HDR - black and white!??

[wunkley]

Finally got around to giving HDR a go today. Only had a quick play, and wasn't too impressed with what I was coming out with (need more practice for sure). I then had an idea of HDR'ing a pic and trying to make a punchy black and white image from that. This is my first go below. I think it certainly helps the rocks (and clouds with a bit of extra tweaking) stand out, and this pic was taken on a sunny day, early afternoon with boring light and shadow detail, so I think it looks quite dramatic to how it actually was.

What do people think, am I barking up the wrong tree with this?...

P.S Can you spot the Photomatrix software watermark?


For interest's sake here's the original (before HDR'ing etc)

 

[themask70]

I like, nice compostiion and great contrast. Lol, i can't spot the water mark

 

[wunkley]

There's at least 2 on there - have a harder look

 

[hoodmeister]

I think HDR B&W often works extremely well - it brings you closer to that film feel (film is far more gentle with the highlights than digital).
I can see one watermark near the middle bottom, but that's it!

The tones and texture here are lovely, which goes a long way toward a great mono shot

 

[Johnny|lucidcomposure]

That looks cracking mate

Its very interesting how a dull photo can be made into something great. Although I would have just shoot to overexpose with a nd grad on but hey I love the texture of the forground !!!

 

[wunkley]

Cheers people.

I really like black and white and have been experimenting with a few techniques, but think this might be one to explore further (Printing it well is a different subject altogether though).

No one seems to do much B&W on here though, I think we should have more

 

[wunkley]

Here's another go at HDRBW - Mrs Wunkley being startled under a bridge by the canal

 

[Malenko]

I can spot 3 watermarks, do I win a prize ?

 

[wunkley]

I can spot 3 watermarks, do I win a prize ?

Ah go on then. What would you like?