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Lush Whites


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I like Michael Kenna's work a lot, but I'm particularly taken with his whites. Here is an example of what I mean.

 

Any ideas on achieving something like this in post? I assume it's his combination of toning and paper, but I'm wondering how to get closer digitally. I use LR.

 

I'm less interested in the color than the density. My whites tend to be white and stark, while his have a warmth and depth that I would like more of.

 

Appreciate your help.

 

John

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That's a good question, & I'd like to know the answer too!

 

All of Michael's prints are medium-format & gelatin silver, & I've been told that some of them are made for him by Rolfe Horn, f45 Online Photographic Gallery of Rolfe Horn

 

IMO the master of lush whites on our forum is Sharookh. He's mentioned that he uses the Gorman conversion method. Maybe he'll see this thread & reply.

 

Kirk

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Kirk,

 

Not too much interest in this topic, I guess. I expect most folks prefer bright, clean whites.

 

I googled the Gorman method and got a few tutorial hits, which I will try later. Thanks for the lead.

 

John

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Kirk and Andy,

 

Looking at Kenna's pictures again, I note that, in Zone System terms, his "whites" are in zone 7 or even 6. I'm usually conscious to not blow highlights, but I see the value of pushing to the right even more. LR is great for recovering shadows. I'm going to experiment with this. I think I've just not had enough highlight data to work with.

 

I tried the Gorman method and like the results, through I don't fully understand why I am doing some steps. I'm also not sure I accomplish anything I can't do with LR's tone sliders and split toning. And I like that the LR edits are non-destructive.

 

But I sure can't argue with Sharookh's results. Not sure how I've missed all his posts. Very fine indeed.

 

John

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John,

 

I'm a real fan of Kenna as well.

 

I had a go at his process and I posted the results here.

 

Scroll down a bit and you will see the toned version. I use LR and this was achieved in LR.

 

I have thought to try it with the NIK Silver efex product but have not gotten to do so.

 

For me the toughest thing is his composition... just brilliant.

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Really nice work, Todd. I see the color version on your web site. The BW sure is more expressive. I like the untoned version better.

 

I attended a Kenna show recently in Chicago and noticed that his highlights are often a little pinkish. But his blacks seem pretty neutral.

 

Post the Silver Efex version if you try it.

 

John

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I wanted to experiment on a scene with many shades of white. Like I said above, my thought is to be more attentive to highlight exposure.

 

I spot-metered (LX3) the brightest white in which I wanted detail and added 1.5EV. Some whites were too dark. Lightroom's adjustment brushes are great--paint the area to be adjusted and then use a slider to get the right amount. (I also just realized you can press "O" to highlight the brushed area.)

 

Appreciate your thoughts on this effort.

 

John

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