Merge – The Weekly Photo Challenge
This is an inside image of a 1950 Pontiac “Silver Streak” Chieftain which appeared this week for sale out front of a house about 1/2 miles from where I live. There were lots of great close-up shots of the car and I choose this image for the weekly theme: Merge.
What Caught My Eye…
This shot set up well for a black and white conversion. What caught my eye was the dashboard and that the radio had some nice detail. Also, I like the tiny holes in the speaker that is right above the radio. Again, some great detail for a black and white image. And of course, there is the red dial marker! This is where the “merge” theme is introduced.
Black and White Conversion + A Hint of Color
The critical question is: “When do you go all black and white and when do you merge or include a hint of color?”
Most often, when I do a black and white conversion I prefer to post process the image 100% as black and white. There are rare occasions that I will brush in or merge a color portion of an image as done here.
The key is in this black and white color conversion is to include only a small hint of color. I prefer not to overwhelm the viewer with color, but rather just a little inside the image. It is like I want the viewer to search for the inclusion of color and be surprised and “wowed” by it when they find it.
Post Processing
Post processing was done with Nik software: Silver Efex Pro. Instead of having the whole image be black and white, I used the “brush” option. As you see, I left the glass enclosed radio dial numbers alone. I specifically wanted the red dial marker as the focal point as it was captured in original color image.
The Lesson
When you shoot what is the focal point you want the viewer to be pulled toward? Using a black and white conversion and merging or keeping a small portion of color is one way. What other ways can you think of to pull the viewer into your shot?
Thank you for stopping by and comments are greatly welcomed.
Nice little touch of red. Great photo Rick.
Great to have you stop and comment.
I like it! Reminds me of the dash of our 1968 Ford Mustang. As mush as I love the conveniences of new cars, there is just something about driving in an older car an feeling every bump int he road.
The selective color here is perfect for adding to that mood. Well done!
Thank you for your comment.
A very fine picture, Rick! Thanks for the explanation! I was experimenting with black and white photography yesterday as well (picture 1 + 2). After reading your post, I did some more pictures. Please tell me, which of those photos do you like the best? I am very much looking forward to hear you opinion! A great idea, just coloring a small detail in the picture!
http://cassiemeetsworld.com/photography/sunday-post-black-white/
Hi Cassie. My answer to your question is #2. I posted more of my response on you website.
Very nice Rick! The touch of red is just right in this case. I personally think it is usually overused in most cases, but in an image like this it is such a small splash of color that it works extremely well. Well done as usual.
Hi Jeff. I agree that introducing too much color back into a black and white conversion doesn’t always work. Sort of along the same lines for HDR effect.
Thanks for your comments.
Almost missed that teeny tiny spot of red, Rick. Great shot for b/w.
I’m glad you didn’t miss the red dial marker for the radio (-: Thank you for viewing the image
Great photo and idea! I forget all too often that way of rendereing a picture.
Nice hearing from you Pierre.
Nicely done!
Thank you Derrick! Always enjoy your images as well.