Bitter cold walk along the Miss-ippi

[crimbfighter]

I was down in Iowa last week, right on the Mississippi. Unfortunately it was for a funeral, but I thought I would try to get something positive out of the trip. It was about 10 deg F, so I bundled up and hit the bank. There was some spectacular hoar frost all over that morning. It was a frost like I haven't seen in ages. Seemed like it was there just for me! Oh, and the Bald Eagles, wow! There were groups of up to 5 or 6 at a time circling around. Sadly I don't have the equipment to reach them. At one time, I saw nearly a dozen within a half mile along the river bank. So sad I didn't have the reach...

Anyway, here were my best efforts. Numbers 2, 3 and 4 are my personal favorites. C&C always appreciated.


1. I was so mad at myself on this one. I missed the focus, not even sure where it hit, the pine cone maybe. I also should have gone with at least f/9 to get more in focus. Stupid, stupid, stupid! :banghead:

2.

3.

4. I wish this one had a pretty blue sky with a couple clouds like #2. But, can't win 'em all, I guess.

5. Couldn't decide between the B&W or color on this one. I think the B&W is better.

6.

Crappy photo, but this one was just to give a better idea of how heavy the hoar frost was. It was crazy!

 

[Tight Knot]

I agree #5 B&W is better. Maybe a little more black point?
What do you think of this instead of #3? I think #3 has a potential for a really nice B&W (maybe not the way I did it though).

 

[DecadentDashes]

I agree with the black and white looking better for no. 5, but I also like how the red sign stands out in no. 6. Great perspective in no. 3, It's my favourite of the set.

 

[crimbfighter]

I agree #5 B&W is better. Maybe a little more black point?

You're probably right, but unfortunately, I'm just not good enough with my B&W edits yet to really make it pop.

What do you think of this instead of #3? I think #3 has a potential for a really nice B&W (maybe not the way I did it though).

Possibly. I guess I'd have to try a few different edits and see what I come up with. I do, however, have to agree with the below. I thought the colors seemed to work well together.

...but I also like how the red sign stands out in no. 6. Great perspective in no. 3, It's my favourite of the set.

Thanks

 

[crimbfighter]

Ok, so I guess I was hoping for a little more C&C on here. So I'm going to give it a bump. I'm most interested in improving my B&W edits. Any thoughts on #5? To get it to where it is, I adjusted the color channels to my liking, bumped the contrast up and added a tiny hint of vignetting. If it's easier to show me, give it a go with your own B&W edit, just explain what you did to get it there.

 

[robb01]

The old bridge that goes out over the river is a fantastic place for eagle watching. I really like the black and white power plant photo, although it does seem to hide the "K" in Keokuk, maybe play w/ the highlights/shadows a bit?

You were close to my neck of the woods, about 45 miles away.

 

[crimbfighter]

The old bridge that goes out over the river is a fantastic place for eagle watching. I really like the black and white power plant photo, although it does seem to hide the "K" in Keokuk, maybe play w/ the highlights/shadows a bit?

You were close to my neck of the woods, about 45 miles away.

Yeah, I couldn't get over the number of eagles. I remember going there when I was a young one, and hearing about the eagles, but never really appreciating it until this trip.

I was struggling with the Keokuk plant sign. I couldn't seem to get it to stand out for some reason. I'll try adjusting the highlights/shadows. I think I may just have to cut it out to a separate layer and adjust it individually.