom to doing.
All that is in the B/W version is in the colour version.
Now you see why I don’t show my B/W photos in colour, it creates a conflict
between what I set out to achieve and others take on it.
That’s why I never mix the two, it’s a conscious decision to work with one or the other.
I don’t like the colour version, because that was not my intention, but that’s not
to say others won’t like the colour version as you do.

Mark

[Kaye]

Thanks Mark. When I get more into B&W photography myself, I will understand more about this.

[kinetic]

Hi Kaye, I think what I will do when I get home from work is to take the B/W version and lighten it up,
to see if I can get it to a level where you feel it is correct.
We may be dealing with a simple difference in monitors, which is always a problem when you have so
many people viewing photos using different monitors. Not all will see colours and saturation the same,
or in this case B/W.
Trying to find a nice balance can be difficult because of this variation.
Mark

[verikos]

Once again, beautiful shots Mark. I love the contrasting rocks in the first and it's symmetry. I wasn't drawn straight to the bird and I know that wasn't your intention anyway. I love the waterfall image. The things we put ourselves through to get the perfect shot, eh?

[Kaye]

Hi Kaye, I think what I will do when I get home from work is to take the B/W version and lighten it up,
to see if I can get it to a level where you feel it is correct.
We may be dealing with a simple difference in monitors, which is always a problem when you have so
many people viewing photos using different monitors. Not all will see colours and saturation the same,
or in this case B/W.
Trying to find a nice balance can be difficult because of this variation.
Mark

Mark, you are so kind to respond like this.
Your reasoning re monitors is most likely correct, so, as I am not doing any B&W at present, I do not want to waste your time. When I have that DSLR, then will be the time for your good knowledge in b&w.

[kinetic]

Hey Denise thank you very much for your comments
I am glad you didn’t see the bird straight off, but would rather you stumbled across it as your eyes move around the photo,
I think when you find something in a photo you tend to look a bit more to see if you can find anything else going on.
Mark

Hi Kaye, that’s no problem you’re very welcome. I want you on a DSLR as soon as possible to open up all the doors
and new ways for you to express your self through your photos.
Can I ask what camera you have in mind?
Mark

[Kaye]

Hi Mark,
I have the Nikkon D90 in mind, but could settle for less...

[jonrayner]

Stunning images Mark. I especially love the last one posted.
Jon

[sandrac]

really enjoyed reading about and looking at your pictures
thanks

[kinetic]

Hi Kaye.
The D90, now that will do nicely, would love to see your face that first day when you get it.
You won’t put it down all day, cant wait to see what you will produce with it.
Mark

Hi Jon and thank you for your comments very much appreciated.

Hi Sandra and again I thank you for your kind comments.
Mark