Mono shots from Cornwall

I have been experimenting with mono conversion with guidance from Joshua as posted a while ago.

I am trying to convey the mystical atmosphere of this celtic land and would appreciate any constructive comments if you feel so inclined.
Does the exposure look spot on to you?

This is of a railway bridge looking towards Hayle Estuary, not sure if it needs a walking figure on the road or not, what do you think?
I have duo toned, K10D, F16 1/45 ISO 100 17mm with 17-55mm kit lens




This is of a celtic cross at the head of a tomb I found in our local cemetary, originally it was a pretty mediochre image, I was testing out the K10D, but when I cropped it down by 50%, mono and duotoned, it became more interesting and atmospheric with the spooky trees out of focus in the background, well to me anyway
K10D, F5.6 1/125 with 17-55mm kit lens

I like them both, especially the lighting of the cross. Well done.

Lilly,

Well done - both shots very impressive!

Mike

The cross is super! The bridge could do with a horse and cart in the distance, IMHO.

I'm just wondering how the cross would look if shot at more of an angle instead of straight on.

Detail is good on both, though duo toning is not evident to me. they both look like mono shots. What colours did you use for duotone?

I like
!javascript:emoticon('')

Thanks Andrew, the duotone I applied was quiet subtle in both shots, perhaps too subtle, not as dramatic as the ones I have seen on your site

For the cross I used:
Blk., Pantone Cool Gray 5c & Pantone 461C

I can't remember the bridge dutone spec. as I didnt save the profile for that one and I havnt got up to speed with the history button yet, on a steep learning curve!

I like them, they do just look like monos to me but then I always think the best PS work should be undetectable.

Lilly,

You've just provided two stunning examples that prove that lighting is one of the most important elements in all visual arts.

Excellent eye!

Amazing texture in the shot of the cross... makes one almost feel the roughness of the stone... amazing lighting to cast the necessary shadows... B&W presentation also a perfect choice - colour would have distracted from light/shadow/texture...

I would agree with Mongoose - (slight paraphrase) Photos should never 'look' like they've been modified after pressing the shutter button - post-processing has it's place, to be sure, but, IMO, subtle is definitely the way to go...

thank you all so much for the positive feedback, it is very encouraging to know I am heading in the right direction, I want so much to prove my worth as a photographer and portray this beautiful county at its mystical mono best!

I'm just jealous of someone who lives in such an attractive part of the country!

Hi,

Lilly...GOOD...well done..keep going..

it is just so nice to see a landscaper NOT trying to be Bl**** Joe Cornish for a change. If I never see another ND grad/polarised earlylight blah blah tedious in the extreme shot it will be too soon..

SO WELL DONE YOU!!

cheers Steve.

Oh...... bye then.....