How do I make a black-and-white seascape with smooth water and a dark gradient sky?
Asked 4/17/2012
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I want to create a calm ocean image with very smooth water, soft light, and a black-and-white look with a darker gradient in the sky. What shooting technique and post-processing would produce this style?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
20
There are several effects going on here.
The water effect must be done in camera, with a very long exposure. Probably during dusk or at night otherwise you'll have too much light, even with a strong ND filter.
The black and white conversion can be done in camera if shooting JPEG but is better done in post.
The gradient in the sky is either done with a coloured filter (e.g. red or organge), a graduated ND, or in post. It could also just be atmospheric conditions.
Soft lighting comes from an overcast sky.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
14y ago
0
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This look is mainly created with a long exposure. Use a tripod and shoot for several seconds or longer so the moving water blurs into a smooth, calm surface. This is easiest at dusk, night, or in low light; in brighter conditions you may need a strong neutral density (ND) filter to cut the light.
The soft, low-contrast lighting usually comes from an overcast sky.
For the black-and-white result, it’s generally best to shoot normally and convert to B&W in post, where you’ll have more control than an in-camera JPEG conversion.
The darker sky gradient could come from a few sources: natural atmospheric conditions, a colored filter such as red or orange when shooting B&W, a graduated ND filter, or added tonal adjustment in post-processing.
In short: long exposure for the water, soft ambient light for the mood, and B&W/sky toning handled with filters or post.
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