Breaking Bad BW

Scott, I love that place, and this is a very interesting image from there.  A bit much on the contrast for me but it is dramatic.  I hope you didn't drive your car over this stuff!

Thanks, Jeffrey. No, this was taken right off the west side road. I did see where vehicles go off the road and over the playa on the other side of the road from where this was shot but I would never do that. There are signs prohibiting it that are apparently ignored.

Interesting comp Scott. I like the brooding sky. I'm wondering if you get down a little lower if you could get the cool formations near foreground and eliminate some of the not so interesting mid-ground?

Hi Scott, really like this BW version. Contrast is spot on for me and I think having the lighter salt line going across the image separates the mid-ground from the start of the background nicely - shooting from lower down would loose this. Plenty to look at in this broody image.  There are of course many potential variations on the composition with more sky etc. etc. but none would necessarily be any better than this very good image!  I myself might have toyed with being a little right to bring the very heavy cloud a little more into frame but that would have lost the nice diagonal lines going through the image ... On the same lines the image is a true neutral BW - I prefer (for my own images) slightly cool BW finishes and actual I wonder due to the broodiness of the image whether a slight cross-process (= a hint of blue in the shadows and a hint of yellow in the highlight) would enhance this feel.  Definitely a location i would like to see for myself one day! Great post!

Mark, thank you for your detailed review and suggestions. Being quite new to BW conversions, I especially appreciate your advice on your B&W processing. Very helpful. Thanks again for your time.   

I like the composition, Scott, with the high horizon line, the wavy diagonals and the rich textures in the landscape.  I wonder if those remarkable clouds might be just a touch less structured with less strong greys to balance the otherwise lovely tones - for me the clouds compete for attention with the land. 

Works real well for me. I like the high contrast and what a great popping sky. Good call on the conversion, too. 

Scott, I like this shot and also the b&w conversion. The vert comp works great for me and the impact of the image is quite impressive.  Cool stuff!!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Oh yes, this really rocks. B&W was the way to go. Lots of contrast here which adds a lot of drama and tension.And those clouds look fabulous. Just a great all around image. Great job.

Very dramatic image, Scott. A lot to feast the eyes upon...the textures and layers are incredible. Processing Looks good.

Stark and stunning, Scott.  The high contrast really sets off the details and the variety of textures.  Looks like a perfect way to take advantage of the conditions.

Scott: Well seen, composed and processed. Ominous and compelling.>=))>