Cape May, NJ, summer 2013, Nikon FM 210mm HP5+ (so don't ask to see the color version) about 7 AM still a bit misty. There was even less contrast on the unprocessed scan. Hardly any separation between the beach and the ocean.
Cape May, NJ, summer 2013, Nikon FM 210mm HP5+ (so don't ask to see the color version) about 7 AM still a bit misty. There was even less contrast on the unprocessed scan. Hardly any separation between the beach and the ocean.
From one Jersey Shore shooter to another - Nicely Done Andrew! I like the mist and soft black and white. There is a lot of grain here though - I'm guessing you were at a high ISO due to low light. The scan didn't help. It is hard to get past this issue. I hope you keep posting! This is an interesting image and I look forward to more!
There seem to be a few from Noo Joisey in this group! I like the same things Ruth does here, Andrew, and the grain is fine by me.
I think the two objects are too nearly equidistant from the frame edge, making the whole image a little too symmetrical for my taste. I append one cropped and one cloned edit to illustrate my point. Just my personal take. Still like your image! Curious to know what you think of this. I'm a bit of an asymmetry zealot!
I think the top crop here is my favorite. Of the 3 versions. Good eye Chris!
I agree with the crop. The original causes visual tension for me, like the objects are competing for attention.
Chris's first crop feels more harmonious and more fitting to the tone of the scene.
It's difficult to comment on the grain without seeing the original but suspect this may be intentional to create that mood. In that respect I think it is be justified and adds to the image.
FWIW, the HP5+ was shot at ASA 400, developed in Kodak HC-110. There does seem to be rougher grain than that combination usually delivers, but I think it because of having to boost the contrast from an inherently low-contrast situation. It does not bother me, because long ago someone told me, "If the grain ain't sharp, neither is the print." I'll go back to the original unprocessed scan's DNG file and check. Also, I have a few more Photoshop tools now than when I did this.
The image is basically uncropped, except for a small bit of rotation to level the horizon. This was at the limit of my 70-210's range. If I'd had another 100mm or so, I might have done what Chris suggests. Who knows? I wouldn't agonize over it. I have a 500mm lens (catadioptric, which is a whole 'nother discussion) now that I did not have when I took this, so we'll see what I get if we get to the beach again this summer.