Or Mono Color Version, which one?

[maverick]

http://maverick.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p913174167-5.jpg

[The Other Tom]

I never thought I would say this, but the B&W looks better to me.

[maverick]

Me to Tom, the drama of the storm is better conveyed in the b&w version.

[rayfound]

Color to me conveys much better the beauty and might of the storm.

B&W conveys a tone that is more ominous of "something bad is coming".

The two two me feel totally different, I personally prefer the color one, unless the point is foretelling a building even in some sort of narrative. (like, if the next page in a book is going to show the midst or aftermath of a downpour)

I guess to me, the B&W feels much more negative. the color is much more admiration of the will, power, and fury of nature.

[markskor]

Mav,
Usually I am a tremendous fan of the results of your amazing camera skills, but in this case, choice?...I must say neither of these is your best work.
Speaking as an art theory teacher/ artist of a different medium, still, the universal rules of art still apply.
In the B&W, there is a lack of subject focus - lack of dark values - nothing that serves as a center of attention/no stark contrast to grab the eye. All appears as basically, muted, mid values...interesting but uninspiring... In short, nothing pops.
The color version has the fierce yellow sky, but again, nothing to contrast /balance it against. Maybe if the blue horizontal mountains were more alive. Something is missing.
Most of your posted stuff is magical indeed...but I sort of feel that these are not up to your usual HighSierraTopic standards...sorry...you asked.
Just my critical 2¢, one artist to another,
Mark

[maverick]

Hi Markskor

I agree that these are not my better photo's, but just fill photo's, since things have
been slow here lately, but I appreciate the honest critique.
To get back into your good graces here is one I have not posted yet:
http://maverick.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p805022149-5.jpg

[markskor]

Mav,
Hope I did not offend with being blunt.
I take art classes every month or two...really sort of a round table critique among friends/fellow "aspiring" artists and pros, and honesty is always the order of the day. Everyone is brutal but, (and here is the rub), you cannot gain entrance into this circle without having talent.
Why I am included still baffles me.

BTW, this latest one really "Pops!" I really like how the blue works here against the sky...nice.
Mark

[John Dittli]

Hey Mav

I prefer the B&W, much more dramatic. Also I want to add that your latest posted images appear to be much tighter technically.

Nice work!

JD

[maverick]

Thank you JD, been brushing up on my photoshop techniques.
Have you gotten out lately, or have an outings planned during Dec-Jan?
How did the book signing turn out in Mammoth?
Send me some round trip tickets and I will be at the next one.

[John Dittli]

Yep, been out quite a bit. Cold temps and deep snow. Here's what it looked like at my house yesterday

[maverick]

Wow, love all that snow.
Shoveling all the white stuff out of the drive way gives you a good workout, though
can be a pain in the a$$ some mornings.

[John Dittli]

Ya, especially when your driveway is 900' long

JD