the subtleties of color

Mar 21st, 2006

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Sometimes I like to really dig down into the details of what makes a photograph really work. Today is one of those times. Here are three different edits of two different images. Sometimes the differences between the images is subtle. Other times it is very obvious. To me, it's amazing how much different an image feels with only the slightest change in tone or color.

If you have a moment I'd love to know which version you prefer the most. If you have even more time, I'd like to know why you like that version the most.

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Posted in: everything, ljxp, photography.

Commentsthe+subtleties+of+color2006-03-21+17%3A40%3A54Jim+Reverend on “the subtleties of color”

#1 Mel
on Mar 21st, 2006 at 12:03 pm

Alright, I prefer… (although my explanations are far from technical)
Unused railway edition 1 - Because it just reminds me of dawn
Splintered shadow edition 3 - Because the shadow and the trees in the background seem more mysterious and eery

Also, where should I be commenting? Which do you prefer (here or in LJ)?
#2 elcuervonegro@livejournal.com
on Mar 21st, 2006 at 12:03 pm

I think in both cases I like the darker of the set. The abandoned railway line just looks more ominous and stormy in the darker one. There's a darker feel of something forbidding at the other end of the track. It's much the same with the darker tree. Now, granted, I happen to like darker more forbidding things, so maybe I'm biased.
#3 jimreverend
on Mar 21st, 2006 at 12:03 pm

@Mel:

The general rule of thumb is that I prefer the comments here, on revjim.net. However, with photographs, I tend to prefer them in Flickr (with here running a close second) only because Flickr is full of photo comments already and it's nice to have it all in one place. But, really, I just like feedback. You can put it where ever it's easiest for you.

@Patch:

I think by darker you mean the 3rd edition of both of them. I think I agree with you, however, my opnion is probably founded in different reasoning than yours.
#4 Alessandra
on Mar 21st, 2006 at 01:03 pm

Unused railway n.1, because of its lively colors. Although I also like n. 3 and its sinister feel.
Splintered shadow n.1, because it has an ethereal feeling.
#5 bluestarliz@livejournal.com
on Mar 21st, 2006 at 01:03 pm

Definitely go with the darkest in each case; I'm always drawn to the wideset spectrum of values and feel than a good spread from dark to light is one of the marks of a good photograph. :-)
#6 Laura
on Mar 21st, 2006 at 02:03 pm

For some reason, the middle shadow seems to have the most depth for me. For the rail, I think it just depends on what you're going for. I like the middle best overall on that one, too. I like the color in the first, but it seems too soft. I almost like the darkest the best, but it has just a little too much "Horror movie poster" to it, though I do like the clouds best in that one.
#7 Sarah
on Mar 21st, 2006 at 03:03 pm

I really like option three for both photos. Photo 1) I think the forboding look does well with the atmosphere of the photo, and on Photo 2) the contrast looks great.
#8 Pamela
on Mar 22nd, 2006 at 07:03 am

I like the darkest ones, because they seem more intense.
#9 Jonathan
on Mar 22nd, 2006 at 01:03 pm

I love contrasty photos. If it doesn't feel like a jab in my kidney, it doesn't do much for me. That said, I like the third version of the photos, especially the tracks (love how the gravel is well lit).
#10 elcuervonegro@livejournal.com
on Mar 23rd, 2006 at 09:03 pm

Yeah, I did mean the 3rd editions of each one; specifically the unused train track reminds me of the cinematography in HBO's Carnivàle, which I loved. Great shot, man.