Black & White Again

[Paul Hutchings]

Hi All,

I'm still getting my toes wet with conversion to black and white so I thought I'd place these two for some c & c.

1.
http://www.pghphotography.co.uk/imgs/gallery/5567/5567_132074398248250b3116f3c.jpg
2.
http://www.pghphotography.co.uk/imgs/gallery/5567/5567_1986722723482510842876f.jpg
All welcome.
Ta

[EdinburghGary]

I think more contrast required but great shots.

[Jayst84]

Nice shots, and I agree with Gary that a touch of contrast would probably help.

I'd tone down the PP a bit, and definitely lose the selective colouring. It's a good exercise in PP skills, but personally think it rarely, if ever adds to a shot. Particularly here, where the faces are the important part of the scene, not the hat.

Cute kid too. :)

[catchpole_11]

i love the second one, it has a nice soft glow. but again i agree about contrast. but only on the first photo. IMO the faces look a little bit too 'gray'. Good job though.:clap:

[Paul Hutchings]

These are excellent comments thanks.

I never know when the photo looks right where contrast is used, does anyone have a rule they go by or does it just depend on the photo?

Paul

[Jayst84]

Depends on the subject, but my rule of thumb is ramp it up. :D But that's just me, and I don't do too many portraits.

[catchpole_11]

For me it depends on the subject/situation, but as a general rule i always add a bit of contrast and usually sharpen. Doesn't have to be dramatic changes though, just subtle things can make a big difference. Just keep taking photos and keep playing, and you'll get to know what you like. Don't listen to us too much, its good to develop your own style.:)