Black and Whites from the Snow

[Juanito200]

It snowed here in North Texas on Sunday, and I took advantage of the opportunity to take a bunch of photos. I tried a different black and white processing to try to accentuate the stark nature of the scenes. Let me know what you think. C&C welcomed as always. John

[Juanito200]

And some more, from Tuesday.

[Greg Beetham]

I'm always up for some good B&W, I like the one with the open field and the two trees the last one I think, and the row of frosty brush is good, and the old building is great, maybe a closer one of that would be really good with B&W, lighting could be tricky though might be a bit soft in winter time.
Greg

[Juanito200]

Thanks Greg- The old building is one of my favorites as well. I really need to call the property owner to see if I can come on his property to shoot that old house more. I was leaning over a fence to get that shot. I was trying to do things differently than I have been. Kind of new years resolution...Here is one I forgot to post earlier.

[aster]

Hi john, : )

I like the series for the diversity of shots; you have a different frame with different subjects in each one. The last one with the bent and broken barbed wire is interesting and with good contrast.

The derelict house and the cows in the distance against the white is a very good frame but I think the brightness of the white is washing away some fine details that should bring out the subjects fort. Or maybe it was snowing still while the shot was taken? Some increase in contrast would really work, in my opinion.

All are nice scenes to my eyes but I think I will repeat myself and say that I feel like there should be more dark contrasts to bring the dark subjects forth while giving the snow-coveres surfaces some identifiable surfaces istead of just whiteness.
The first shot of the first post with the gate seems to have such a quality..

Thanks for sharing, : )

Yildiz

[Greg Beetham]

I was sortof hesitant to say that a couple might have half a stop or such over exposure, but then I thought it's B&W, so it's artistic licence that rules the day, luckily I haven't had to deal with something that's 90% white so far, thank goodness.
Yeah I've got a feeling it might be snowing at the time looking into the distance on a couple of shots, but I'm no expert on snow of course.
Greg

[Juanito200]

Thanks guys- I think you both are right about the exposure.. I think in my attempt to make the the snow whiter, I just ended up making it too bright.

[Juanito200]

Trust me Greg- I'm no expert a snow either. If I remember correctly my camera was set to +1 EV all day, so definitely. Here is a revision of the house. I darkened it a bit overall, and reduced highlights some, and increased contrast a bit. I think it is better. Thanks again, it is always great to get some constructive criticism. John

[Greg Beetham]

Yeah now you're talking, that is better on the eye for sure. I reckon if I was faced with that much white I might be tempted too take a few with different exposures just to have a some to chose from back at the enlarger.
Greg

[Juanito200]

Thanks! Yeah, as a rule I probably don't bracket enough...

[Dusty]

John, you did a fine job on these. The first one, due to it's tones and harsh contrast, looks like it was taken in the 1920's, minus the grain. Add some and you've got a great old-time photo!

The 'Broke Through' shot looks to me to be a little harsh on contrast. I don't think the post outlines and wire should show up that black. I agree with Greg that the barn #2 looks better, but again #1 might have been how it showed up on film 80 years ago!

Dusty

[jbtaylor]

Well done. I like set #2 the most. I just happen to prefer more balance between light and dark areas.
I have been converting more shots to B&W and feel more coming on. Thanks for keeping me inspired.

[aster]

Hi John,

The final look of the 'derelict house and cows' scene does look much better to my eyes as well. It indeed is a nice photo that would look nice at a larger size.

Thanks for giving a go,

Yildiz

[Juanito200]

Thanks Yildiz, and everyone else on the C&C that really helps me. All in all, I feel that it was a photographically productive weekend, though I didn't do diddly squat at home.

[Birma]

Love the B&W snow scenes John, and like everyone else love the barn shot especially. In the past I have worried about the sky blowing out when I get the snow correct but I'm not bothered by this in your shots at all - they have a nice graphic appeal.