Phil

[Paul Lange]

This is something that I took a while ago in Tripoli. I've started to look through old photographs in order to sort them out and came across this. I got 3 versions and cant decide on the following things:

Is it spoil't with Phil (a work colleague and all round nice guy) standing there looking at me like that. I'm not sure if it's good or bad really.

Which version is best.

Is it any good in the first place, I quite like it but think it's lacking something. No idea what though.

I'd rather people be straight with me about it, I'm really struggling on this one.

 

[Brian Moore]

Its number 1 for me I think. The muted colors seem more natural than in number 2. However, in 2 I can see the top of the minaret a little better, and the light up there is more defined. The highlights in 3 are a bit too bright for my taste. I don't mind at all that your pal is standing there. In fact, I think he adds interest to the scene. I think its a nice picture Paul.

 

[Davie Hudson]

yep number 1 for me, looks great with your friend in it, i think because he looks out of place in his surroundings

 

[Hamish Gill]

I like the b&w ... Just to make things more complicated
I think I'm going through a b&w phase though!

He looks a bit lost, I think it works with him there ...

 

[Darren Turner]

yes i agree No 1 is my preferred choice also with the muted colours, just seems to work well in the photo.

2 is well just colour
3 seems a bit to much white & bright if that makes sense.

the image over all is certainly great, a scary place to be no doubt. reminds me so much of my time on Marrakesh.
I bet it doesn't look like that now.......... :-(

Daz

 

[Dan Cattermole]

I'm all over number 1 and the muted colours.
For me, it suits that scene to a T.
Fantastic shot by the way Paul.... Fantastic!

 

[adrian jordin]

I definitely prefer #1...but I'm going out on a limb here and saying I prefer it without him in the picture...
This is roughly what it would look like...

 

[Brian Moore]

Actually, I now think it's better with Phil liquidated.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

I like Phil - no personally you understand, but as a point of focus in the image - having him there poses a question to the viewer.

I like the toned down version #1, and think that #2 would make a good toned B&W - something softer in tone than #3

Great stuff Paul - love the wet streets and the litter and the foreign looking architecture!

 

[Paul Lange]

Thank you all. I must admit after I sent the post I was left wondering if it the way I worded it would come across wrong but it seems you all took it the way I intended.

I'll stick with this one and see if I can squeeze a little more from it with the PP.

 

[Fidel Marcus]

Hello Paul, I too like No. 1
recently I have found myself leaning towards desaturated images more than black & white but that is simply partial to my interest

if I was going to edit this further I would create a mask of the sky & work on the graininess that has appeared, I single out the sky because it looks like the graininess has been lost to detail in the rest of the image, that tiny adjustment could give it more depth & contrast in my opinion.

Cheers

 

[Jim Kuo]

I like the muted colour in #1, I also agree with Fidel that the sky looks a little grainy. But it's the least grainy one out of all three.

#3 also works for me, but I find the contrast is a little too strong for my personal taste. Some details look a bit washed out because of the strong constrast and brightness. Maybe try reduce the constrast and tone down the brightness a little?

The vivid colours in #2 look a bit odd to me in this dark alley scene. Also the noise in this one looks the strongest of the three to me for some reason...

It's an interesting picture, the shop fonts, your friend and dudes in the distance, make me wonder "what's going on here?" and feel uncertain that I want to be there that time of the day

 

[Pete Askew]

I fully agree with Chis, Paul. Phil is a crucial element and my favourite variant is number 1 - we, of course, don't know who is or his relationship with the photographer and so he adds an element of mystery. The subdued tones are just right. And I really like the 'face' on the wall up/right from Phil that appears to be looking at him.

 

[Paul Lange]

Hey thank you all again. I will re visit it soon. No 1 was processed with no noise reduction and the Urban preset that I put up for download on the forum. Silly I guess, it seems to do the business but I became worried that it was a cop out quick fix.

 

[Paul Lange]

OK Here's No 1 with a bit of noise reduction. It's quite a grainy image as it was taken with the P7000 compact at high ISO. Have tried to get the best balance of detail and reduced noise. I admit though I do also like the high contrast BW and the way some details get lost in the image. HC BW must be a bit of a Marmite thing maybe.