Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Landscape & Nature Photography => Topic started by: mrazster on January 22, 2010, 07:29:23 pm

Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on January 22, 2010, 07:29:23 pm
I finally got my new 27" iMac up´n running with som proper calibration done.
Pretty new to the forums...so I thought I´d post some of my work.
Theese shoots are taken on the westcoast of sweden...not far from my hometown...last fall.

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Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on January 22, 2010, 09:57:56 pm
Nice to see some fresh European landscapes for a change  

I like the overall tonality and mood of the pictures. A couple of comments though: in #1 there appears to be a strong case of uneven polarization in the sky, which (for me) distracts from the composition. #3 appears to have either a too strong graduated neutral-densitty filter, or too much post-processing vignetting in the sky (e.g., top clouds are much darker than those below). Again, anything that looks out of place tends to distract compositionally (imho, of course).
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Peter McLennan on January 22, 2010, 10:03:48 pm
Me, I like the darkened skies.  Adds drama and interest.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on January 22, 2010, 10:49:44 pm
Quote from: Peter McLennan
Me, I like the darkened skies.  Adds drama and interest.
Nothing against dark skies... my comment was about unevenly dark skies. In the film days, one would apply orange or red filter to darken the sky, but clouds would remain white... the same goes for Photoshop: use red channel for conversion to b&w and you would get darker skies, but again clouds would remain white. #2 has a decent dark sky, without affecting the clouds. It all comes down to the subtlety of the effect: some tonal difference in the sky/clouds is ok, too much becomes artificial and thus distracting (me think).
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: wolfnowl on January 23, 2010, 12:27:22 am
Nice work, but I agree with Slobodan.  Since the clouds are darker, it looks like someone's used a fairly large brush to darken total exposure in that area.

Mike.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: richard laughlin on January 23, 2010, 03:10:25 am
darker clouds,, something like this?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slobodan_blagojevic/4174492119/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/slobodan_blagojevic/4174492119/)

Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on January 23, 2010, 03:11:44 am
Thnx alot for your words.
I use graduated ND filters most of the time, mostly ND8...so no brushes here. However I´ve added some contrast to the sky to get more punch to it.
As for the skies...I´ve never seen what you are seeing before...it has never struck me.
I don´t think I´ve ever seen any cloud equally white...thats what makes them so interesting.

And the uneven polarization is apealing to me...if the sky where evenly dark, I would consider it less interesting and less dramatic(drama is what I want  )

But I´ll consdier your worlds...thnx again.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on January 23, 2010, 01:43:25 pm
Quote from: richard laughlin
darker clouds, something like this?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/slobodan_blagojevic/4174492119/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/slobodan_blagojevic/4174492119/)
I assume you are teasingly trying to point out an apparent inconsistency between how I use "darker clouds" in my own photography and my comments to others (i.e., "...clouds would remain white..."). I see how one can interpret it that way (i.e., as inconsistency), especially if not reading my two posts together, so to make it perfectly clear (or so I hope):

As I said, I have nothing against darker skies... I have nothing against darker clouds either... I was, however, commenting about unevenly  dark skies (OP's image #1) and unevenly dark clouds (#3). And by "unevenly dark clouds" I do not mean all clouds should be "equally white" either. It is quite possible there could be different shades of clouds simultaneously, from white to almost black, in the same sky, but that would be usually related to a storm, and the lighting would be reflecting storm conditions everywhere else in the scene. In #3 it appears that the conditions were generally sunny, with no other indicators of approaching storm, hence the upper most clouds being so much darker (actually murkier) than those closer to the horizon creates an unnatural feeling (again, me think).

As for my own photograph, that was a stormy, windy, late-winter day on the shores of the Lake Michigan (Chicago), and yes, I emphasized the mood by darkening the sky and clouds even further for added drama. Whether I succeeded or not, I leave to others to judge.

Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on January 23, 2010, 01:55:41 pm
Quote from: mrazster
Thnx alot for your words.
I use graduated ND filters most of the time, mostly ND8...so no brushes here. However I´ve added some contrast to the sky to get more punch to it.
As for the skies...I´ve never seen what you are seeing before...it has never struck me.
I don´t think I´ve ever seen any cloud equally white...thats what makes them so interesting.

And the uneven polarization is apealing to me...if the sky where evenly dark, I would consider it less interesting and less dramatic(drama is what I want  )

But I´ll consdier your worlds...thnx again.
If that is how you see things, then I should shut up and respect it.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on January 23, 2010, 02:39:46 pm
Like Slobodan, I find that the skies in #1 and #3 look too artificial to me, and for the reasons he cites. The clouds look quite unconvincing to me.

On the other hand, in Slobodan's Lake Michigan photo the clouds look quite plausible to me.

They're very nice images in all other respects.

Eric

Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on January 23, 2010, 03:01:38 pm
Quote from: Slobodan Blagojevic
If that is how you see things, then I should shut up and respect it.


Please don´t sir...even thou we don´t agree and interpert skies the same way..I still find it interesting to se how other people see my images.
Contsructive critque is good critique...afaik.

So by all means...do not shut up.  
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: JohnBrew on January 23, 2010, 05:38:24 pm
Thanks for posting these. I enjoyed them!
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: EduPerez on January 25, 2010, 03:01:30 am
I specially liked the first one; thanks.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Colorwave on January 25, 2010, 03:18:22 am
I really like your shots overall, but have to chime in with others in saying that I find the ND detracts from the overall effect, at least in how strong it is, and how it kills some of the clouds.  I would prefer to see, for my $.02, a bit less extreme graduated darkening of the sky and little or no selective darkening of the clouds.  I'm all for contrast, but it is a matter of degree, and I find that the darkening of the clouds is actually counterproductive to your stated aim of adding punch to the shots.  A little dodging of the darker clouds would make them stand out against the sky more and add overall contrast.  I think we all have no intention of trashing these shots, and are only speaking of subtleties (and of course personal preference), in the hope of offering constructive criticism to make these very nice shots even stronger.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: wthomphoto on February 01, 2010, 10:31:30 pm
I like all 3 photographs. Very nice work, and I have no problem with the way you handled the sky.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: francois on February 02, 2010, 03:37:29 am
Quote from: Eric Myrvaagnes
Like Slobodan, I find that the skies in #1 and #3 look too artificial to me, and for the reasons he cites. The clouds look quite unconvincing to me.
Add me to the list regarding the polarization of the sky (especially on #1). And this is quite difficult to correct in PP.
If I ignore this "issue", I find that your photos are very pleasing and well composed. The blurred movement of the water adds dynamism and the very contrasty mood is always an asset to coastline landscapes.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on February 03, 2010, 05:36:35 pm
Thanks alot fellas....all comments much apreciated.
I take no offense in critique..as I said before as long as it´s constructive, every critisism is very welcome.
I´ll consider your words about the polarisation effect...even thou I like it..I´ll try to make it a little less obvious(I thinks it´s the right word)...and see how it turns out.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: DaveCurtis on February 05, 2010, 05:12:57 pm
Nice images.

Nice balance with the stones in the foreground.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Patricia Sheley on February 05, 2010, 05:39:24 pm
Zen like magnificent moments...what a treat! You've put that live view to excellent use...inspirational....Pat S.
post script: as to the clouds/sky...those are technical considerations that you may well peruse and experiment with...but the quality of site vision, the quality of composition and the carefully set dof of field to express those moments are an art that just cannot be taken lightly...you obviously have an excellent grasp of the tough pieces of the equation...a real talent there...
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on February 07, 2010, 12:49:08 pm
Thnx alot for all your inputs...  

I´m adding another 3 shoots made this weekend with my new 5D MK II    ....swedish winter shoots.



