There be a storm brewing...

[Nnnnsic]

[wendellt]

that last one is very surreal

[PiroStitch]

The 1st and 3rd are very ominous indeed.

The last pic looks like a giant twister is about to hit Sydney CBD.

[Cre8tivepixels]

Might be just me but these shots look a little soft. There are blown highlights causing you to lose detail in the clouds as well.

(edit: i am away in QLD so i am NOT on my monitor)

No 4 is the pick for me, in saying that the overall shot could have been improved with out the big black stump of a tree in frame.It doesnt add at all to the dynamics of the shot.

The sky and back drop in its self has enough impact to make this a great shot on its own (my eyes are drwn to the tree NOT the sky which i think is what you want?).

Cheers
dan

[Nnnnsic]

The tree -- for me -- puts a bit of framing of the scene, even though there is still some light on the left hand side. It presents that we're back in an area set back further from the action of the weather, just like the others there.

Had this just been a scene without the tree, it would have just been working with basic lines of where things are located. To me, with the tree in it, it adds a sense of depth as there are layers of detail in minor amounts between the figures in the foreground, and the tree seems to keep them cemented.

I feel reminded of figures that Seurat has painted along a waterfront from one aspect when I look at this. Not blowing my own ego here, but that's what it reminds me of.

Also, you're assuming that the impact of the weather was the focus of this shot. It works on a whole, not a singular object. The people don't even care about the weather. They're their own world and the weather is separate.

In regards to the softness & blown highlights, they're not soft and the highlights aren't blown. There are elements of white, but they're controlled to contrast with the deep blacks. You can have a black & white with a whole gradient of tones.

Cheers for the comments, all.

[Cre8tivepixels]

Cool..............well they are great shots...well done!!

Dan

[Glen]

Leigh, 4 for me. I love the way the frivolity of the beachgoers is juxtaposed with the storm in the background, reminds me of a horror movie.

[Big V]

I like number two, due to the fact that the people in the image seem totally oblivious to what is happening around them.

[surenj]

love two! Love the tonal range.... Did it rain alot that day?

[surenj]

Quite like the tree in the last photo but it does detract from the subject somewhat....

[jethro]

Leigh these are outside your normal stuff! BUT I must say you love B&W and these are different to your norm. These show you are capable of stepping outside your realm and are confident in your ability. Well taken and yes most of your stuff seems Hi gain which these are.
You have not stepped outside of your intended result. Bravo!
Jethro