Looking for some advice on my challenge entries.

10/17/2005 11:24:00 PM · #1

I was hoping some people could take a look at my challenge entries and provide some advice on how I can get out of this 5.3-5.0 range, and start placing better. Do people think:

1) I'm not meeting the challenge well enough
2) I need more dynamic colors and processing in PS
3) My composition needs improvement
4) My shots are boring

Any advice would be a big help. Just trying to improve.

Take it easy

jab119

10/17/2005 11:42:32 PM · #2

I had a look at your challenge pics.

dont take what I say the wrong way, Im just here to help

1. some of the pics do meet the challenge, but the subject could have been different or cropped/composed different (sorta in line with # 2)

2. your composition does need some work, trying different angles on the same subject will give you much better options to chose from when selecting a shot.

I have a lot of boring shots in the challenges as well.

one thing you will learn or need to learn is what the "voters" like to see, once you have that figured out your scores will go up. its tough to get over a 6 these days.

James

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/17/2005 11:49:04 PM · #3

Thanks for taking the time to help James.

Cheers

nico_blue

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

10/18/2005 12:33:59 AM · #4

your shots are more along the lines of photojournalism, recording what you see around you faithfully, capturing a moment in time, etc. Nothing wrong with that, one of my all time favourite photographers was Henri Cartier-Bresson.

I think what will work for you will be to put a bit more art into your shots. do crazy things with your shots, dodge and burn then till there is just black and whites left, make the sky bright red and the grass bright blue.

This sounds really radical, but it is essential to explore both sides of the spectrum before you can find your happy middle. I feel you are trapped in a comfort zone and think you will benefit from stepping out of that comfort zone and doing a little exploration.

My other favorite photographer btw was ansel adams, in his world skies are black, foliage is white and together they are beautiful.

ergo

10/18/2005 12:37:44 AM · #5

I like your shots the way they are, and am adding you to my fave list. Thanks for pointing me that way, and as the song says: "Don't go changin'"

Well, change if you want, but I'd hope you retain the slices of originality, etc that are evident in your images already, and stop short of going for over-processed, over-Neat-Imaged stock shots just for the sake of getting digital ribbons.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

10/18/2005 01:34:43 AM · #6

Looking at your challenge entries, I have one point to add to what's been said before: you "amputate" a lot in your images. Virtually every one of them cuts off pieces of major elements apparently haphazardly. That's something I'd work on if I wanted to score better; not a lot of people, in my experience, relate real well to amputated images.

You do some nice work though. You have an eye.

Robt.

10/18/2005 01:43:09 AM · #7

Wow, I'm real happy to see who took time to comment. You are all people who I admire as photographers and I appreciate you taking time to offer suggestions.