PLENTY OF B&W OPTIONS
Cameron Hillier wrote: “Everything else was left
alone as my knowledge of post is borderline
average. Please let me know how to either
compose a better image of animals and achieve
better results in black & white.”
This shot could well lose the tiny bit of hand
sticking into the frame on the left. While you fill
the frame well, the image is a bit too contrasty
and bright. As a result it has lost detail in the
whites and blacks and the overall effect is a
bit cold - so go easy on the in-camera boosts.
Black-and-white images can be warmed-up, by
using, for example, a preset such as selenium
tone in Lightroom. Another option (favoured
by some great photographers) is a technique
known as split toning or adding different tints to
shadows and highlights, such as putting a touch
of red into the shadows and 3-4% yellow tint in
the highlights. This requires a little post work,
but for a one-stop fix, a lot of basic software
now has different filters.SAIMA’S TIP: As well as shooting an animal
portrait straight on, try another angle for a more
dynamic, interesting view, and also try bending
down a little and shooting upwards.WATCH THAT CONTRAST
Erin Horsington captured this photo on a random afternoon walk
through the streets of Melbourne City. She said she was admiring
how beautiful the architecture was and how the arches gave this
building a romantic French feel. “I think this photo captures the
feeling of Melbourne and its touch of all the many cities of the world.”
I can see the attraction of this scene of the lovely arcade with
a European feel. Sadly, however, the scene is suffering from too
much contrast with no detail in the highlights and those overly
black spaces. The effect is harsh and lacks the subtlety of the softer
lighting in many European scenes. More detail in the highlights and
shadows and less of the foreground mess would bring this image
closer to a classic. The good news (maybe) is that it is possible to
set the contrast in some phones, though the screens are not reliable
judging devices for what is needed.SAIMA’S TIP: A smartphone camera offers light weight and
convenience, but a DSLR has a world more functionality and control.TITLE: Coffee Break
PHOTOGRAPHER: Erin Horsington
DETAILS: Samsung Galaxy S8, 4.2mm focal length, 1/125s @ f1.7, ISO 40.TITLE: Black & White Horse
PHOTOGRAPHER: Cameron Hillier
DETAILS: Sony A6000, Canon 85mm f1.8 lens.
1/200s @ f2, ISO 100. Black & white setting in
camera, highlights and saturation boosted.