Black and White Work

Clixphoto

I am still trying to improve my black and white technique. Here are two images I have been working with.

1. I posted this one a while back and was advised it was little "muddy". I went back and did more work and feel that this was an improvement.




2. This is a portrait of my dad. I have been trying to capture him as much as I can because he has Alzheimer's. This is how he used to look everyday. I feel fortunate to have captured his smile again.



Any technical critique would be greatly appreciated. Love em or hate em any information is good information.

Thanks,

Wes
www.clix-photo.com

ivar

Clixphoto wrote:

I really dig this one! Besides the fact that it must be personally very special to you, it really is an awesome portrait. Great expression, and love the b/w. He seems very relaxed/at ease.

The first one is nice, too, but the (your?) kid is a lot brighter than the woman, and that takes up a bit too much attention for me. Also, it feels a bit 'posed', and less natural as opposed to the shot of your dad.

VayCayMom

These look great! Very nice job.

adbsgicom

Ditto on Ivar's comment. The portrait of your dad is great; he has a subtle smile and wisdom in his eyes. I'm very sorry to hear about the Altzheimers.

bdcolen

Two lovely images, and nothing 'muddy' about either of them. And keep shooting your Dad as long as you can - you'll be really happy you did.

Kinkajou

I like both of them - really nicely done. The conversions look great to me, nice job!

Joie

Love both pictures, but that one of your Dad is awesome!! I think it really tugs at my heartstrings because my Dad was a minister. So sad about your Dad's alzheimers.



J.

Clixphoto

Thanks for all the great comments.

The first one is of my wife and son. It was taken one sunday morning before church for the specific reason of trying some RAW conversions.

The portrait of my dad was converted from a color jpeg. I did a small portrait session of him with his clerical robes because he's no longer able to preach and we never really had any pictures of him in his service attire.
My mother wants me to do some shots around the farm for their Christmas cards. He now walks with a cane. I caught him walking down the long driveway one day and it struck me as a good scene with him and his cane in the distance. Then I wondered if it might be too gloomy for Christmas. Any feelings about that?