Comments on: “Grafton Street’s a wonder…”

By: Marco

Marco — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:09:47 +0000

The B&W has much more impact..great contrast and definition!
Thanks for capturing a bit of the Christmas spirit and giving me a little bit of inspiration!

As an idea, you could try shooting the same image at a bigger aperture and try this: http://www.diyphotography.net/diy_create_your_own_bokeh to achieve an amazing effect.

Christmas is a great time to try this diy job what with all the twinkly lights around!

By: Gavin Lyons

Gavin Lyons — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:15:18 +0000

You get away with so much carrying a tripod around at night. I did this in Berlin to capture nightlife scenes. People are so unaware, if you are not looking in the viewfinder at the time, then just hit the remote release …

The warm tone mono is very classy and more atmospheric.

By: Chuck in USA

Chuck in USA — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:29:41 +0000

I too was prepared to prefer the color shot but upon closer inspection I really do like the B&W FAR more! The B&W seems to draw my eyes to the lights overhead whereas the color is just a “street scene.” IMHO.

Love your website/blog. I watch it regularly.

By: margaretha toerien

margaretha toerien — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:24:39 +0000

def the b&w version, without a doubt.

By: Shane Murphy

Shane Murphy — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:15:57 +0000

Ronan,
For me, it has to be the B/W version. The colour does bring the ‘to let’ signs & rubbish boxes to my attention.

Best of luck tomorrow at the golden spiders. I’ve already cast my blog vote your way

By: Ronan Palliser

Ronan Palliser — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:32:15 +0000

Stephen – regarding the yellow cast on the colour one, yes I agree – I struggled to find a white balance in post-processing (I shot it in RAW) that worked with all the different light sources – the street lights, the christmas lights, the lights in the shop windows, the signage.

Dominic – thanks for reading the blog. I’m glad I tried a B&W on this though my first instinct was definitely colour.

Stephen (eile) – I love that idea of it having an “It’s a wonderful life” feel – now that you say it I see what you mean.

Thanks all for your comments!

By: Stephen

Stephen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:25:26 +0000

Defo B/W.
Much cleaner, punchier as you say.
I don’t like the yellow cast from the street lights and there is not enough colour in the decorations to provide highlights in the colour version.
The B/W is way cooler.

By: Dominic Lee

Dominic Lee — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:46:04 +0000

I never would have thought of making it B&W and I enjoyed reading the blog as well. Dominic

By: Stephen

Stephen — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:41:08 +0000

Love the B&W Ronan, I think there’s something of an “It’s a Wonderful Life” about it that just doesn’t come through in the colour. Lovely shot!