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Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on February 07, 2010, 01:19:01 pm
These are beautiful and moody black & whites! Well balanced, tonally and compositionally. My only nitpicking (you knew it's coming, right?   ) would be with #2: gray snow. As I said in another thread, when snow is presented as gray, there should usually be a compelling (esthetic) reason for that. If you had that reason and did it deliberately, than my comment shouldn't matter. By the way, we are talking here nuances, very slight changes in tonality, not reaching blinding-white levels.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on February 07, 2010, 01:29:17 pm
Quote from: Slobodan Blagojevic
My only nitpicking (you knew it's coming, right?   ) would be with #2: gray snow.

HAHA...yeah I was actually waiting for your reply  
I might actually agree with you here...mabye it could be a smidge "whiter"...but just a tiny smidge.
I was intentionaly making it a "little less whiter" so that the snow and the white doesn´t consume the picture totally....I´ll revisit the image.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on February 24, 2010, 04:29:19 pm
I´ve got a couple of new ones here...not my usual kind of shoots.
3 very different kinds of images taken on a little trip through our recent winterlandscape.

The last one was taken in an old "forgotten" houes...had a creative moment there in PS with the flowers, other than that its pretty much as shoot.
Was trying to express a feeling of cold, dark winter but with a promise of rebirth, warmth and happines...that the spring comes with. (sorry for my bad english)


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Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on February 24, 2010, 07:27:29 pm
All the winter ones are quite nice. I agree with Slobodan that the second snow picture should be a bit brighter. 

Of the new three, the first is my favorite. The stark simplicity of the line of trees is very elegant.

Eric

Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on February 25, 2010, 04:02:54 am
Quote from: Eric Myrvaagnes
All the winter ones are quite nice. I agree with Slobodan that the second snow picture should be a bit brighter. 

Of the new three, the first is my favorite. The stark simplicity of the line of trees is very elegant.
It's uncanny how often I agree with Eric. I looked at the three shots in reverse order: all have some appeal but something clicked when I saw the first. It might be improved by cropping a little bit of the sky, but it's a very pleasing image.

Jeremy
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on March 30, 2010, 06:34:25 am
OK...here´s another 3 from this beautiful winter.
Most of my shoots this winter where done with "Less is more" in mind...


[attachment=21145:_MG_0397.jpg]


[attachment=21146:_MG_0375.jpg]


[attachment=21147:_MG_0296.jpg]
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: EduPerez on March 30, 2010, 07:01:22 am
I like the three of them, but the last one is clearly my favourite.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: nigelrudyard on March 30, 2010, 07:34:29 am
Tremendous shots. I like the translucence of the water in number three.

Excellent work.

Regards
Nigel
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: nigelrudyard on March 30, 2010, 07:39:20 am
[attachment=20096:_MG_0059.jpg]


Lovely work -- I like the sole figure in number three -- very evocative.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on March 30, 2010, 12:36:54 pm
Thank you all for your kind words....much apreciated.  
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on March 30, 2010, 03:02:26 pm
Quote from: mrazster
... Most of my shoots this winter where done with "Less is more" in mind...
And I concur (that "less is often more"). Nice work, especially when taken together, as a series. And no nitpicking this time
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on March 30, 2010, 03:06:34 pm
Quote from: Slobodan Blagojevic
And I concur (that "less is often more"). Nice work, especially when taken together, as a series. And no nitpicking this time

OMG Slobodan, are you serious...no nitpicking ?!?!
I must have gotten it right this time then..  
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on June 04, 2010, 07:04:10 pm
OK guys...been a while since I uploaded any images.
Here are a couple of recent ones.
First 2 shoots are from an island on the eastcoast of sweden, called Gotland.
Last two are from the deeps woods from around here.

[attachment=22408:_MG_2353.jpg]

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Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on June 21, 2010, 05:01:02 pm
A couple of recent ones...


