Subject choice? - DPChallenge Forums

07/26/2004 09:17:52 AM · #1

Too gross of a subject? The comments I rec'd were positive and I could use the negatives. You know how it is when you really like a photo...you, just maybe, don't see it for what it is...please tell me what's wrong with it. Thanks.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/26/2004 09:51:45 AM · #2

Hmmm. No comments. Okay.......

Would this have scored higher?

Message edited by author 2004-07-26 09:58:06.

peecee

Canon EOS-5D

07/26/2004 09:57:12 AM · #3

No comments is not always bad, I think your pic did ok,
Not photographically perfect but a decent image, justlacks a little sharpness, if you like it that is all that really matters.
Keep goin,
Paul.

cghubbell

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

07/26/2004 10:04:46 AM · #4

At first glance the bird's feathers almost look like they've been Neat-Imaged (or selesctive gaussian blurred) to the point of removing detail. Of course I could be wrong, but it has a feel of being CG vs. real. I love your choice of sepia for this shot. The angles of the roof do an excellent job of leading the viewer's eye to the subject, and I believe you've included the correct amount of sky to balance the image aesthetically. The exposure level seems to work to me. I wouldn't want too much more detail in the barn's siding texture as it could detract from the vulture; There's just enough. The silhouette works well also as you've caught the "decisive moment" with outstretched wings.

In truth, I wouldn't change anything... I've spent time recently reviewing professional photography off the net, and what I've found is that even the "pros" sometime have technical imperfections - sometimes on purpose, sometimes not. To me, this shot has captured both the light and emotion of a moment, and been interpreted through editing as you intended.

If *you* like it, then don't change anything. Well done!

cghubbell

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

07/26/2004 10:07:08 AM · #5

Originally posted by Marjo:

Hmmm. No comments. Okay.......

Would this have scored higher?

In a word, no.

There is one clear subject you intended, and it's not the tree or ladder (I assume), The first interpretation of the image does a much better job of conveying your intended experience. The second is more distracting and de-emphasizes the drama of the subject.

You did it right the first time :)

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

07/26/2004 10:23:38 AM · #6

Thanks for the responses, PeeCee and cghubbell.
I really liked this shot. The look was exactly what I wanted. I'm going through a phase, I fear, of wanting approval. I hope this stage passes soon. :D

cghubbell

Nikon D300

07/26/2004 10:58:27 AM · #7

Originally posted by Marjo:

Thanks for the responses, PeeCee and cghubbell.
I really liked this shot. The look was exactly what I wanted. I'm going through a phase, I fear, of wanting approval. I hope this stage passes soon. :D

Let the approval come from yourself. Barring the basic technical skills, you need to validate your images against the mental picture you foresee at the moment you think "stop the car!". If you look at the that photo, and it immediately refreshes the emotion of that moment, you have been sucessful.

Not every picture which is self-satisying will have mass appeal. On the other hand, stock photography (which is geared to the masses) commands a much lower price per image than fine art photography which will have a smaller, but more attached audience. You need to think about what your goals are, and which side of the spectrum you would like to work toward. Both are equally valid, but often require very different techniques.

But regardless of your ambitions, if that first image can't break your mental state nothing will - it's great!

emorgan49

Olympus E-5

Olympus 50mm f/1.8 MF Normal Zuiko

07/26/2004 11:09:47 AM · #8

The sepia pne was my favorite for the challenge. Does that help?