Lifeguards boat Cagles Mill Lake IN

[Husain Alfraid]

Hello,

i took these pictures couple of months ago. that lake was flooded, at least 5-9ft comparing to 2006 (last time when i was there)

this boat wasn't as i wanted it to be (wooden antique one)...but this is what i found i took an advantage of it.

Cagles Mill Lake. Richard Lieber State Park. IN.

HDR processed on this one...out of 4 RAW files.


and here is one in BW.

Nikon D200
Nikkor 18-200mm
CPL filter
ISO100

i took some other pictures...but this one is in best composition than the others ..if you would like to take a look at then...please let me know.



thank you
Husain

 

[Rachel Foster]

I like the color version better. We're just beginning to get color here.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Color is the defining compositional element!

Husain,

I really like this picture! You have also given us a treat; a challenge as to what makes a great color image to an even better B&W picture!

When I rail against most street photography in color, there's usually one reason. Most often it's the gaudy, unrelated synthetic colors that draw attention to themselves and so disrupt the real potential of a street scene. So what might color hide from us in this context? I fear the loss of facets of shading, texture, patterns, composition, content and meaning. In such a street scene, removing color liberates the picture from being hijacked by colored razzmatazz.

When deciding between color and no color in such a street scene, its one of those easy choices once one recognizes the esthetic parameters at work.

So let's come to your picture, to this boat by the woods! In this scene there's an unusual rust-colored antique boat by a line of trees. What's so unusual and harmonious is the appearance of a clump of autumn colored trees at the front of dense woods of green trees? Yes the boat is an older design and has seen better times. However, that's not the defining glory of your picture. So here's what I think is the source of the "magic". The palette of the boat seem to be continued to the autumn colored leaves, all lit in golden light! That's the secret of the picture, the engine of its beauty!

Now, should we choose to go to B&W then how do we maintain that special magic described in delicate vibrations of precious metals and silk fabrics?

It's possible that with great care one could assign the special Sienna palette to particular tonalities. However, I have not done this. For sure it's a great challenge.

The B&W version here is drained of magic, so I'd stick with the original for now!

Thanks for presenting this most perfect example of where color is the defining compositional element, which, if removed, likely cannot be replaced by assignments of the hues to particular tonalities.

Asher

P.S. So is this the end of the discussion? Not a chance! We just dealt with the obvious!

 

[Husain Alfraid]

Asher,


i'm speechless, i don't know what to say. you pretty much said everything....u're the boss!!



thank you
Husain

 

[Asher Kelman]

Hussain,

It really is unique for color to define a scene and not just be flashy and short cuts to being impressive. Photography in color is comforting and add richness for sure. however, when color is really important, the specific esthetics cannot be delivered without it.

Too often, with the ease of digital photography, people use the camera and not the mind to make pictures. They often don't recognize when color might detracts from form. Here however, nothing can represent the gold light except itself!

So I'm happy to celebrate this example. I hope you find more!

Asher