I seem to remember there are seven different subspecies of Swans. I’m not very good at individual identification of them. From what I can tell the best method is based on the beak, lore, and their shape.
That said, I do know these are three different Swans, the best I’ve got.
Not exactly pristine white birds, this is a swamp after all.
Sumter, South Carolina.
The light here was shining on the bird and branch, but it was still dark behind him. That screams Black & White to me.
Great Egret.
Recently DxO updated their NIK software collection. NIK is multiple programs that are either run as a plug-in for editors or a standalone application. Silver Efex is a system dedicated to Monochrome / B&W photography. It’s become the default program used by most B&W photographers.
This update to version 7.0 includes several new methods, masking options, that I have been wanting for a while. Below are a few photos recently taken worked with some of the new options.
First image is of a trail on county property that snakes through some woods and swamp areas. Sunlight was hitting the back of the bridge through the overhead canopy, however the beginning of the walkway was in deep shadow. I used some masking and contrasts to make the foot bridge visible and display the boards textures. I could do this in Lightroom, however I would be bouncing around between software.
Next two photographs needed work on the backgrounds. The borders along the bird feathers are usually a problem area. Basically ‘feathers are fuzzy’. Silver Efex has a different masking concept that works well this type of image.
Last is contrast and texture. B&W is all about Light/Dark values. Efex includes presets based on 35 MM film and/or filters. I pick my favorite film (Ilford or Kodak) and modify anything needed.
I grew up and learned photography using B&W film. Silver Efex allows me to work with monochrome, and no smelly chemicals.
Late afternoon, end of day, we were walking along the old garden pond trail in Magnolia Plantation heading out. The old path has been there for hundreds of years, the bricks handmade from who knows when.
Any visitors, or others had left and we were probably the only ones still around. Except, we weren’t totally alone.
Best viewed large.
He probably curls up there most nights 😁.
Because it was done in B&W the high contrasts get dramatic for effect. There was enough room for us to slide past without bothering him. Very cool to live here.
A public county park, not the usual subject matter here for sure.
However, last week on a dull wet day we drove to the newest county park. It’s large and has buildings for events, a large fishing pond and boardwalk, even a launch area for canoe and kayak into the Ashley River.
We had decided to walk here, there are trails and scenic lookout to explore. I mounted a shorter 12-200 mm on my Olympus planning to shoot monochrome for the day.
Below is one of the first places to walk, a large open pond with walking trails and boardwalks. It’s an impressive view.
One of the many structures is along the pond. And…
I spotted some locals. 😂. I have lived here long enough to expect this. I am also from the north where our public parks don’t usually have things that are not pet, or children, friendly. Actually I find it a little funny explaining this to people ‘from away’.
Below is the view of ‘locals’ enjoying a day at the park, like everyone else 🤣.
If it was sunny 😎 they could get a burn.
Looks like he is working on his tan.
Across the pond another was watching all the visitors go by.
Anyone care to go down to the boat launch now ? They say it’s a nice spot for a kayak.
Silhouette of a large Great Blue Heron nest.
An adult leaving the nest filled with three chicks. Large chicks.
Dark damp days can be great for monochrome work.
Found on a walk around Port Royal, South Carolina.
I went for a softer Black and White here because the background is lighter. Too busy and everything blends together.
If I can get the ‘catch light’ in an Owls eye I’m good with the shot.
Barred Owl in a swamp, South Carolina.
