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02/16/2004 01:57:51 PM · #1 |
This was my entry in the Shallow DOF challenge. I only got 3 comments and would like to know why I got low scores. This is my lowest scoring photo so far, and would like to know what I did wrong.
A bit of info regarding the picture: My subject was the topographic illustration of Truchas Peak on the map (the stongest point of focus). The compass needle points to it, but is not the subject. The only thing I really see wrong with this composition is the shadow. I have to admit that I was somewhat lazy about the setting up and taking of this picture. But I really figured that it would do better than the score I was given. Since I really didn't get many comments, I would like to understand why.
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02/16/2004 05:09:50 PM · #2 |
I think the problem with it is, the focus is too shallow and most of the subject (the compass) is out of focus because of this. In fact the map looks more in focus then the compass.
So you should have set it up like this: Turn the compass sideways so that the back part isn't in the picture. Then shoot the shot from a little higher maybe so that the compass is at the very bottom-left of the shot and the map is taking up the entire rest of the shot. Finally, shoot it so that the entire compass is in focus, and the middle and upper part of the the picture (the map) is as blurred as possible. You'd have to mess with your zoom and f-stop for a while to get it right.
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02/16/2004 05:36:45 PM · #3 |
Left you a comment. I like Chris' comment about changing the position of the compass and having it in focus.
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02/16/2004 06:32:31 PM · #4 |
Hi Brett.
I liked you photo but didn't score it very high for the reasons that have already been stated.
You wrote:
(on the photo) that the 'compass wasn't the main subject-"Truchas Peak" is the subject' I think for us to know that you'd of had to elevate the map or be above and move the compass to the back.
Your shot like many was misunderstood [this includes many of my own shots]
The basic problem and the cause of a lot of frustration to anyone shooting something that they see as obvious.
It's difficult to be clear in our intent with text and even more difficult with photography. Just something we all need to try and keep in mind when composing our entries.
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02/20/2004 02:37:27 PM · #5 |
| Brett .. I liked your intent, and I agree with the comments that the focus was to blurred. Creative approach,however. |
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02/20/2004 03:15:53 PM · #6 |
Similar observations, different conclusions:
The problem: the compass is not in focus, but appears to be the subject, so everyone says "the compass should be in focus". Also, the point you want to be the subject, the peak on the map, doesn't stand out.
I understand your idea of having the compass not in the focal plane, and say that no, it should not have been in focus. In fact, making the entire compass, or even a significant portion of the compass, be in focus would have probably made it unfit for the Shallow DOF challenge (IMO). My solution would have been to move the compass back, not forward in the composition. This would have accomplished two things: get the shadow off your true subject (and oversight, as you said, I do it all too often), and signalled your intent that the compass is not the subject.
Next, I think you placed the peak and it's label to far forward within the focal plane. When I look at the picture, my eye wants to settle in the middle of the area that's in focus. That puts me looking near the back of the shadow - with nothing there. Even the bottom of the word "Peak" is somewhat out of the focal plane.
So, I would move the compass back, maybe close to where that next peak is, adjust the focus or the position of the camera slightly so that the peak and it's label are centered in the focal plane. (Make sure you leave some of the foreground blurred - to me that's what makes it appropriate for shallow DOF.) Adjust your whole orientation so that the needle points towards the peak (I like that aspect, a nice little subtle touch), and maybe raise your POV just a little, like some others said. But, maybe not - the low POV is what makes the shallow DOF effective.
Then, maybe, tweak the title a little...
Oh, and you asked why you got "low" scores. I'd say you got excessively average scores. Your 5 votes really spike there, and >7 and <4 votes are very low. I think this shows a general reaction of "its an OK picture, meets the challenge, but not compellingly so". That generally equates to 5. (I know, 5.5 is numerically average on this scale, but the low 5s is where the median usually falls here at DPC.) |
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