# 9041
Not far from the shore of Lake Ontario is this small grove and I just happen to catch it near sundown. And since the long nights allow me to play more with post processing, here is the same photo in black and white using Silver Effects Pro 2. This plug-in has been around a while and I was wondering if a new (v3) is in the works. Anybody? Bueller? Bueller?
# 9041
2clicksaway 
As a study of texture, the black and white version works well, but I personally like the addition of color to overlay (underlay?) the texture. I think it comes down to your intention, and what drew you to the scene. Either way works, depending on one’s preferences.
Can’t help you on the software question! 🙂
This is one of those shots where I can’t make up my mind which I prefer. I find myself making B&Ws of a lot of shots just to see how they look. Fortunately, it’s a very easy conversion.
Very nice conversion, Ken. Tough choice on these, like them both. 🙂 Silver Efex Pro 2 is a really nice plugin and fun to play around with. I don’t use it as often as I should but am reminded that I need to by images like this..
Nice work!
Thanks, Jimi. When Google bought Nic they sent this to me for free. I had been using the Topaz version but this is very nice as well. I would recommend both.
Two different stories with these two pictures. I like them both and I thing that the silver effect is great.
No more “like” in my blog Ken, as I realised that lot of people don’t even care about your picture but just clic on like to have a visit back. I prefer to have comments event if I have less visits. You know all the story..
enjoy your weekk end Ken
Thanks, Chantal.
I like the “LIKE” button for this reason: it lets you know that an individual was there to see and read your blog even if they don’t have time to comment. Personally, I think that is a good reason to have it but even if I visit a blog and don’t like the post (it’s rare, but it happens) I don’t click the “LIKE” button.
I like the like buttons too – I sometimes have more likes than views since WP has made the reader so it does not count views. That gives me a bit of a sense that people are still looking, even if the counts are way down. Though quite what they are liking if they have not viewed the blog and missed a lot of content, I am not so sure – I guess the first image has caught their fancy.
I agree with Andy, a bit more processing in the B&W might not be a bad thing. I like it better than the colour the way it is, it seems a lot more dense somehow.
Two different interpretations – I prefer the colour because it adds an extra ingredient. I think there is mileage in the B&W conversion but as I see it here it lacks punch – I would try cranking up the contrast substantially to get some rich blacks and even ‘blow’ the highlights a bit. That will admittedly change the character of the image, but I think the results would reward you. Worth an experiment perhaps, Ken?
Thanks, Andy. Now that the days are shorter (much shorter) I will be going over some older photos and reprocessing them. I’ll definitely keep this one in mind.
Tough call. I agree with Andy though, a high contrast version of the BW might be worth a try. I can never get my tree compostitions to look as good as yours Ken, maybe you should write an e-book on tree photography or something.
Thanks, Charles. i am definitely going to give the high contrast a try. The e-book is a good idea, too. I have enough photos for a coffee table e-book.
Two different interpretations but personally I really like the black and white. For me the ‘story’ is about the shapes and forms and I think removing the color really lets me focus on that. I like it quite a bit!
Thanks, Howard. I think you’re right. I like the range of tones in the B&W version.
Isn’t it interesting how different folks like different things. Personally, I think that the color works much better. I think that’s because it allows more separation and I can see the clouds more clearly through the branches.
Thanks, Paul. It one reason to post both versions when in doubt. I liked the color when I shot it but I saw potential for b&w too.