We are all naturalists out here in the heart of the bush. We strive to keep ourselves as close to the earth as possible. To hear the sounds and inhale the smells. We tend to get lost in this Eden we call home. A spectacle of nature, so intricately put together by Mother Nature herself to keep us all humble with our hearts close to the ground. She is a teacher, is Mother Nature and we learn from her each moment we spend in this vast wilderness. However, we do interfere and we do, as humans, play an important role in sharing her beauty and educating our audience to her wonders.
How many times have you ever looked at a magnificent scene of an Elephant drinking at sunset, or a herd of Buffalo in the fading light, Lions roaring in the early morning mist or a Leopard dappled with light in the fork of a Marula tree. For some it is more frequent than others, however, when you picture this in your mind, in a photographic sense, do you wish to capture that exact moment, the colours, the light and the clouds? Do you wish you could save that for all time? For most cases there is our memory, the strongest photographer of all. With a library, overflowing with images of scenes we shall never forget.
Fortunately, in this day and age, we have the ability to use Digital cameras, and capture thousands of images and only keep the ones we like. We can play with settings and try our best to get the most natural shot. There are some that “keep it old school,” the masters of the form, that use little or no post processing and have the ability to manipulate a camera to capture an image on a screen that is so close to what is unfolding in front of your eyes. However, we must not neglect technology in this generation we are living through. It is there at our disposal and there to be used.
For this reason, I chose to select an image I took this week, something different but something that is interesting, and to play around with the colours and the contrasts. Then to covert it to grey scale and see the impact the image had on me.
The first image is the original photograph which I took straight off my camera. When I took this image, my thought process was to try and use the road as a leading line toward the Giraffe, as well as incorporate the clouds for dramatic effect. Honestly, I am not the most technical photographer but some things spring to mind when taking a shot. Another thing on my mind, was whether or not in post processing, I could enhance the feeling of the clouds, and so when I shot this image, it was slightly overexposed to ensure the Giraffe were correctly exposed, then play with the highlights and colours later. Another thing I clearly remember when I took this image, was thinking whether or not it would work in a sepia tone or in greyscale.
Below are the same image in 3 forms, firstly the original, the second is a colour edited version, and the third the greyscale version highlighting the clouds.
It was interesting to feel how the image altered my mood in each edit. How each edit makes me feel something different and makes me critique the photo in different areas according to how it is edited.
I thought it would be an interesting idea to try and get some feedback on each image from you all, and to see what hits home with you as the viewer and reader. For me, the middle image certainly tells a great story and the colours are rich and vibrant. I feel that the greyscale image tends to become too complex and yet too distant which looses me as the viewer, although it enhances the mood in the sky, it is difficult to establish near/far relationships and depth of field.
The original photograph.
The colour version, slightly edited.
A Black and White conversion.
It would be really great to see some responses to each image and whether or not any of them appeal to you as a reader.
Written and photographed by: Mike Sutherland
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Hi Mike, great shot, i like the colour version. just so clear and mind boggling .. Well done, from your favourite fan
The edited colour version is easily the best. It adds some punch to the original’s washed-out hues without stepping into the oversaturation zone.
The monochrome version is interesting. I think it does a decent job of enhancing the patterns on the giraffe’s hides but it flatters neither the clouds nor the trees.
I like the work you did on the color image. Not only is the sky more expressive, but the Oxpeckers stand out against the giraffes. I also think the black and white conversion might work better if you cropped out the foreground and the sky – in black and white the sky looks rather foreboding. And if you happen to have Silver Efex for B & W conversion, the coffee colored filter might look really nice here.
The color altered reduced thr shadows and enhaned the washed out sky caused by the cloudy overcast, but it’s a bit overdone making it slightly surreal. Maybe a little less.
You are presenting a captivating perspective … “It was interesting to FEEL how the image altered my mood in each edit.” I so agree, I too have a different feeling from each image. You put into words some of the same things I went through in editing my own Londolozi photos … or not. The greyscale in this case does look a little too complex, and to my eye the clouds detract from the simple grace and beauty of the giraffes. The colors are lovely and vibrant in the middle photo, the clouds magnificent, and to most probably the outstanding presentation. For me, the first image “hits home” … capturing the heart of Londolozi, and it’s magnificent creatures. Thank you for sharing a phenomenal capture!
I agreed that the b+w version is too busy; the giraffe don’t pop, yet they should be the ‘main event,’ not the sky. Love the color-engraved version!
Oops! Color-enhanced!
Hi Mike–Like the edited color picture–but the black & white has a mystical quality to it that is present in Londolozi waiting to be discovered–as you did. Great work!
Great post and photographs-nicely done! The black & white version looks great. The photograph leads you to start at the cloud formation, which in B&W really conveys a lot of emotion-almost storm like. It also reminds one of old yesteryear B&W photographs that depict the clouds with similar mood. From the clouds and sky your gaze then focuses on the three giraffe. Particularly the sunlight on their necks and hind are richly highlighted in B&W. The texture of the spoor laden muddy ground is also accentuated. Also, if you look again at the giraffe in the B&W photo, one can imagine as though the three giraffe could be one giraffe. What I mean by this; is if you take three consecutive photos of one giraffe drinking water, you would get the action of the giraffe going from first position(giraffe drinking in your photo Mike), second position of coming up from drinking(middle giraffe in your photo)-it seems she was startled or nervous and decided to come up, and finally the last position of the giraffe upright and observing its surroundings (back giraffe looking away from you in your photo) checking out if nothing is lurking in the bushes. If that makes sense?
The color version is also great! Rich tones! The color edit definitely gives some depth to the original photo. And you kept the tails in the photograph! An A+ of a photo!
Great post, keep up the good work!
Hi Mike, I agree with you that the B&W version does not hit the spot. The sky is dramatic but the rest does not work for me. I liked the colour version but felt that the sky was too blue for the time of day which I judge from the original is latish in the afternoon. Maybe half way between the original and the edit?? A very interesting study. Thanks. Ian
I loved the B&W.. I see the picture a lot like Blake does.. but I didn’t pick up on the idea that it could represent one giraffe.. I love the vibrant storm clouds and feel they just add drama to the photo..
I did like the color version also but my favorite was the black & white
Thanks for sharing
What did you do to enhance the clouds in the second photo?
I think the B&W washes out too much. The middle pic would be my favorite because the colors are a bit darker, but much richer. I frequently feel my eyes see richer color than my camera can capture, and to compensate I have started intentionally under exposing many of my shots. I tend to work at the lower limits of ISO which give better color and sharper images. great for non-moving targets, but not so good trying to catch a bird in flight, or a Cheetah doing 80 mph.
I love the b/w image. It has a heavenly feeling to it.
I also like the color version most.