Please Critique: Bridges - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

02/11/2005 10:57:38 AM · #1

I was just wanting to get some feedback on these two pictures that I took the other day. What do you like and or dislike about them, and most of all how I should go about improving them. I am relatively new to photography and all comments are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

jemison

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

02/11/2005 11:12:37 AM · #2

Uhmm...maybe some other time, but certainly not while a "Bridges II" challenge is underway.

Prof_Fate

02/11/2005 11:15:46 AM · #3

Got a link to a bigger version of them?

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

02/11/2005 11:22:13 AM · #4

Here is a link to a larger version:

//www.flickr.com/photos/ryanwarkentin/4617024/

//www.flickr.com/photos/ryanwarkentin/4617023/

coolhar

02/11/2005 11:22:14 AM · #5

Why would you post bridge shots in the forum asking for critique when there is a Bridges challenge now open that you could enter? You would get more views and more honest comments by entering a shot in the challenge.

02/11/2005 11:24:14 AM · #6

Originally posted by coolhar:

That's not true, though...the forum always yields better results for comments and critiques than a challenge...unless your photo is a winner anyway.

02/11/2005 11:26:11 AM · #7

I am asking for critiques so I can improve as a photographer and so I can know which photo you think is best. I am planning to enter the bridges challenge.

If asking for a critique of work before I enter it in a challenge is seen as the wrong thing to do here, I appologize.

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

02/11/2005 11:30:55 AM · #8

Hi Ryan, no big deal...The challenges here are to remain anonymous until after the voting is completed. Anything that would assist voters in recognizing your image is usually frowned upon.

Perhaps you could enter what you feel is your best, hope for some comments during the challenge, then ask for further advice once the results are revealed?

Good luck!

hopper

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

02/11/2005 11:34:27 AM · #9

generally speaking ... featureless blank white skies and greenish water aren't very appealing. It's amazing how much better things look at dawn and dusk. Hope this helps, good luck.

:)

glad2badad

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

02/11/2005 11:34:39 AM · #10

Originally posted by ryanwarkentin:

Not really wrong prior to the start of voting, then it's a big no-no. You probably want to consider a very different approach/angle if this is the bridge you have available for the challenge - or - find another bridge! ;^)

As to the photos you've posted I see an attempt at framing your composition - I like the second one better. The background trees are a bit distracting and unflattering as is. Probably a good location to try at dusk or dawn? Be careful of my opinion - I'm stuck in the low 5.x range on challenges myself! Good luck!

coolhar

02/11/2005 11:44:09 AM · #11

Originally posted by ryanwarkentin:

Asking for a critique before entering is akin to cheating. The challenges are supposed to be anonymous. And the rules say that your entry is supposed to be your own work, not your own work with the advice of everyone here. Can you imagine what a mess it would be if we all put up a thread asking for advice on how to improve a shot or two before entering them?

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

...the forum always yields better results for comments and critiques than a challenge...

If by better you mean more, then I agree. But the quality of what you get in the forums is not up to what you get in challenge comments simply because of the anonnymity factor. If you want attaboy comments use the forums. If you want honest criticism go by what you receive in the challenges.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

02/11/2005 12:16:33 PM · #12

I respectfully disagree...there are just as many "Great photo" comments in the challenges as in the forums.

In the forums (assuming you specifically ask for a critique), people will often help you re-crop and reprocess your photo, taking conversations offlist and into emails. In the challenge, you sit and wait and often end up with 1 helpful comment (if that) by the time it's all said and done.

Message edited by author 2005-02-11 12:17:14.

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

02/11/2005 12:21:27 PM · #13

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Agreed. My first upload to this site

I put in a forum and got plenty of answers on how to better the picture. I even got three e-mails with the picture improved within one day.

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

02/11/2005 01:06:22 PM · #14

I have also, in the past, contacted a few of the photographers on the site whose opinions I respect, and asked if they would mind looking at one of my prospective challenge entries for advice. I always email first (sometimes they are not even going to vote on that challenge or enter, so that makes it even less of a conflict.) I also mention to them that if they would like to critique for me, but would see a conflict in scoring - then they can just skip voting on mine in the challenge.

I have only done this with one challenge, and I emailed 3 photographers, getting a positive response from two of them. I agree that simply posting a prospective entry in an open forum prior to voting or submission to a challenge isn't a good idea.

rex

Canon PowerShot SD780

02/11/2005 01:33:59 PM · #15

Now that this forum has gotten a little off track let's try and put it back on track.

Like the shots. Though I think the second one is better and can be improved upon if you maybe try to make the sky a little more blue. Other than that it is a great shot. One question. Why not a member yet? Probably the best thing I have done in a while. That is fork over the 25 bucks.

coolhar

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

02/11/2005 03:03:33 PM · #16

Originally posted by jpochard:

That practice is also akin to cheating, violative of the work being your own and undermining to anonymity, let alone taking an advantage that is not (or would not be) available to all entrants.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

02/11/2005 03:06:24 PM · #17

Come on...

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

02/11/2005 03:15:35 PM · #18

Ryan, I think these bridge shots have possibilities of being pretty nice...although it's a little hard to judge a smaller size as they are posted here.

I like what I see in the second one. Particulary the support post or whatever the curvy part is on the far right. The lines you have here with that support, the bridge and the reflection, add some interest to the shot. On both shots, the exposures and focus appear to be good.

Overall, I'd say the subject is not terribly interesting, however I think you did a pretty good job trying to find elements to add interest to your photos. I hope this is helpful and I hope you stick around to show us more of your work! :)

02/11/2005 03:39:02 PM · #19

Well, who knew that asking for some opinions would turn into this. I guess I have learned my lesson, at least when it comes to current challenges. Thank you to those who did respond, I know the subject matter could be better but I am in the backwoods here and have no car, so an hour walk to this bridge was all I could handle.

I am just trying to improve, I honestly am not trying to get a competitive edge on any one for the challenge.