Another B&W pictures; I've did not follow your advices...

[Silchuki14]

...from the last topic I made here (which was my first one actually), but nonetheless, I think the different context makes it possible to work.

One thing that bothers me, and maybe it's because of the complexity of the picture (Reflections) but I can't improve the contrast of the light and dark tone to make the man's face stand out more...

Another thing, the picture is cropped. I had my 30mm lens on and couldn't where I would wanted to (Stairs) so I went for it thinking I could deal with it later.

1. The salarymen
(ISO800-30mm-F2.8-1/500)


2. I started with this.



Again, thank you very much for your help! It is very appreciated!

 

[The_Traveler]

Is this more what you had in mind?

 

[Silchuki14]

I would say yes, but I thought the guy would be to "transparent" and hence not stand out enough, thoughts?

questions:

1. How do you make it so sharp?

2. Maybe the same answer as 1 but, how is there so much details in yours?

3. Is there magic involved?

I liked my picture, before I saw I over-processed it and try to much to go for contrast by looking at yours. I like my black coat, but I lose the business of the picture which I like more. I'm trying to acheive that sharpness/detail but I can't figure it out....

Just reset the picture and give it another quick try, That's where I am at now. (Sharper, but I only put a little more contrast and 2 layer of 100 Sharpness)
View attachment 64101

Thanks again!

 

[The_Traveler]

I'm afraid that #3 is the answer.

Ok, I'm joking.
I used levels to lighten it.
Then a curves layer to spread the tones out and increase contrast.
Then a bit of sharpening with different radii and amounts until it looked good to me.
Then a B&W layer to convert.

I'm afraid the sharpening is certainly more of a look at the image, then sharpen a bit until it looks right issue than a recipe.

 

[Silchuki14]

Thank you again for the advices! I'll work on it!

What about the picture itself, what does it tell the viewer?

(Read the rest after!)

What I wanted to show with the picture is:
1- The environment of a salaryman (Taxi, door to company building, cellphone, suit, crosswalk)
2- The business of the picture makes for the stressful life of Japanese salaryman.

Something like that.

Comments?

Thanks!

 

[The_Traveler]

I think it is very well done and certainly tells your story.

L