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Sandstone Monochrome+Repost
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Sandstone Monochrome+Repost

by Tony Kuyper

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 13, 2012467 views28 comments
While not planning to go monochrome with this, I liked the way it worked with the colors and textures as I experimented in PS.

I'm not at all used to working without color, so this is just what looked good to me. You're thoughts and recommendations would be most appreciated. I'll try anything here.

5D2, 28-300@300

Comments

28 comments
Comment posted by Ned Fenimore on January 14, 2012 at 12:28 AM
I think your color work is outstanding, but it is interesting to see this relying on textures alone. I think it looks great as is. The contrast between dark and light looks perfect.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 467 Posts, 2803 Comments
Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on January 14, 2012 at 12:52 AM
The tones in this look very good overall Tony. It looks just a little bit flat and I would boost the contrast a little bit if it were mine. That would give it a more 3 dimensional look I think. Interesting to see something in monochrome from you!
Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments
Comment posted by David Edwards on January 14, 2012 at 3:10 AM
Wonderful patterns and textures... almost resembles animal skin. The folds and layers of rock make this one a stand out as a rock abstract. Great choice for a b&w and love the subtle warm toning.
Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments
Comment posted by Greg Lessard on January 14, 2012 at 8:04 AM
Hi Tony,
This composition is stunning. I agree that more contrast may help. I am wondering what it might look like if you were to paint some streaks of color back in. Maybe just a few of the more pale, narrow bands? It might be very intriguing.
Registered on January 14, 2009, 38 Posts, 219 Comments
Comment posted by Neale Dyster on January 14, 2012 at 8:41 AM
I agree with Joseph's comments about contrast. Personally I'd add a little, but it's great as posted and what a wonderful composition.
Registered on February 19, 2008, 94 Posts, 738 Comments
Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on January 14, 2012 at 8:59 AM
Bumped up the contrast a bit in this version per Joe's suggeston. I think I like it better. Feels more abstract, which I like.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 14, 2012 at 9:09 AM
Very nice Tony. The patterns and lines are wonderful! Most of all I love the textured feel and warm tone. I like the repost with a little more contrast as Joe suggested.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Harley Goldman on January 14, 2012 at 9:25 AM
Really fine abstract, Tony. Out of the norm for you, but it is great seeing you step outside your normal zone. Besides, it gives you a lot more shooting opportunities where the colors are not all that spectacular. :biggrin: I am very much liking the repost, too.
Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments
Comment posted by Rick Goldwasser on January 14, 2012 at 10:47 AM
I prefer the repost as well. The amazing thing is that even without color just by seeing the thumbnail I immediately recognized this as one of yours - you truly have a vision and style of your own (and I mean that in a good way)!
Registered on May 10, 2009, 127 Posts, 970 Comments
Comment posted by Morris McClung on January 14, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Heresy! :biggrin:
I like the increased contrast. But, then again, I usually do. :smile:
Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments
Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on January 14, 2012 at 11:24 AM
The repost is really nice. Great abstract.

- Dan
Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments
Comment posted by Stan Rose on January 14, 2012 at 12:47 PM
I kind of prefer the original, but it's a close call. Wild patterns--pretty cool! :smile:
Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments
Comment posted by Phil Pogledich on January 14, 2012 at 2:00 PM
I like the patterns and textures in both versions, which stand out nicely in monochrome. Perhaps I slightly prefer the original to the repost overall.
Registered on August 24, 2009, 123 Posts, 3099 Comments
Comment posted by Ken Smith on January 14, 2012 at 2:14 PM
A great example of nature's patterns and taffy-flow made more visible in b/w. I like the comp...and the add'l contrast of the repost. Another couple thoughts (1) to boost 3-d more by accenting the areas where light is shaded to darken more...such as that fold in bottom third. Then to brighten the the ridge tops where light is stronger... The second thought is this size which does not allow me to enjoy the surface texture as much as I would like. A large version is always pleasing. On the whole this is terrific.
Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments
Comment posted by Raymond Klassen on January 14, 2012 at 3:50 PM
I really like the textures in this shot, and nice comp. I like both, but probably prefer the first shot with less contrast.
Registered on November 30, 2008, 114 Posts, 790 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Overacker on January 14, 2012 at 5:22 PM
Tony,

I think you're on to something. Never crossed my mind that your sandstone images would work in b&w. This one most certainly does! The graphic nature, lines and patterns are showcased beautifully. AND your processing mastery shines as well. I think I prefer the more subdued original, but the luminosity in the repost is quite appealing as well.

Nice to see an image from you and great job trying something new.

Lon
Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments
Comment posted by Kyle L. Krause on January 14, 2012 at 6:30 PM
Wonderful Image Tony, wow there is alot going on here as a abstract. I like the 2nd verion. Your composition and the patterns are amazing. Excellent work!
Registered on June 15, 2010, 29 Posts, 605 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on January 14, 2012 at 7:42 PM
I love this Tony. Wonderful patterns and a broad range of tones. I think I prefer your original since there is more detail in the lighter area in the upper right. Outstanding work!
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments
Comment posted by dean hebert on January 15, 2012 at 12:19 AM
I'm digging the lines! Great B&W, i prefer the original, there seems to be more detail. :toast:
Registered on August 4, 2010, 70 Posts, 1132 Comments
Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on January 15, 2012 at 1:02 PM
I like them both, but my preference is for the original. the more subtle contrasts are quite appealing to me. the b&w is an excellent presentation.
Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments
Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on January 15, 2012 at 3:26 PM
Great abstract work. The monochrone works well here. I'd prefer the second version (repost) though the first one was already great. Great patterns and texture. Love this a lot.
Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments
Comment posted by Cristina Strudthof on January 15, 2012 at 3:41 PM
Both are good, but I like the increased contrast in the second better. It has a great feel of unending continuance beyond the frame.
Registered on January 14, 2011, 53 Posts, 363 Comments
Comment posted by Jeremy Cram on January 15, 2012 at 8:38 PM
Wonderful abstract feeling to this Tony. While the original is good, the added contrast in the repost set it apart. I'd love to have it in my portfolio.
Registered on June 4, 2006, 204 Posts, 818 Comments
Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on January 16, 2012 at 1:31 AM
Phenomenal photograph Tony. Even without color your compositions just rivet the viewer. :toast:
Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments
Comment posted by Gary McGhee on January 16, 2012 at 2:10 PM
This looks great Tony, love all the textures. I particularly like the lines in the lower 1/3.

Gary.
Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments
Comment posted by Lorna Taylor on January 16, 2012 at 5:22 PM
This is just so fantastic , love the processing it really suits those lines and contours !
Registered on November 12, 2010, 254 Posts, 3083 Comments
Comment posted by Peter Richter on January 18, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Tony, there is an interesting flow in your composition that really keeps my attention within the frame. I enjoy exploring the diversity of the pattern. The repost with enhanced contrast works even better for me.

Peter
Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments
Comment posted by Shantikara Valuska on January 21, 2012 at 1:28 PM
Wow! Amazing how this works in B&W also. I think I prefer the original post, or maybe between. Or both :-).
:toast:
Registered on July 25, 2011, 38 Posts, 451 Comments