This week I wanted to share a black and white image that I’ve just processed.
I shot the original image back in 2011 using a Canon 5D MKII with 17-40 L series lens. I had the camera mounted on a tripod with a 2 stop ND Grad positioned on the sky. The exposure was 0.5” at ISO50 and f/16.0.
The colour image doesn’t look like much at all. I would even say that it looks very dull which is probably why I’ve ignored it until now. In fact, the only reason I decided to process it was because I needed an image for my latest YouTube video.
When I started the processing, I didn’t expect to achieve this result. And even though I only used this to demonstrate three techniques in the video using Nik Silver Efex Pro. I do like what they achieved.
I wonder how more unfound gems I have lurking on my hard drive.
If you want to watch this video (it’s only around 7 minutes) you can find it on YouTube at https://youtu.be/vHzT2XiDS0E. And don’t forget to subscribe if you like it. I have another video planned for next week working with the Nik Collection on a colour landscape.
I hope you like the image, video and have a great weekend.
The Lightweight Photographer 
Very interesting! Yes, B&W can certainly change the way an image is looked at and can be a very positive improvement. And this one is a good example and forces the attention onto the deep crevices along with strong contrast. I like it.
I always find I get good results with stone (and brick) in Silver Efex Pro. I really like this one – in every respect.
Pam
Being color-blind, I almost always convert and process my photos in SEP, with the exception of some flower/nature images, and there I usually just boost contrast, etc., and hope that the colors look ok. I have found that Silver Efex can indeed bring out many aspects of RAW files that were not at all apparent before tinkering. I personally really enjoy this aspect of processing. It’s like opening a Christmas present with every image, many of which I thought were just lumps of coal….
I think you have summed things up pretty well.
I’d say this image was made for monochrome, and I really like what you’ve done with your development.
Thank you. I guess I was expecting to shoot it in colour because it was quite colourful a short time before.
Hi Robin,
I am enjoying your recent B/W work the images really jump of the page.
I have not used the Nik software very much I have free version looking at these great images it’s time I did
Thank you.
A wonderful image Robin of the limestone pavement, it looks good in B&W.
Thanks John
Compliment/Question/Request:
Dear Robin,
If I had to choose only 2 videos from any source on Silver Efex, it would be your recent newsletter video of the BW originally flat picture with big rocks in the FG, and this one.
The bright spot on the right side, about a third of the way down, was bugging me: if you wanted to clone it out, would you choose to go into Photoshop, or which software from here? I don’t like DXO PhotoLab, who now makes SilverEfex, for cloning. Or would you use Affinity Photo, Exposure or — ?
Last, it would be nice if you could take off the top ruler, left panel, and whatever else possible. So many people watch on small monitors or laptops, etc., it would be great to have the use of as much real estate as possible.
Thanks so much, as always, for being such a clear and thoughtful teacher.
Barbara
Thanks Barbara,
When I’m doing repair work, if I can manage using the tools in the RAW converter I tend to use them. This is usually only for spotting and anything more complex or delicate is done using Photoshop. I could equally use Affinity but I tend to use Photoshop because I’ve used it for the past 20 years and it’s a habit. Affinity also has some excellent tools for making detailed repairs.
Thanks for the feedback on the videos, I will see what I can do although I do like to keep the ruler visible as a reference point. It’s a subconscious thing but I don’t find it as easy to work when it’s hidden.
Its amazing the things you can find in your archives. This is a stunning photo! S
Thank you. It is a very large archive though so there should be a few good shots in there.