Trefor Pier - Llyn Peninsula

[Fatboy Dim]

Just getting into the B&W thing - a couple of shots of Trefor Pier that seem to work better in B&W - processed in the free trial version of Nik Siver Efex Pro. Not sure about the borders, think it was the kid in the sweet shop effect.

New to B&W, comments and constructive critique welcomed.

Thanks,

Iain

 

[horrocks]

Some potential here, especially in the second. It could benefit from the transform tool to straighten the distortion on the left, then it is a matter of building luminosity. Silver Efex is a good tool for this, but takes quite a bit of learning.

 

[Fatboy Dim]

Toby, thanks for taking the time to reply. Can you point out where the distortion on the left side is?

Think I'll get the full version of Nik when the trial runs out, can you, or anyone, suggest any good books or other training material that covers its use?

Many thanks,

Iain

 

[horrocks]

I am referring to the way the uprights of the pier seem to lean over on the RHS. This can easily be fixed by using the transform tool in PS, I understand lightroom has a good fix too.

Lots on Silver Efex on youtube, but I also highly recommend Ian Barber's tutorials on both Silver Efex and wider B&W processing. He is an occasional poster here.

http://www.ianbarberphotography.co.uk/

He also runs the Digital Monochrome Forum with Martin Henson, a great learning resource for B&W enthusiasts...

http://www.digitalmonochromeforum.co.uk/

 

[Fatboy Dim]

Thanks very much.

 

[horrocks]

Iain, this is the Ian Barber link I should have given you..

http://www.digitalblackandwhite.co.uk/

 

[Fatboy Dim]

Toby, thanks very much for that.

Regards,

Iain