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Selfie with spiral staircase; 5 Nov 2014.
This is a black and white version of a previously posted colour image. Basically, both shots show me photographing my reflection in the window of a shop that is empty save for a metallic spiral staircase. The earlier version, shown below (and presented in this post, which has more context), shows more of me and less of the stairway, and is imbued with a strong brown hue.
In this mono version, the staircase is given more prominence and I’m edged out to the side, such that I appear to be sneaking a shot of you around the edge of the image’s frame – sneaking a shot of you from out of a window perhaps. To me, this second version is starker, colder, more in the raw perhaps – more in terms of the harsh, hard light out on the street maybe.
Which – if any – of these two images do you prefer?
Clicking onto either image will open a slightly larger version in a separate window.
D700 with 70-300 Nikkor at 70mm; 640 ISO; Silver Efex Pro 2, starting at the Architectural preset.
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FATman Photos 
no doubts, the mono version! very nice!
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Thank you very much! You are with the majority, most prefer the mono. Adrian
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Undoubtedly the Mono version Adrian, and not because it shows less of you. 🙂 It is a beautifully balanced composition, at least to my eyes, and I love the bold, stark presentation.
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Dave, thank you very much for your good thoughts – and I love “and not because it shows less of you” – wonderful!!! 🙂 Adrian
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Definitely I prefer the Mono – the composition is bold and it work. I love that one eye and the hat so close to the edge. Great interpretation, Adrian.
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Andy, thank you very much! Adrian
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Hello again. 🙂
Is that still the same train driver’s hat. 😀
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Yes, the same hat, I must be loco to wear it .., ohhhh! …. 😉 ….
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My eyes played a trick on the first one – it looked to me like the man was facing away. There’s a lot of mystery there and ambiguity, and I vote for that one.
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Thank you, my friend, glad you like it! Adrian
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I think I ducked out of the way just in time 🙂
Although I like the brown tones of the original, I have to say the mono is my favourite. I like the way part of you is in the picture – as you say, it is as if you have suddenly appeared in the scene, out of the shadows, ready to take the shot.
I also prefer where you are positioned – on the right, with the stairs sweeping up to the middle and towards the right hand side. I like the grittiness and harder edge. I also think the light on the side of your face is more pronounced and works better.
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Good points, M, thank you – and I agree with you completely. And me emerging suddenly out of the shadows? – you’re playing my tune …
And my nose appears at least to be healing very well, such that I am having thoughts about pressing large and lumpy cameras to my face again. A
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Hello 🙂 Wonderful light!
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Hello! Glad you like it – thank you! 🙂
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I like the first one better but I like the second hat better. 😉❤️👍
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Thanks, yes, I see what you mean – and I agree completely about the hat! Hope you’re doing well, Gem. Adrian xxx
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I like any shot of you but I like the composition of the first. Doing better every day. Thanks, bud. ❤️
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Mono for me too, Adrian. there’s a lot more mystery and intrigue, as more is left to the imagination. Also, the bright reflections–especially the sharp one on the curved banister–add a lot to counterbalance the brightness of the main element’s side-lit visage.
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Not for the first time, Gary – and I’m very sure not for the last time either! – I agree completely with what you’re saying. And, especially, I think your point about leaving things to the imagination is very true – it chimes in with what I was saying in a recent Talking Images post, about not lighting the whole image. Thanks for your considered thoughts, my friend! Adrian
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One of several good selfies you have produced. Love the processing tool
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Thank you very much, my friend, thank you! A
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I prefer the composition in the monochrome version. The fact the figure is almost out of frame creates more intrigue and is, as such, more engaging.
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Laura, I think you’re exactly right – it isn’t just the black and white processing, its about where I am placed too. Thank you! Adrian
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My preference would be the mono version although I would like to see a slightly warmer look in the shadows.
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Frank, thank you very much for your thoughts! The mono seems to be the most liked one. However – and apologies for this – my personal taste would be for an even colder look here. I think I used a split tone on this, but, now, I might give it an even colder, bluer tint. Adrian
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No apology necessary! Life would be boring if we all thought the same way about everything wouldn’t it 🙂
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It certainly would!!! 🙂
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Adrian, the mono has it hands down – not even close for me. There is intrigue and mystery surrounding the mono but for me this disappears with the colour. Also I like the sweep of the railing on the staircase, it adds further. The second is just a bit flat my tastes, not enough going on…….Well you did ask for my opinion, MM 🍀
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Yes, John, I did ask for your opinion – and for everyone else’s too – and, sincerely, I welcome them all. I’m glad the mono gets to you – thank you. I like them both but, if I’m honest, the mono gets more to me too. I felt good about the colour version and I think it was well received but, looking at it, I started thinking about mono – let’s face it, I always start thinking about mono! – and I’m more pleased with this result. Thank you for your thoughts! Adrian
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Love the monochrome version!
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Sue, thank you very much – looking ahead, I think you’re right in there with the majority! Adrian 🙂
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🙂
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I think you already know which one of them I like the most 🙂 The black & white is the one for me! I love it!
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Yes, knowing you as I do, my friend, I did have a feeling which one you’d prefer – thank you for your good thoughts! A 🙂
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