An Alley in the City

Fred Berg · Jan 25, 2012

Taken in the old town in Augsburg using Fujifilm (colour) iso 200. I didn't like the colour original because of the problem with the blown out lighting at the back of the picture, but think it works quite well as a B&W. C&C welcome.

Frequency · Jan 26, 2012

Fine work; it would have been better if the three persons were distinctly seperate

Regards

Fred Berg · Jan 28, 2012

Frequency said:
Fine work; it would have been better if the three persons were distinctly seperate

Regards

Thanks Frequency and agreed, but I had to take the shot as soon as they were in position.

The_Traveler · Jan 28, 2012

This seems to me that much of the alley walls are a bit dull and flat while the figures are merged together.

If the resolution allows, I would select the figures, copy them onto a separate and try give them more detail by raising the exposure a bit.
At the same time, I would darken the brighter areas and increase the contrast of the walls so they don't have that murky look.

Lew

Robin Usagani · Jan 28, 2012

The leading lines are pointing to the people. I think the people need to be sharper.

sparks017 · Jan 28, 2012

Besides the people, the composition is great, I like the blown out sky in the black and white, you did a good job deciding to convert from color, gives the photo something, more.

Fred Berg · Jan 28, 2012

Some great feedback.

I think the best I can do is take the advice on board, return to the spot and try to improve on the points raised with a re-shoot.

Smaller aperture to get the people sharp (hopefully someone will come along again); shoot in B&W (possibly, although converting colour film yields good results); try to blow the back out again (not sure I can do it as well on purpose); and perhaps a directed flash on the wall near to me to raise the tone a bit. Lots to think about and try out.

Thanks everyone.

The_Traveler · Jan 28, 2012

Before you go away, this kind of treatment, emulating tri-x might give an atmosphere you'd like.

Foreground sharpened a lot with high radius to give local contrast.
brighter buildings toned down.
vignette and grain added.