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This is an image from a recent wedding I shot with Geoff. Just thought I would give it a little old world feel with some grain (I think we call it noise now-a-day)



Anyway in a world of massive megapixels and clean noisless images I thought I would throw this one in for comments and suggestions.

What do you think, is there still room for images like this one?

Hi Jordanp

I think there is plenty of room for photos such as this.

I like the grainy black and white look - gives it a timeless quality in my opinion.

I don' think the grainy black and white look would work with all types of photos in my opinion but it certainly does with portraits.

Well done!

Cheers

Graham

It's a good effect, but I think you overdid the amount of grains in the image. For me, it's bordering on too much and distracts the viewer from the actual photo itself.

Craig, like it a lot

Craig, love it but I would like to see a comparison with say 1/2 the grain.

cant say it does much for me at all ... maybe bout 1/4 the grain?

I love it, but the grain is too uniform... should be more blocky and random.

here it is with about half the grain - for those that wanted less



Thanks for the feed back so far. The use of grain can get quite arty so it is generaly something you like or not.

Keep the thoughts coming

Onyx wrote:I love it, but the grain is too uniform... should be more blocky and random.

Cheers. I used Gaussian distribution of noise to try and avoid that but I see what you mean. Any idea on how to achieve a more random effect?

I like the original a lot.

Thanks Craig. I prefer No 2. Of course what is important is which one the subject/customer prefers...

I like both of them. I like to add a bit of noise to all my B&W images as it adds character.

I reckon both pics would look sensational printed and framed.

I like the grain and the sepia...but this image breaks one of the cardinal laws of composition. It has 3 dark corners and one white corner...the roses. The energy of the composition leaks out of that white corner.

I'm ready for the flak.

Rules were made to be broken - I like both and prefer #1

Great shot, and is framed really well imo.

The first one looks like Sandpaper. The second one sort of does too, but I guess that's what graininess does. I like grain but not sure how much I like it on this pic. Sort of gimmicky I guess.

Personally, I like the first one. Women, most specifically the subjects, in the pictures generally don't like anything that doesn't show their complexions creamy smooth. So the bride might be less enthused with this result than we are.

I prefer #2 ...

but I'm wondering how it might look with a bit of optical flare as well, perhaps around the bouquet and where the face meets it.

Matt. K wrote:I like the grain and the sepia...but this image breaks one of the cardinal laws of composition. It has 3 dark corners and one white corner...the roses. The energy of the composition leaks out of that white corner.

I'm ready for the flak.

And it's not "neat and in the middle" Matt

Maybe it is my youth speaking but I dont think I like the noise at all..
I would like to see the original, and then maybe some glowing skin effect put on to it (layer which is blurred added)

SoCal Steve wrote:Personally, I like the first one. Women, most specifically the subjects, in the pictures generally don't like anything that doesn't show their complexions creamy smooth. So the bride might be less enthused with this result than we are.

thats why if im taking a photo of girls who may be a bit concious of a blemish or something, i may clone it out ... if you make them look great (read : fake i suppose) then they love it, and dont mind being photographed as they know I'll do a good job ... I also rarely keep a photo of someone if its not a flattering photo. (even the wrong white balance can make someone look sick or pale or wahtever.)

I agree entirely Darb...
Some times I look at a photo and just go erk!

some times a camera can be VERY unflattering and I only show people I know the best (and occasionaly PPed ) shots

otherwise taking photos becomes taboo

most girls in my social circles pretty much do as i say now when the camera gets pulled out ... pose a little, smile, turn into light ... whatever. Of course i give them the "thats it baby, cool as ice, bit more smile, bit more skirt, thats it baby" hahaha.

Though "take off your top" still results in a slap.

JordanP wrote:here it is with about half the grain - for those that wanted less


Thanks for the feed back so far. The use of grain can get quite arty so it is generaly something you like or not.

Keep the thoughts coming

How about the bouquet with no grain using an adjustment layer, but the rest of the shot with the half grain?

shakey

JordanP wrote:here it is with about half the grain - for those that wanted less



Thanks for the feed back so far. The use of grain can get quite arty so it is generaly something you like or not.

Keep the thoughts coming

Hi Craig/partner
I like the 2nd one with half the amount of grain more than the first one . Now...who took it? The maestro or the learner?

A shot from yourself I believe young Geoff. (heavily cropped)

I like giving the grainy treatment to all sorts of images -B&W and colour.

I agree with Onyx that in this case it is a bit too uniform for my taste. I tend to visualise grain with high contrast images. Below is an example.

I create a duplicate layer and use Filter>Texture>Grain (has options for intensity, contrast and type) and then can adjust opacity and blend of 'grain layer' to suit taste.