This is the last week of the monochrome challenge over at Jude’s “garden Photography” challenge.
These are images from a very special Botanic Garden in Townsville, Palmetum.
To see more of it in full colour go here.
For March the theme will be “wild life”. Now that will be interesting. So pop over to Jude’s place to see what others have to show us.
Jude (Earth laughs in flowers) is hosting a weekly challenge related to garden photography. Each month has a different theme. February is black and white or tones of one colour. Look for texture, shape and patterns. The subject matter is entirely up to you, but should be loosely garden related.
Last week Jude inspired me with her stunning entry (see it here). So, this week, I have been playing around with Photo Shop Elements.
First I converted this Anthurium covered in raindrops to black and white.
Then I noticed the dark leaf in the bottom right corner came out black. Not a good look.
So I used the clone tool, then the smudge tool to take away the black stroke. But it still didn’t look right.
Next I took it to Light Room and first cropped some of the bottom area then “fiddled” with the settings.
Now I really had the bit between my teeth…
So I took the original converted photo back to PS Elements and used the filters. First I used the “find edges” then “dark strokes”
This time I cloned out all the back ground. Over an hour had whizzed by…
Then I went mad, but it was all fun…
Jude has another lovely green monochrome image this week. Take a look at it.
Here is my last B & W entry into Jude’s Bench Series challenge for February, and it is a mystery. I’m assuming it is a Chinese Garden, but where it is I do not know. Does any one recognise it? I really should take better notes!!!
Next month the challenge is to show wooden benches. Now I have lots of those. Maybe you have some you could share with Jude. Go here to find more details.
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Thank you Jude for giving me the tip to look at the date it was taken. I have now tracked it down to the Hunter Valley Gardens
“Nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges, in the heart of the Hunter vineyards, you will find the magnificent Hunter Valley Gardens – over 60 acres of spectacular international display gardens that will amaze you with sensational sights, colours, fragrances and adventures.
Exploring over 8 kilometres of walking paths, visitors are able to experience each of the ten individual feature gardens with a range of statuary and superb feature gardens, all of a standard you won’t see elsewhere in Australia.”
A small Tasmanian village of Campbell Town has a population of approx 800 of which the largest proportion would be retirees. We increased that number by 2 when we stopped to wander along the heritage walk. There are an abundance of colonial buildings that have been well-preserved, among them these 2 churches.
We were pleased to find these benches in a handy place to sit for a rest.
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Click here and join Jude in her weekly search around the world for benches
This week I am taking you back to Hobart in Tasmania where I found this delightful setting.
Jude of “Travel Words” is hosting a weekly bench series challenge. Each month she gives us a different caption. This month it is to show benches in black and white.
I do not take black and white photos so this challenge from Cee of “Cee photography” was a double-edged challenge as I went to Photoshop to “play” with colour photos.
When we were in New Zealand the Tauranga Jazz festival weekend was happening (click on the link to see more photos). The weather was perfect and it was a very lively, fun-filled and musical outing. The vintage car club also held a rally the same weekend. Beautifully restored vehicles and the proud owners dressed in period costumes. Jack took some great photos which he has let me use to convert to vintage style photos.
So thank you Cee for the challenge I have had lots of fun playing with these photos…
converted to sepia and given a vignette and frame using Photoshop
Proud owners in period costume with their pride and joy. Jazz festival, (photo by Jack)
Converted to sepia then given a vignette and frame using Photoshop
Beautiful young ladies in period costumes (photo by Jack)
Next I found a couple of photos I had taken of old derelict barns, one from New Zealand, one from Australia. I really gave the New Zealand barn the “works” playing around with the filters in Photoshop.
Derelict New Zealand barn Photo shopped using charcoal filter
Derelict New Zealand barn
Old Aussie barn converted to black and white in Photoshop
I have put the original photos to compare them and I think I still prefer the colour versions. What do you think.
Pop over to Cee’s post to see what other people have done.
Memories are made of this 