Soaking up the shade

A pleasant summer’s day at Richmond Green, sitting on the bench of special significance. For a short while, Dermot looks across the sun-kissed grass, while enjoying the shade of a very mature tree.

I was torn between the bright, fresh feel of the colour shot and the timelessness of the sepia. The mood of the photograph also goes two ways – this could be an enjoyable moment’s peace and time to relax, or does it signify a juncture of deep thought, reflection and even solitude and solemnity? Which do you prefer?…

9 thoughts on “Soaking up the shade”

steviegill on August 15, 2012 at 13:40 said:

The sepia looks good. I often opt for monochrome because it helps to emphasise texture, shape, light, and contrast, and adds drama and mood. Plus colour, particularly vibrant or gaudy colours, tends to draw our eye away from the main focus of photograph (though sometimes it can actually add focus to image).

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- mikeosbornphoto on August 15, 2012 at 18:15 said:
  
  Thanks, Stevie. Yes, and in editing monochrome you can be bolder with contrast. But with colour that can be a disaster.
  
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settleandchase on August 11, 2012 at 20:51 said:

Sepia for me too – i agree that somehow without the colour there is more room for our imagination..

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- mikeosbornphoto on August 11, 2012 at 22:47 said:
  
  Yes, I think so. That’s why it’s often tempting to make the conversion or even shoot in monochrome.
  
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lautal on August 10, 2012 at 15:11 said:

It is only my personal opinion. For the street photography and general scenes of life I prefer B&W. It is more dramatic. That kind of pictures catch the attention on the mood, action, environment. Colour draws away attention from all of that.

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- mikeosbornphoto on August 11, 2012 at 13:42 said:
  
  Thanks for your comment, Alexander. Yes, I think so too. If the colour is taken away we have to add what’s missing ourselves.
  
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ckponderings on August 10, 2012 at 00:07 said:

Sepia, although straight b/w would have been interesting too. :)

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- mikeosbornphoto on August 11, 2012 at 13:40 said:
  
  I think I agree. It gives more mood and atmosphere. There is a whimsical quality to it which you perhaps don’t get in straight B&W?
  
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  - ckponderings on August 12, 2012 at 11:47 said:
    
    That’s true… :)
    
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