This is a continuation of yesterday’s post, namely, the monochrome versions of those shots. Typically, I would lump those photos together — color and monochrome — in one post, plus add a bunch more semi-related photos.

Unfortunately, all that takes time to compose and read, as can be experienced by reading THIS post.

Anyway, let me recreate the previous post in monochrome, starting with . . .

I vacillate between thinking chromatic is the better choice and monochromatic as the way to go. Of course, it depends on the subject, one’s preference, the skill of the photographer in processing each version, the preference of the reader (typically fickle and affected by their mood), and, obviously, the current moon phase.

Personally, I think I’m better at converting simple photos (meaning, macros, and photos that aren’t too busy) into monochromatic offerings than, say, landscapes. For one, I don’t take as many landscape photos (as in ‘photos of landscapes’) and therefore I’ve not developed standards and a workflow that I’m comfortable and pleased with.

Most landscape editing I see on YouTube involves editing different areas of the same photo in different ways, whereas I process photos globally. Think of it like Ansel Adams masking and developing different areas of a photo to adjust and balance light and shadows.

By the way, for them interested in the SmugMug gallery, it’s HERE.

Still, for these types of photos, I think I get better results using monochrome treatments than playing around with colors. Probably, that’s because ice is itself monochromatic (mostly).

Next, it’s the out-of-focus photo. In this case, I think the color version works a little better than the monochrome.

Same for my artsified version. Lacking details and form, I think we focus more on the many colors and how they interplay with the ice’s brightness. At least, that’s true as viewed here. A larger offering (full-size) might have a better resolution of details.

As we zoom in, and individual details resolve, the monochromatic processing comes into its own . . .

Again, the full-size photos in SmugMug are better at showing both the details and providing a visual impact that smaller photos lack.

Macros look OK both in color and monochrome. But, until you get really close, I think the color versions still hold an edge.

You can maybe see a bit of that here, with different subjects captured from different distances.

Where monochrome starts to give a run to color is on these closer captures.

. . . at least I think so. Of course, I like both versions, but tastes vary. Still, here’s the best of the ice macros in monochromatic splendor.

Note: there are many options when converting color images to monochrome. I’m sure there’s processing that I didn’t try that might have given even better results . . . but the same is true of color. Basically, this is what I liked at the time that I processed the photos.

That’s it. This post has ended . . . except for the stuff below.

<><><><o><><><><><o><><><>

Note: if you are not reading this blog post at DisperserTracks.com, know that it’s copied without permission, and likely is being used by someone with nefarious intentions, like attracting you to a malware-infested website.  Could be they also torture small mammals.

Note 2: it’s perfectly OK to share a link that points back here.

<><><><o><><><><><o><><><>

If you’re new to this blog, it might be a good idea to read the FAQ page. If you’re considering subscribing to this blog, it’s definitely a good idea to read both the About page and the FAQ page.