The garden rabbit came for another visit today. I decided to make one of the photos of the rabbit into a collage to show what I have been working on (struggling on) for the last several days. The low contrast image on the right is more similar to the contrast in the original color version. The rabbit was almost the same color/s as the background. In the left image, I upped the contrast to make an image that was more pleasing to me. What I have been struggling with is how much (or little) contrast to add to an image. On the good side, I have learned that I can add contrast to an overexposed image and to an underexposed image and make an image that looks quite different and often more dramatic than the original image. I do feel uncertain about exposure and about adding contrast to BWs. However, I feel good about feeling this way, because I recognize that this is how I feel everytime when I am in the process of learning something new.
I agree, You're doing great! I find my self using just enough adjustments in processing to render the photo as I remember seeing it. Everyone has their own personal preferences.
I agree the left-side image is better because you can see the contrast between the background and the rabbit. The photo on the right side is definitely dominated by the mid-range gray tones and you don't get any separation between the rabbit and the background so it doesn't hold your interest as much. I think how much or how little you add really depends on how you want the shot to look. You may find that most shots are better with a strong contrast but every once in a while one shot will look best when the range or tone is more in the center of the scale. Good job!
@jle__ Thank you. I have been experimenting with exposure and adding/deleting contrast this week. I hope I can eventually settle on a happy medium that is pleasant to me.
@fueast Thanks. I like the one on the left better too, even though the one on the right shows the camoflauge of the rabbit into its surroundings better.
