First attempt at manipulation

[David Mitchell]

Hi all,

I have just borrowed a DSLR to take some photos around the garden, ive then imported them and changed them to black and white, just wanted to know what you thought of some of my initial shots

I have just signed up to Flikr, here is the set for the test shots, I have left the original and then the B&W version to compare:

Test photos - a set on Flickr

Here are a couple that I like:

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Like them both, David, but especially the second - nice tones and composition. A good start! And great in black and white.

 

[David Mitchell]

Thanks Rob, I borrowed my dads Olympus E410 lol it had a 18-55 lens I think, im looking at getting an entry level DSLR very soon (probably a Nikon D3100) and then I can get an M42 adaptor and fit my Helios 44-2 full manual prime lens, I can then set the camrea to only be a set ISO so I can use it as if it were film and have a go.

Those are just a few quick shots around the garden, I like black and white though due to the fact that its all about the image rather than how good the colour is etc I just used some very basic software to change to grayscale and tweeked the contrast and brightness slightly

The images were taken on full auto though, so I have a way to go!

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Good start there David - it takes a while, but in time you'll start seeing in B&W when you look at something in the 'real world'.

You'll have a good idea that it will make a good B&W shot before you even press the shutter.

Post processing wil give you lots of options, just placing with the exposure and black levels can dramatically change an image in B&W - it's a lot of fun.

That pool of light framed by the plant in #2 shows a lot of potential

Even a grey overcast day can look moody in B&W!

Which software do you have access to?

 

[David Mitchell]

I have a basic screen capture program called 'snagit' that has some good easy to use tools for image changes, I am trying to keep the images as close to correct as I can with regards to how they were taken - not wanting to touch them up etc.

I have just got a Nikon D3100 and been over to Canterbury this weekend, I also had a go at some closer shots to check out the macro work, these were initially set on auto so I can get used to the camera but will be shooting full manual very soon - already had a go with some of the manual settings

Here are some of the images I took that I feel are the better shots again ive put both the pre and post B&W conversion so you can also see the colour given from the camera

Canterbury - a set on Flickr