Black and White Composition

[Second Hand Pat]

This is my first composition. Took a bit of time determining the composition and several shots for lighting and what not. How did I do? The pocket watch was my husband's grandfathers watch. Was trying create an old timey feel to this photo.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1486/25296549282_39ce2f2d7e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ExnqMq)DSC_7013 (https://flic.kr/p/ExnqMq)

[rickztahone]

Nice shot. I see where you were going with this, but the only thing throwing me off is the angle of the pocket watch. My OCD wants it to be straight up and down. This is a personal view only though, mind you. The shot works. I would have tried to add a sepia tone as well rather than just B&W. Do you have any in your presets?

[Second Hand Pat]

I do Ricardo and well try those later. I am playing with black-and-white so I can enter one in the competition later this month.

[Second Hand Pat]

Like this one a lot.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1464/24786808414_f47c26f81f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DLjSzL)DSC_7013-2 (https://flic.kr/p/DLjSzL)

[rickztahone]

Like this one a lot.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1464/24786808414_f47c26f81f_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/DLjSzL)DSC_7013-2 (https://flic.kr/p/DLjSzL)

yup, that has that instant "wow" factor for me. Looks very time appropriate and the slight tilt doesn't bother me as much this way oddly enough. It still does, mind you, but slightly less, lol.

[Second Hand Pat]

yup, that has that instant "wow" factor for me. Looks very time appropriate and the slight tilt doesn't bother me as much this way oddly enough. It still does, mind you, but slightly less, lol.

Way does that slight tilt bug you Ricardo or can you put a finger in it?

[Second Hand Pat]

Maybe a bit more contrast to the original photo?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1454/25300286582_c1da3fd949_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ExGzKC)DSC_7013-4 (https://flic.kr/p/ExGzKC)

[SMB2]

but the only thing throwing me off is the angle of the pocket watch. My OCD wants it to be straight up and down. This is a personal view only though, mind you. The shot works. I would have tried to add a sepia tone as well rather than just B&W

Just what I was typing and then I read the rest of the posts!
I have to agree the I would rotate the watch face more toward the viewer. The side tilt to my eye is OK.
The mind would travel a little more if the word Shakespeare were fully viewed and in focus.
When I work on BW, I am not as facile in getting the look I want and have to do try a lot of options. So it is hard for me to describe what I would do with the processing. I really like NIK Silver EFEX Pro. for BW.
I like the sepia but I would make this a lot more harsh in the sense of sharpening and contrast.

[rickztahone]

Just what I was typing and then I read the rest of the posts!
I have to agree the I would rotate the watch face more toward the viewer. The side tilt to my eye is OK.
The mind would travel a little more if the word Shakespeare were fully viewed and in focus.
When I work on BW, I am not as facile in getting the look I want and have to do try a lot of options. So it is hard for me to describe what I would do with the processing. I really like NIK Silver EFEX Pro. for BW.
I like the sepia but I would make this a lot more harsh in the sense of sharpening and contrast.

maybe a mask with texture at a low opacity?

[Second Hand Pat]

There you go Ricardo. I admit I do not hate it :p Also sharpened and lighten the watch some Stan. Do a little crop of the right, seamed like a bit of dead space. Stan, is NIK Silver EFEX Pro a plugin or a separate app?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1685/25329133291_23b03d626c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EAfqSF)DSC_7023-2 (https://flic.kr/p/EAfqSF)

[rickztahone]

There you go Ricardo. I admit I do not hate it :p Also sharpened and lighten the watch some Stan. Do a little crop of the right, seamed like a bit of dead space. Stan, is NIK Silver EFEX Pro a plugin or a separate app?

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1685/25329133291_23b03d626c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EAfqSF)DSC_7023-2 (https://flic.kr/p/EAfqSF)

It is a plug in but you pay for it separate to PS. I'm pretty sure it can be used along side LR as well though. I like that it is straight up and down, however, I may not like it as much as I thought I would, lol. Sorry Pat, it is the way of photography, never know what you will like until you do it. I still like the sepia best IMHO

[nc0gnet0]

I like the tilt better, the perfectly upright shot gives more of the "staged" impression.

[rickztahone]

I like the tilt better, the perfectly upright shot gives more of the "staged" impression.

I actually have to agree. I thought I'd like it more, but I prefer the original now with this one up. It is what pleases you more though Pat :)

[Discus-n00b]

I'll be honest, I hate it straight up and down lol. Ok not HATE but dislike. Tilted instantly grabs my eye. Straight is to way to staged rather than grandpa just put his watch on the table without taking the time to align it vertically. More authentic tilted IMO. especially in a scene with lots of straight edges, square books/binds, straight lines on the books. Tilted to me highlights the watch a bit more and draws you towards it. My only criticism is one that could go either way for me. It's the flash reflection on the outside edge of the watch. In one way it captures the metallic feel of the watch but another way it doesn't look as dated as I want it to look with the books and greyscale/sepia. The small bit on the glass of the watch I think adds to it, shows there is glass there, but the outer ring on the right side pops a bit to much for my eyes personally. Like if you could somehow get the same light 180 degrees around the watch like it is above and below the bright spot on the right I think that might look nice. I think my eyes prefer Sepia tone on this one but it's not bad BW. Just being picky! Really nice still life photo though.

Wonder what lighting it from above would look like. Like simulating a simple desk lamp.