[attachment=22726:20100620_0504.jpg]

[attachment=22727:20100620_0458.jpg]

[attachment=22728:20100620_0482.jpg]
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: wolfnowl on June 23, 2010, 02:45:03 am
I find the OOF plant stems in the first one somewhat distracting, but I like the other two, especially the last.  YMMV!

Mike.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 23, 2010, 03:27:00 am
Quote from: mrazster
OK guys...been a while since I uploaded any images.
Here are a couple of recent ones.
First 2 shoots are from an island on the eastcoast of sweden, called Gotland.

[attachment=22408:_MG_2353.jpg]
I like this one very much: it has a wondefully moody atmosphere. There's a bit of a void in the middle, though: I think I might have moved a little to the left, to narrow the gap between the tree and the windmill: maybe you had a good reason not to do that.

Jeremy
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on June 23, 2010, 10:12:09 am
Quote from: kikashi
I like this one very much: it has a wondefully moody atmosphere. There's a bit of a void in the middle, though: I think I might have moved a little to the left, to narrow the gap between the tree and the windmill: maybe you had a good reason not to do that.

Jeremy

Me too. I'm a sucker for a good fog photo.


Eric

Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: BlasR on June 24, 2010, 09:24:34 pm
Quote from: Eric Myrvaagnes
Me too. I'm a sucker for a good fog photo.


Eric
 Come to my street is here everyday.

enjoy very nice to see me around again,,
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on July 01, 2010, 03:55:03 am
Thank you all for your kind words...much appreciated.
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on July 05, 2010, 07:44:49 pm
A couple of new ones...taken laste week on the westcoast of sweden in my hometown.
All shoots taken around midnight with loooong exposures.  


[attachment=22969:20100623_0548.jpg]


[attachment=22970:20100627_0632.jpg]


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Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on July 06, 2010, 03:45:54 am
Beautiful. Minimal, pared-down simplicity. Congratulations.

My only criticism is that there seems to be a halo around the lighthouse on the first. I realise that lighthouses often emit light, which might have something to do with it, but somehow it jars.

Jeremy
Title: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on July 06, 2010, 04:47:43 am
Quote from: kikashi
Beautiful. Minimal, pared-down simplicity. Congratulations.

My only criticism is that there seems to be a halo around the lighthouse on the first. I realise that lighthouses often emit light, which might have something to do with it, but somehow it jars.

Jeremy

Thnx alot for taking the time and for your kind words.

About the lighthouse, as you said it emits sorrounding lights.
To me it adds to the images...infact I´m debating with my self if there should be even more light there.
As usually with photography and picture, it´s subjective..  
Title: Re: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on December 08, 2010, 08:49:21 am
Haven´t posted any images lately due to alooot of work.

however I finally got some time to finish working on my trip to norway this fall.

So here goes...Some Norwegian Black and Whites.

Title: Re: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on February 14, 2013, 05:30:08 pm
It´s been a while since my last post.

Due to a long hospital staying...got diabetes, myocardial infarction e.t.c, I haven´t done much photographic work.
But I have been checking in every no and then. In september of 2012 I was doing my anual trip to Norway.
Here are a couple of shoots.
Title: Re: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on February 14, 2013, 05:45:21 pm
Welcome back! Sorry to hear about health troubles. Nice shots, as we've already come to expect from you :-)
Title: Re: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: sdwilsonsct on February 15, 2013, 11:12:50 am
The middle one is especially engaging. Nice.
Title: Re: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: mrazster on February 16, 2013, 12:51:44 pm
Welcome back! Sorry to hear about health troubles. Nice shots, as we've already come to expect from you :-)

I was wondering if you were still around ! ;-)
Anyways...thnx för taking the time !

The middle one is especially engaging. Nice.

Thnx a bunch..!
Title: Re: Some Swedish Black´n Whites
Post by: Paulo Bizarro on February 18, 2013, 05:46:54 am
Thanks for posting some wonderful photos. I hope you overcome your health issues soon.