america

[Bob_B]

I've been working on my black and white processing and presentation, and submit this photo "america" for your thoughts and comments. Thank you for stopping by. Cheers, Bob

[PeterAit]

It's interesting that the house could have been built last month but the car is from 60 years ago (or so). But I must say, the photo as a whole seems flat and uninteresting. Maybe that was your intention but it does not work for me.

[David Eckels]

I have to take a slightly different tac from Peter. I like your processing; is it toned in some way, or perhaps a 95% opacity in the BW layer? I think it would fit very well in a series of Americana.

[Bob_B]

Peter and David: Thank you for your comments.

Peter: if you have the time, would you elaborate on the "flat and uninteresting" part of your comment? I assume you are not talking subject, but b/w gray scale. Where would you suggest changes in the processing? BTW: the house was built in the late 1890s. That it looks like it could have been built last month is a testament to its owner. It would have made for a finer photographic subject prior to his extensive renovations.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I feel the B&W processing is spot on. There is good detail in both shadows and light areas, and the overall effect is quite realistic.

I would process it quite differently if I were trying to get a specific mood, such as gloomy, or ominous, or inspirational, etc. But this scene seems to me to want a "realistic" rendition, and it works for me that way.

[John R]

I feel the B&W processing is spot on. There is good detail in both shadows and light areas, and the overall effect is quite realistic.

I would process it quite differently if I were trying to get a specific mood, such as gloomy, or ominous, or inspirational, etc. But this scene seems to me to want a "realistic" rendition, and it works for me that way.

The only thing I would add, is for you to try sepia toning perhaps with a vignette to try and enhance the obvious nostalgic atmosphere and content - as an alternate version. Would not change this one.

JR

[Bob_B]

Thank you, Eric and John R.

Re: vignette -- I decided to leave the vignette out of this one, as I was beginning to think that I was overdoing it on previous photos. I'll keep your suggestion in mind for the future.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I generally apply some vignette on every image, and then roll it back until I feel it isn't offensive (at least to me!)

[francois]

I generally apply some vignette on every image, and then roll it back until I feel it isn't offensive (at least to me!)

I tend to do the same with every setting, not only with vignette!

I like Bob's image very much.

[Bob_B]

Thanks Eric and francois for your thoughts, suggestions, and praise. I appreciate your input.