Color or black/white or low key?

[CherylL1]

Which one do you prefer? Is the low key version qualify as low key?

1.
Guard Dog by Cheryl, on Flickr

2.
Guard Dog - BW by Cheryl, on Flickr

3.
Guard Dog - Low Key by Cheryl, on Flickr

 

[Derrel]

I prefer #3, the one titled Low Key. To me, the Snap! that it has, and the way the background item on the night stand drops out, makes this one my fave.

 

[smoke665]

Not sure that the last qualifies as a "low key", but close. Of the B&W versions, I prefer it. Of the three though I sort of like the color version. I might crop it just below the top of the stool and take a little off the right side, then burn down the background. Love the light on the face.

 

[tirediron]

Definitely like #3 the best; much more 'punch' IMO, than the other two, but agree, not quite low key.

 

[CherylL1]

Thanks for the comments. I am leaning towards #3 and like Derrel said it has the snap. It was hard to meter. At first I tried not to blow out the window, but it was too dark. Ended up metering for him and not blowing out his face. It took a few tries to get him placed and to stay in place and me hurrying back to sit down with the camera. I really need an assistant.

 

[Rick50]

I vote for #2 and #3 is not low key, just lowered exposure.

 

[Designer]

I experimented a bit. A lot, actually. I whizzed around the sliders until I could not remember which ones I touched. I am not showing you this as a good example, but rather to show you that you can make a low key shot out of it. Someone with more skill should try this.

Just say the word and I'll delete it.

Speak, Cheryl, Speak, girl!

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

Color!

 

[CherylL1]

I experimented a bit. A lot, actually. I whizzed around the sliders until I could not remember which ones I touched. I am not showing you this as a good example, but rather to show you that you can make a low key shot out of it. Someone with more skill should try this.

View attachment 155398

Just say the word and I'll delete it.

Speak, Cheryl, Speak, girl!

Woof woof woof = photos ok to edit I find it interesting to see someone's take on the photo. I like the darkness on the right side of your edit, but I don't care for the crunchiness of his hair. He as super soft hair. It does make him look more guard dog though. I did play with the controls in Silver Efex Pro and think my eyes went bad over time.

 

[SquarePeg37 8]

I like your 3rd edit Cheryl. He's a cutie and it shows him off best. I usually prefer color versions of just about everything but in this shot his fur is too close in color to the curtain which takes away from him I think. While the high key is nice, I think Derrell nailed it with that object in the background being the tie breaker for me.

 

[Derrel]

That object in the background...is that a big, glass bowl, with books of paper matches in it?

 

[CherylL1]

I like your 3rd edit Cheryl. He's a cutie and it shows him off best. I usually prefer color versions of just about everything but in this shot his fur is too close in color to the curtain which takes away from him I think. While the high key is nice, I think Derrell nailed it with that object in the background being the tie breaker for me.

I see that now! He does blend in. When we first got him he was chocolate brown (my avatar) and he was a tripping hazzard because our carpet is the same color.

 

[CherylL1]

That object in the background...is that a big, glass bowl, with books of paper matches in it?

The object is hand blown glass art piece that was my MIL's filled with potpourri. It sits on a side board with wheels. The top opens up for a larger serving area. My inlaws used it as their rolling liquor cabinet. Era 1950s or 60s.

 

[espresso2x]

#1 colour version of the dog picture.