Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

[John Perriment]

Way back in February 2009 I attended a photo event outside New Scotland Yard, which was organized by the National Union of Journalists to draw attention to the problems that new anti-terrorist legislation were going to cause to both professional and amateur photographers. This was against a background of increasing harassment of photographers by the police in public places.

I took a number of shots to record the event and published them on various forums at the time, in colour. However, I've always thought this type of photograph would work better in B&W but until now have generally avoided the medium through lack of knowledge, processing skills and experience.

Recently I decided to try to become a better B&W processor and invested in Silver Efex to help me. Yesterday I got round to trying my hand at this set of pictures. I still have a long way to go but am reasonably pleased with the results considering my lack of experience. Any comments or advice will be most appreciated.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

They look to me like they have been processed to add drama to the scene.

Almost akin to tonemapping/HDR prior to B&W conversion that results in high contrast images with a fairly low number of tonal steps.

The treatment certianly fits the images and has that reportage feel of old newspapers (before colour) but without all the small dots.

[Ian]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

I was there And of course we bumped into each other, John.

I wrote a brief article here:

http://dpnow.com/5659.html

And here is a video taken on the day:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlLqHpFtKxM"]Photographers protest outside New Scotland Yard on 16th February 2009 - YouTube[/ame]

Ian

[John Perriment]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

They look to me like they have been processed to add drama to the scene.

Almost akin to tonemapping/HDR prior to B&W conversion that results in high contrast images with a fairly low number of tonal steps.

The treatment certianly fits the images and has that reportage feel of old newspapers (before colour) but without all the small dots.

Thanks Graham, I did want to achieve a reportage feel, but reading between the lines I guess I'm still processing too harshly - Silver Efex is a powerful weapon in the wrong hands! Hopefully I'll learn to use it more responsibly in time.

[John Perriment]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

I was there And of course we bumped into each other, John.

I wrote a brief article here:

http://dpnow.com/5659.html

And here is a video taken on the day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlLqHpFtKxM

Ian

Oh yes, and I have the evidence! Here you are using the tilting screen of the E-3 to good effect and with a seriously good lens! I've tried to be a little more conservative with the processing of this one.

[Jane Doe]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

I quite like the gritty-ness (is that even a word) of the set of photos you uploaded. They seem to have a lot of punch to them... many B&W photos seem quite wishy-washy to me. A great series of photos.

[crimbo]

Like 'em
As with taking the image...process for yourself

[John Perriment]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

I quite like the gritty-ness (is that even a word) of the set of photos you uploaded. They seem to have a lot of punch to them... many B&W photos seem quite wishy-washy to me. A great series of photos.

Thanks Jane.

[John Perriment]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

Like 'em
As with taking the image...process for yourself

Excellent advice! Part of the problem, though (regarding black and white), is that I'm still at the stage where I'm not sure what I really like! Already, though, I'm finding that I tend to gravitate towards quite harsh processing, with deep blacks, bright highlights and lots of contrast, for street photography at any rate. What I do want to be careful to avoid is getting stuck in a rut.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

Part of the problem, is that I'm still at the stage where I'm not sure what I really like! What I do want to be careful to avoid is getting stuck in a rut.

I know this feeling well

When faced with such, I ensure I have dealt with the things I do not want and allow what's left to emerge as stronger in the end product.

Your key skills will always serve you well and over analysis can act as a blocker to the creative eye. I've stood looking at things for ages then left, not shooting a single frame.

As for "Ruts" what's wrong with consistent quality. I'm always experimenting, but will often bring the lesson learned back to the comfort of the rut and incorporate it into my work.

Have fun

[David Rayden]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

.... over analysis can act as a blocker to the creative eye.

Have fun

Indeed. This is the key. Do what you feel looks good. If people like it, they will let you know.

I see some people criticised for photos that are not perfectly exposed, are clipped, cropped badly, or against the grain in terms of lenses used etc. These are some of the best shots I see: emotion and mood over technical excellence.

Have fun

* The reason most of us do this, I'm sure!

David.

[John Perriment]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

Thanks Graham and David, wise words.

[Barr1e]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

I like this series John and wish you well in growing your new skills with this exciting program.

#10 stands out well for me (as do quite a few others).

Thanks for sharing your new work.

Regards. Barr1e

[John Perriment]

Re: Three years later - still a photographer, not a terrorist

Thank you Barrie.

[crimbo]

Excellent advice! Part of the problem, though (regarding black and white), is that I'm still at the stage where I'm not sure what I really like! Already, though, I'm finding that I tend to gravitate towards quite harsh processing, with deep blacks, bright highlights and lots of contrast, for street photography at any rate. What I do want to be careful to avoid is getting stuck in a rut.

I find this a problem as well but tend to look at others images to see what I like. My aim for street photography is to find a process that produces the deep black, harsh white....and some how retain and control the greys in between. Once I succeed I will happily stick in the rut