Exercise: Strength of interpretation.

Take or choose from images you already have, two photographs that you think would best suit:

• A strong increase in contrast that will include clipping in at least the shadow areas. A pronounced S-curve is the standard method.
• Low key or high key treatment, in which the entire brightness range is shifted down or up the scale. Curves or levels are equally useful in creating this effect.

 

Create these effects, one for each image, but in two versions-in colour and in black and white.

 

 

 

Original image.

 

I then created an s- curve which did take a bit of trial and error. As you can see there is a loss of detail in the shadow areas.

 

 

 

I then converted to black and white.

 

 

I then experimented and slid the slider dramatically to shift the entire brightness range. This has resulted in the sky becoming very washed out, as has the white lighthouse. It has given the impression of a very bright sunny day.

 

 

I then also converted this version to black and white.

 

 

The black and white version appears quite hazy looking and almost mystical. It definitely does not have the strength of the other black and white version. This exercise has highlighted how much black and white images are dominated by tone, line and shape which can really make a statement. Before converting to black and white I really tried to anticipate how the various colours would appear.

 

This is the first time I have really used Lightroom 4 (student edition) and I have struggled a bit. I have been reading up on various tips on how to use it but for some reason I have been unable to save my images. Also when I have gone to retrieve photos I have found my folders empty. I need to try and find out why this is happening.