Old Mill at Babcock State Park, WV (need your opinion)

KevXman

I was digging through the archives and came across this shot (actually 3 different exposures). Back when I took it in 2009 I did not think that it was gallery worthy. Way too many flaws. At the time I did not have the processing knowledge that I have picked up since then. Until I can make the long trip back to the location for a reshoot this is what I have to work with. I have processed the image two different ways and would like your opinion on which is better and why. I like both for different reasons and am torn between the two. Not only will this help me decide which one to put in my gallery but it will also help me prepare for the reshoot if and when that happens. Thank you in advance.

#1 (or Color Version)


#2 (or B&W Version)


Thank you for looking.
— Kevin

R.Jay

Hi Kevin, I prefer the colour version. Although I am sure it is not - the B&W version looks softer.

Cheers, Richard.

oldoval

Color. The way the red wheel pops against the green and greys makes the image much more interesting. I would suggest trying to get more noise out of the sky....it seems grainy compared to the water.

macgart

I prefer the color as well. The color of the wheel draws my eye in and the soft greens of the trees really work for me.

Crokey

I like the color for everything but the weird blue clouds. This is pretty common when using HDR software, just layer in the the exposure for the sky on top of the HDR version, and swith to color blending mode and paint it in. I've seen this fix many an ugly colored sky. There are things I really enjoy about the BnW version also, and I think it only pales when put next to the color version because of the strong color contrast between the building and the trees and the wheel. By itself, I think it's just as successful but for different reasons. I'm not as distracted by the strong colors so I notice the foreground and the water much more, and the sky isn't as odd looking without the odd color cast to it.

KevXman

Thank you for the feedback everyone. It is really helpful when you can get another set of eyes, or more, on an image. They are able to pick out things that you just don't see after looking at the image for so long. I, myself, was already leaning toward the color version and am glad that you backed me up on that. I have tried to incorporate your suggestion as much as possible with what I have to work with without a reshoot. Yes the sky was bothering me too and hopefully I have been able to improve upon it. I have also lightened the overall image as well. Thanks again!

Glade Creek Grist Mill


— Kevin

Tango

imo.... I like the color

I like the contrast of the first version, but the second version does look nice and clean. so maybe put a little more contrast back in ? heck dont ask me.... it's a great save from the archives!!!!

kdog

The rework looks great, Kevin.

black mamba

I think the lightened-up color version is the answer. Good shot.

Tom

KevXman

Thanks again everyone! I am calling this one done (after adding back in a little contrast just for you Aaron ) and putting it in my gallery.
— Kevin