[Second Hand Pat]

Thanks Matt, here's that latest result. Time to walk away and leave it be for a while.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1717/25306562432_138484c517_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EyfKkW)DSC_7028-3 (https://flic.kr/p/EyfKkW)

[SMB2]

OK agree will all the above. I like this comp the best. I like the face to the camera with the tilt. I like the crop of the top book and the hint of the title.
Again I would have to play with the processing to see if I could get a little more depth.
I do like how you are working the subject to get the look you want. It is a process and I think much harder than nature photography where the subject often supplies the art.

Nik (Goggle) products are plug-ins for LR and are a great add on to your processing. I use the whole package: https://www.google.com/nikcollection/

[Second Hand Pat]

OK agree will all the above. I like this comp the best. I like the face to the camera with the tilt. I like the crop of the top book and the hint of the title.
Again I would have to play with the processing to see if I could get a little more depth.
I do like how you are working the subject to get the look you want. It is a process and I think much harder than nature photography where the subject often supplies the art.

Nik (Goggle) products are plug-ins for LR and are a great add on to your processing. I use the whole package: https://www.google.com/nikcollection/

Thanks Stan, I will consider that. Played with this some more.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1483/25404255926_67bfd9ca90_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EGTsdw)DSC_7028-4 (https://flic.kr/p/EGTsdw)

[nc0gnet0]

try it with the chain in a pile along side the watch, and some old coins off to the side. Buffalo nickels maybe? It should be later in the day as well, not 3:45 pm.........

[brewmaster15]

Pat,
I Like the way you are using this watch in this photo. Its a perfect item for black and white. I don't own a pocket watch like that but always wanted one...they are distinguished, a symbol of times gone by. .. I understand the use of the books as a backdrop I think. Old books old watch?

Some other backdrops for this beautiful watch might be an old photo,maybe of your husband'grandfather or that time period, or better still...in your husband's hand. The image of that watch in a cradled in a hand would be beautiful in Black and White.

Just some suggestions for you to play with if you ever get bored! :)

[Second Hand Pat]

try it with the chain in a pile along side the watch, and some old coins off to the side. Buffalo nickels maybe? It should be later in the day as well, not 3:45 pm.........

Maybe it's 3:45am :p. Thanks for the ideas Rick. Being this is a macro composition I am avoiding using the other end of the chain, beside the little medal clamp which attached to the pocket there is another small object attached to the clamp with a piece of black velvet. I couldn't get those two pieces to work for me. Tried a number of times. The nickels are a good idea, wonder if I have some. Gave all the old coins to the kid but will check around.
Pat

[Second Hand Pat]

Pat,
I Like the way you are using this watch in this photo. Its a perfect item for black and white. I don't own a pocket watch like that but always wanted one...they are distinguished, a symbol of times gone by. .. I understand the use of the books as a backdrop I think. Old books old watch?

Some other backdrops for this beautiful watch might be an old photo,maybe of your husband'grandfather or that time period, or better still...in your husband's hand. The image of that watch in a cradled in a hand would be beautiful in Black and White.

Just some suggestions for you to play with if you ever get bored! :)

Absolutely love the hand idea Al. That truly make the photo a true keepsake. :) Like the old photo idea too. This watch is from the 20s or 30s I believe. Let's see if I can get Tom to work with me on this. :)
Pat

[SMB2]

Has to be an Old Hand....!

[Second Hand Pat]

Has to be an Old Hand....!

Define old Stan? If I use Tom's hand it becomes a generational thing.

[Second Hand Pat]

Teased a little more detail from the books.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1575/25440208315_c6ef795a1b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EL4HBi)DSC_7028-5 (https://flic.kr/p/EL4HBi)

[brewmaster15]

Has to be an Old Hand....!


or a childs :)

[Second Hand Pat]

First attempt with a hand composition. Think the books should be set upright and perhaps a bit too much wrist in the image.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/25173199720_81270b3f55_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EmtefQ)DSC_7033 (https://flic.kr/p/EmtefQ)

[brewmaster15]

Pat,
Books upright, and on the hand... It needs to be less distinct ..its Drawing attention from the watch... also try less of a crop.

al

[Second Hand Pat]

Pat,
Books upright, and on the hand... It needs to be less distinct ..its Drawing attention from the watch... also try less of a crop.

al

Al, my impression is the hand is perhaps too large in the photo? If course if the hand is smaller the watch is also.
Pat

[brewmaster15]

95422


maybe something like this..de-emphasis of the hand..?

[Second Hand Pat]

That worked nicely Al. Here's my attempt. I did reduce the sharpness in the hand and darkened the background a little.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1622/25444358586_2196641f15_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ELqZkG)DSC_7033-3 (https://flic.kr/p/ELqZkG)

[brewmaster15]

That worked nicely Al. Here's my attempt. I did reduce the sharpness in the hand and darkened the background a little.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1622/25444358586_2196641f15_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ELqZkG)DSC_7033-3 (https://flic.kr/p/ELqZkG) I like that better than the first one.

al

[Second Hand Pat]

Yea, the first attempt was just all wrong. Here's my last attempt with a slight off center crop. Might work. Not sure.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1468/25175611440_2d493077f0_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EmFAbd)DSC_7033-5 (https://flic.kr/p/EmFAbd)

[SMB2]

I very much like the depth of the last one and the detail.

[Second Hand Pat]

I very much like the depth of the last one and the detail.

The book or the hand image Stan?

[SMB2]

Well both actually! But the comment was directed to the hand. (Be careful with your margins, judges will say the fingers look cramped on the left. On thing with digital you can always make the comp. of the image a little more generous, pull back a smidge, to give you some wiggle room in post.)