It is week two in the One Four Challenge and I have made some more changes to the image. This was an easy week for me really and I’m sure you realise why, making the image black and white is a good way to change the image.
So, quickly, this challenge is a nice one to push you with processing or thinking outside the box. If you want more information on this challenge or want to join us, you can find information here.
Let’s have a look at Week 2.
As always here is the original image.
As I said last week there are things I don’t like about this image and I am fairly certain each week I will try and do something about the sunny side on the right. I really don’t like the way the sun is so bright on the side of the building and the trees.
This week I wanted to try doing the image in black and white to see how it would look. I always do one week like this, however, I think I worked on this one a lot more than I normally do.
Shall we take a look?
I think I managed to get rid of those bright spots, but it has changed the whole look of the image. It almost looks like a night image now. The stairs leading up to a bright room or something.
I did spent a lot of time making that sunny side darker so it wouldn’t overshadow the structure or stairs. When the bright part is darkened it helps the eye settle on the staircase. The poles then frame it.
One of the things I’ve been trying to do with all my monochrome images is add a lot more contrast and make sure there are definitely blacks in the image and whites. I have been spending a lot more time on my images doing that. I really like it and I think it is part of the reason why I am enjoying monochrome so much more now.
One of the things I want to change is that I am going to start using the previous week’s image for the header image so you can see what I did the week before.
However, having said that I will also include a gallery with all the images so far.
Once again Thank you dear Leanne, Today I shared something about this challenge on my blog. First of all I enjoyed so much, and it is my first try, but be sure next month with you All. Have a nice day and weekend, Love, nia
I can’t see where your blog is Nia, I don’t know why it doesn’t come up with your name, can you please give me the link.
https://photographyofnia.com/
Thanks Nia.
I admire how you make the edit looks fascinating, Leanne. Still, the original for me is great.
Thank you Hazel, I have to admit it makes me sad to hear you like the original more. I think it would be like showing a blank canvas, I don’t know.
I’m sorry to hear that, Leanne. I didn’t mean to make you sad a bit. My apology. I think it’s just my preference that I admire more colour than black and white. People differ always. Hugs and love to you.
Now I feel bad Hazel, I don’t have a problem if you like the original or not or if you prefer the colour, I think it is more that I do all the work and then well. So please ignore me. I totally get more colour, and the next two will be in colour. Hugs to you too.
I’m excited for the next two colour, Leanne. Please make sure you’re okay. I have no intention to offend anyone.
You would have to say a lot worse stuff than that Hazel to upset me, I’m totally fine. I hope I didn’t upset you.
Good morning Leanne
This is my favourite so far.
The B&W with the beautiful contrast says so much.
It’s all about the stairs and supports in this one.
Takes me way back to B&W film days. Love it!!
Hello Robyn.
That’s good to hear, I think I love it too.
Oh yes, all about the stairs, which I think this one should be. Arrhhh black and white film, that was a long time ago for me. Thank you Robyn.
Wow. I actually like the colored photo but after seeing it in black and white, it has made it even better. Leave the black and white photo as it is. Even though it’s a bit bright I think it makes it stand out and makes it more eye-catching
Thank you, now I have to try and do something even better next week, or maybe I can’t. I guess we will see. I won’t do anymore on this one, next week I will start with the basic image again. All new processes on that image.
Looking forward to it
Fantastic.
That monochrome is impressive!
Thank you Egidio.
I don’t think there is a bad way to process this stairway. it is a beauty!
Thank you Lois, I think you could be right.
that’s quite a stairway!
Isn’t it, thanks Beth.
This version is excellent, Leanne! I really like how you deepened the shadows and brought out the highlights, increasing the contrast. It really makes for a terrific picture. Good work!
Thank you Joanne. I think I love high contrast images, I need to play with it more.
Excellent job on the black and white image. It brings much more attention to the subject. In the color version the buildings to the left and right are a bit distracting. In the black and white, bright light on the subject and the dark shadows on the sides help pull that attention back to the subject.
Thank you Randy. That is what I was hoping would happen. I totally agree, and that was exactly what I was trying to do.
I like all the changes so far, Leanne. Is it possible for you to tell us how you made the changes? Or would that be too much to ask?
Thank you Anne, I do sort of tell you, roughly what I’m thinking. It is so hard to describe it exactly, because then I’m writing a tutorial, and that isn’t what I want to do. They take way too much time and there just isn’t the interest in this challenge really.
WOW! This is like a magic. So impressive they are all. Your original photograph is great, I think the main point begins in here. So it lets you to do some changes. I could be wrong but I thought of this dear Leanne, Of course I want to try but first of all I should find a good photograph. Thank you you inspire me. Have a nice day, Love, nia
Thank you Nia. You are right, the first image is a good one and the stairs are so good, so there is a lot there to work with I think. Having a good image is a great way to start and would love it if you wanted to join us.
You are welcome dear Leanne, Still I am looking for. Have a great day, Love, nia
Maybe you should see if you can find one and join us next month, then you can do the four weeks.
I look for images that I can fix, or have things I don’t like and want to change, will work in monochrome too. Maybe one week can be cropping.
YOu should look at what Robyn is doing, it is fairly simple but effective, https://therosypalette.com/2025/04/10/one-four-challenge-2/
Thank you so much dear Leanne, your help and support so precious. I almost understand, I just need to make or try.. Love, nia
No problem Nia, good luck and I hope we see you doing it too.
Before next month I want to try and I will share on my post, I am excited now. Love, nia
Fair enough, I look forward to seeing what you come up.
Monochrome really works here, making the stairway much more dramatic and imposing.
Thank you Margaret, that is what I was hoping for.