Attempt at Black & White

This is my second attempt ever at black and white photography. I shot this on Illford F4 and used duotone in PS7 to enhance it. What do you think of the tones? There is also an optical illusion in the image. This is a boat slip and the ropes are twisted around each other, but in the photo, they don't look connected to my eye. I'd like to know who else see's this illusion and who does not. Do you think the illusion detracts or adds to the quality of the image?

Thanks,
Kristin

Hi - hey, you're saying that the upper and lower rope are connected? Hmmm..I don't see it (must be a good illusion).

The subject is Ok. But there's a few technical problems with the pic.

I think the tones are a little too muted here. In general, with B&W, you only have shapes and tones to work with, and constrast is one of your biggest weapons. I also feel the lighting is just a bit too flat? Its also a bit soft in sharpness (might need a tripod).

I guess its OK from an experiment perspective, but personally I'm not sure what benefit adding the color does for the pic. Its only gone from a black/grey background to a earthy brown, which really doesn't add much. Sometimes adding a single color to a B&W adds mystery, seems to work best when it matches (hence enhances) the overall feel of the picture.

Red filters can add contrast (if I remember my old B&W days)/

gb

I hope you don't mind I did a little experiment on your picture to see how it would look.

First I looked at the histogram (levels), and noticed there was no real black tones, so I moved the black slider up to the beginning of the lines, to make true blacks.

Then I chose two different colors for the duotone: for the highlights I chose a light greyish brown, and for the shadows I chose a deep dark navy blue. (If you want the pantone numbers, just ask).

Here's the results. I like this because the contrasting colors give greater depth to the shot, I think.

The levels adjustment did a lot, too.

Are you saying that the upper and lower ropes are connected, or that the upper piece is twisted back on itself? Having been a sailor for some 15 years, I can tell you that the lower piece is definitely not wrapped by the upper. Although it is clear to my eye that the upper piece is twisted.

Interesting compostion. To my eye I think the monotone nature of 3-strand braid could use something else in the image to add to the mood. Perhaps something that the rope is interacting with or tied around?


-Chris