Found this semi-old photo of a pigeon I really liked and can't decide if I like the black and white or color version better. To me they are very different photographs. What do you think?
They are completely different you're right. I kind of like the bw one better because the contrast makes the bird stick out more in the photo. The color is nice, but since the background doesn't really add anything to the shot (just a machine, etc.), I think it has too much "emphasis" in the color shot.
What about a desatuaration of the background version. I like the colors in the pigeon, but the contrast of the background on the monotone looks really nice.
Think I'm preferring the b+w too. At the time I thought it was cool to have the pigeon in its unnatural environment. The fact that the orange was so bright further highlighted this juxtaposition and also matched the pigeons eye color. The more I look at however, I realize that orange looks awful with the purple markings on the pigeon. I do like that it is stepping on the caution tape though. I have some other pigeon shots from the same day with normal sky and sea and pier backgrounds but I didn't find them as interesting. Everyone has normal pigeon photos :) Maybe I will edit it to make the background less saturated....
edit: lol. i just wrote what faidoi recommended before I even say the comment! :)
What about a desatuaration of the background version. I like the colors in the pigeon, but the contrast of the background on the monotone looks really nice.
Background looks too busy in the color version.
I thought that too faidoi, but in this instance, I think it might end up looking gimmicky...
What was funny about the b+w is that I desaturated with the channel mixer and the effect I liked best was about 80% blue channel. Usually the blue channel is the worst of the channels and I use the smallest amount of it.
What was funny about the b+w is that I desaturated with the channel mixer and the effect I liked best was about 80% blue channel. Usually the blue channel is the worst of the channels and I use the smallest amount of it.
Have you tried the Hue/Saturation technique involving two H/S layers? Much more controll over the end product...
No, haven't tried it, how does it work better? I usually do the monochrome channel mixer to start then play with the color balance on the black and white then desaturate again.
No, haven't tried it, how does it work better? I usually do the monochrome channel mixer to start then play with the color balance on the black and white then desaturate again.
Damn, can't find the thread that I got the pointer (and link to digidan) from. Anyways:
1) Make a Hue/Saturation layer using the 'Color' blending option.
2) Make another Hue/Saturation layer using normal blending and slide the Saturation slider all the way to the left.
3) Go back to the first Hue/Saturation layer and slowly (so PS can make adjustments and you can see them) slide the Hue slider back and forth till you get an effect you like.
What about a desatuaration of the background version. I like the colors in the pigeon, but the contrast of the background on the monotone looks really nice.
Background looks too busy in the color version.
I thought that too faidoi, but in this instance, I think it might end up looking gimmicky...
No, haven't tried it, how does it work better? I usually do the monochrome channel mixer to start then play with the color balance on the black and white then desaturate again.
Damn, can't find the thread that I got the pointer (and link to digidan) from.
That was the thread Karen. Thank you for that. I now feel kinda dumb though because I actually saw that thread while looking, but didn't think it was the right one because the link to digidan says 'channelmixer' in it. That threw me off.
the color definetly, if the reds and yellows weren't so over-saturated. The bird being in an unnatural environment is what sets it apart from just another bird shot.
color is better for this one. I think! It's all about the contrasting colors between the bird and the background. It just seems more interesting to view as a viewer.
i also like the color, they are vibrant and tell a better story. I think b&w is always good for enhancing mundane subjects, your shot is the least bit mundane!!
