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04/22/2005 12:26:11 PM · #126 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
Hey Brad...
Wondering if I could garner your insight on the following two images.
I was pretty happy with the color tones of this one, I'm curious if you think it could be improved on in any way. |
Hi Jason,
Technically this shot is great. The detail, exposure, color, etc are not to be improved on. The image is more about a message being conveyed than putting the detail on an abandoned building. Photographs are about an artistic vision being captured, but in a challenge, this main subject of the challenge needs to be center stage. In this image, there are a lot of things happening and one needs to wander all over the image to gather bits & pieces to really understand it. Nothing wrong with that at all, and in fact is a sign of thought being but into a composition, which you did well here.
Challenge-wise, in a 2-second view and click a number, a voter will see a big building and nice colors. The almost perfect bell curve of the votes shows that there wasn't a lot right with it, yet wasn't a lot wrong with it. It was just a decent picture without a strong side in a challenge - it's just there. Personally the shot didn't do a lot for me one way or another. I couldn't find a lot I really liked, yet couldn't find much to really dislike either.
I think this is the kind of image that will find an emotional bond with some that look deep and maybe trigger something personal, and to others, it will just be a picture.
Originally posted by theSaj:
This second is one of my personal favorites, it is actually a reflection in a granite headstone.
I received a couple comments to the effect of the photo feeling muddy and needing some improvement, and use of levels and USM. But I'm kinda clueless as to what to do with this one.
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Welcome to the world of a love it or hate it kind of shot.
Bam! Quick - 2 second look and what do I see? Initial impression is an image that lacks clarity. Having more of an appearance of a filter/texture being applied over, a shot like this will not appeal to many, here or elsewhere. I really understand the aspect of shot being a personal favorite, yet voters didn't really care for it. Something that moved you when you clicked the shutter also had a lot of things for you that the voter didn't get to experience. Trying to translate that into a 2 dimensional image is tough.
I've seen a number of images done in a same/similar manner, and the granite was typically darker, with a little better detail in the stone. In yours, it is kind of a non-descript noise, rather than stone markings/veins, and have no idea if and or how it could be "fixed". The composition is fairly well laid out along with the pose for this kind of shot.
A couple closing thoughts.
There is a lot going on in your brain/heart when you click the shutter. It is reflected in these two shots. You are showing your artistic side in a unique way, and it's what moves you. It really is the singlemost important thing thing when the camera is in your hands. Your images need to make you happy first.
Challenges here need a lot of wow factor, and images will often suffer that mean a lot to the individual, yet just don't have the wow the voters need. Imagine your most meaningful shots all displayed in a gallery. There, in a collection, they would have wow factor, as it is appealing to a different crowd.
I figured out the DPC formula early and ran with it. Many of my high scoring shots I don't care for much. I was starting to feel blah about what I was doing, and earlier this year decided to shift my attention more to things that I liked and though my scores have taken a bit of a hit, I am much happier with them. Had I not done that, a lot of passion would have been lost and would have slowly lost interest.
Guess this long-winded ramble has a purpose. Don't lose your passion and keep your focus (pun intended) on finding what moves you and learning how to capture it with feeling. |
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04/22/2005 12:35:30 PM · #127 |
Originally posted by theSaj:
This second is one of my personal favorites, it is actually a reflection in a granite headstone.
I received a couple comments to the effect of the photo feeling muddy and needing some improvement, and use of levels and USM. But I'm kinda clueless as to what to do with this one.
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Part of the problem is that it is difficult to get a clean focus on both the granite and the reflection. Use a wide angle lense to increase DOF so that both the subject and the granite have clean focus. That will make the theme more obvious. You could likely get away with higher contrast as well. |
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04/22/2005 12:56:28 PM · #128 |
| I've enjoyed reading this thread. Its been entertaining and educational. I wanted to comment on the high quality of the people on this site. You truly are a great bunch of people. |
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04/22/2005 01:09:44 PM · #129 |
Best I can do with the image provided. Set black point using levels, not changing white point; used 'render', 'lighting effects', 'spotlight' to affect a gradation in brightness.
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04/22/2005 02:50:51 PM · #130 |
Thanks Robt
Yeah, everything I tried to do with the photo effected the granite impressions. I couldn't even re-sharpen it much after re-sizing.
"I figured out the DPC formula early and ran with it. Many of my high scoring shots I don't care for much. I was starting to feel blah about what I was doing, and earlier this year decided to shift my attention more to things that I liked and though my scores have taken a bit of a hit, I am much happier with them. Had I not done that, a lot of passion would have been lost and would have slowly lost interest.
Guess this long-winded ramble has a purpose. Don't lose your passion and keep your focus (pun intended) on finding what moves you and learning how to capture it with feeling."
[[[Thanks so much BradP.... I admit that I am still a novice when it comes to the technical end. My eye always tries to find that which is hidden. I guess I need to be aware that not everyone will necessarily see what I see. But your point about "scoring" photos vs. one's own favorite photos makes a lot of sense. ]]] |
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04/22/2005 06:09:40 PM · #131 |
| Thanks for your input on my image, Brad. |
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04/22/2005 06:21:34 PM · #132 |
Originally posted by rex:
Also wanted to give a public thanks to Brad for taking the time to offer suggestions. It is people like you Brad that make this website a pleasant place to be a part of. Thank you. |
I gave Rex an 8 on this picture - something didn't quite feel "perfect", but I truly loved the picture.
So, I will also join in thanking Brad for taking the time to make specific suggestions. It is because of members like him that I am learning what to look for before I hit the shutter, as well as how to fix what I have already done.
And the more I learn, the more helpful my comments during the voting will be for my fellow competitors.
But, be forewarned - "Crop" will always be my first and favorite suggestion. :-}}} Kathy
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