Monochrome

The assignment is now almost due and I have been thinking about going to the coast. In the past I have had some good images of the South Coast in winter, the sky can look awesome with moody black clouds, that when adjusted with levels, look even more frightening.

I have also found that pebbled beaches look good in B&W as does wood, especially when you burn in the grain. So the south coast it is then.......

In preparation I have dusted down a book that I was given last year for Christmas and not really read. It is entitled 'Black & White Digital photography' by Lee Meechan.

Although the book is quite broad in the topics covered there are some very good sections on post production, such as using levels, curves and dodging and burning. Meehan prefers to use a layer for the dodge and burn where the layer is full 50% grey and blended using OVERLAY. You then use a brush with a low opacity , white to dodge and black to burn.  I have seen this technique used elsewhere but I am yet to be convinced. Yes it is great for correcting mistakes but I prefer to use the dodge and burn tools varying the tones (shadows, mid tones and highlights) as you use them at no more than 3%. I feel that this is better, but perhaps I will revisit this later.....

There is also a good section on BAS-relief, a traditional method of creating a 3D effect. I make a note of it here in my learning log as I think that this technique is worth experimenting with, perhaps in later assignments......

Also a good section on simulating Liths that I may try out  well on a portrait....here is a quick dirty attempt at one I already have....