Transient light – the best of both worlds perhaps?
Transition (Blending in photoshop)
This is the third and final entry in series which only serves to highlight the array of choices when it comes processing.
The first entry (Transient light – when only colour will do) showed a relatively straight forward colour image. The second entry posted yesterday (Transient light – when mono works as well) was the black and white conversion and today I have posted this image, which is effectively a mix of the colour and black and white versions. I opened both images in Photoshop with the colour image as the background layer. I then created a separate layer using the mono version which had been previously processed in Silver Efex. I then blended the two layers and reduced the opacity to arrive at the image you see here.
Overlaying the more dramatic and contrasty B&W image has given the original colour version a little more punch in my view. The rain shower has been enhanced and there is more detail in the clouds on the horizon which has added depth. The colour which attracted me to take the shot in the first place has not been lost.
So three versions of one image. Which one is best? I don’t think there is a ‘best’ image; photography or any form of art is very subjective so everyone will have their own personal preference. For me it has been an interesting exercise and will make me stop and think a little more about processing options before I even begin.
alan frost photography 
4 Responses to “Transient light – the best of both worlds perhaps?”
The use of blending layers is a technique I use frequently, but usually to control dynamic range. I think a lot of photographers who use HDR would be happier with blended layers for the improved control it provides and the more natural outcome; HDR too often looks unnatural in my opinion.
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I rarely blend layers but it is a technique I would like to learn more about, if only to find out what’s possible. I have never been a fan of HDR for the very reason you have stated. Thanks for commenting.
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I think this is a very successful third image. It brings together the drama of the sky and the iconic colours of Spring and it has created an image that is strong. Well worth the time spent, Alan.
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Thanks Andy. I think the ‘combined’ image works well too.
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