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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
Shipwrecks and sunsets---what a combination! This i mage has a considerable amount of impact with the oranges and the hints of blue in the sky as well. The strong contrast of the back ship against the sky really works well.
One of the first things I noticed was the heavy shadow at the top of the ship. You brought out some detail at the along the sand but if you could bring out just a bit of detail at the top this would be a real winner. While I don't mind the center placement I do wonder if there was an angle that would make this look more "ship like"? I do like how you kept more foreground to capture those shadows---they make great leading lines.
With such a glorious subject I am wondering if you thought to get a starburst? This is a perfect subject to make such a capture. |
Mar 13th |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
I spend a great deal of time walking trails inthe wilderness. In the process I'm always looking for interesting trail shots. This is a very inviting trail. I like the curve to bring a feeling of calm and roaming. I like the stairs to assist weary legs in the climb---these look like a gentle hiker friendly set of stairs. Finally the hint of sky indicated that you have almost reached the top and maybe that burn in the leg muscles is about to end. I'd like to hike this trail |
Mar 9th |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
I like the colorful image of a different place that most will probably never see, What appeals to me most is the very subtle leading lines create by the roof tops that pull the eye into the image. I feel like the red roofs in the foreground capture the eye and then the lines guide me through the image. It may be interesting entered in a PSA competition in the Travel category. |
Mar 9th |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Reply |
Thanks Arne
Sorry, not Iceland. I can't believe that this is actually Florida. Everyone thinks we are just one great big sandy beach. Glad you like the colors--maybe they are what provides the impact for the scene. |
Mar 9th |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Reply |
Thanks Richard
I really believe that shooting with intent and purpose will yield better images. I try to think about doing something original, a view others have not done for that location. I hope I can inspire others to think through their images.
|
Mar 9th |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Reply |
Some very interesting suggestions. I didn't add a vignette, those rocks are behind the main rock and shielded from the early sunlight. However I can see you point now that you mention it so I will work reducing that effect. I'll also work on the detail in the dark rocks. They were really dark to start with due to the receding angle, but I might be able toget some more detail out of them. Thanks for the ideas. |
Mar 7th |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
This is really interesting to me. We a similar type of building north of Orlando that has wings that open and close as well.
The choice to convert this to monochrome was perfect as it brings out the architectural lines. To me it feels as if there is a sweeping forward motion. I see the composition in two ways. As is it represents (to me) a bird sitting on its nest with raised wings. If this is what you see then I really like the composition. If you see the forward motion as a bird in flight, then I wish there was a bit more room on the right. Since I am likely the only one seeing the motion, then the composition if perfect.
Either way, this is a really well done image that features strong eye appeal. There is certainly a WOW factor. |
Mar 7th |
| 36 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
Oh boy, you got to love those oh so long exposures. 4 minutes is really pushing into the realm of something novel.
You did real well with creating a perfect calm. Upon first looking at this I first thought it might be a sunken ship. As has been suggested I would remove those two branches in the front as they add nothing. The strong single subject and the limited color pallet are really effective. You might consider cropping a bit of the plain sky from the top. |
Mar 7th |
5 comments - 3 replies for Group 36
|
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Reply |
Yes, this is a much nicer looking image. |
Mar 30th |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Reply |
Thanks David
This capture was part of a burst as I was tracking the bird in flight. I do have several other shots but none have the dramatic light on the belly because the bird flies flies flat. When he started to tip upward into this position his wings block his face or belly This was about the best angle. I really tried talking to the bird to explain what I wanted---but it is hard to communicate with a "bird brain".
Beggars like me can't be too choosy. Thanks for looking. |
Mar 20th |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Reply |
Thanks Bud. You comment about not mattering right or left is why when I judge I always look for impact little nit-pics like right or left do not really matter. Judge the image as a whole, is there impact and composition and technical superiority---then give it the score. |
Mar 10th |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
Michael
I thought of you last night during my camera club's monthly photo critique meeting. The judge was the vice president of the Florida Council of Camera Clubs. When the first bird image appeared on the screen it was flying to the left. She launched into a tirade on how this was all wrong. All birds need to be flying out of the image to right right. No bird flying or facing to the left received a score higher than an 8 (of 10). Every bird facing right (even 2 out of focus) received scores of 9 and 10. It was comical. I said nothing but quietly took my 8. |
Mar 10th |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
Jason
You really outdid yourself with this image. The rich full color of the coyote's coat against the blemish free snow is quite magical. The raise front foot imparts a feeling of motion and it is that raised foot that makes the image work. May I strongly suggest that you crop the image as shown inmy attachment. The animal is moving and you crop takes away that feeling. The story is the coyote, while you need the snow you don't need so have so much as it reduces the coyote. |
Mar 10th |
 |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
These kind of images give me a lot of trouble---I just do not know what to do with them. Upon initial viewing I had no idea what it was. (note: I always look at the image first, and then read the backstory) This is just me but I think the image has to stand on its own without a title or a explanation)
I do like abstracts and can see abstracts as fine art. But in a nature context I am always looking for the story line. That is why I don't know what to make of this.
If I view it outside of nature---and just as "fine art" then I find a connection to van Gogh and Starry Night and that is kinds cool. But for me for that to work, I'd have to lose the black on the left side. Then the image would be rather unique. |
Mar 6th |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
Michael
I would buy the "sense of motion" aspect if there was something sharp in the image. For example, if the trees were sharp and the camera was on a tripod so you could use a sower shutter speed and blurred (slightly) the bird that might work. Conversely, you could pan the camera keeping the bird's head in focus and then with a slow shutter create streaks of blur in the background that could be an exciting image. But for me, something has to be sharp and without that I feel like a boat that has slipped its moorings.
Remember I'm speaking as a photo judge where sharpness, insome f orm, if highly valued. |
Mar 6th |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Reply |
Hi Michael
As promised I showed the image to the other four judges when we finished scoring the Salon last night (Well actually early this morning). Over all it was a hung jury with two in favor of flipping and one loudly against and one who said it does not matter.
The judge from Australia (an old school naturalist and one of PSA's top international judges said he was more concerned about the first impression impact and whether the image is cohesive. He felt the impact, the subdued color pallet and the technical perfection carried the image. He liked the square format.
The judge from India said the bird would be forcing itself upon the viewer and that he would suggest flipping it. He also said he would not deduct any points, but may not give it a top award. He always weights technical excellent quite high. He was upset because the image did not follow the rule of thirds and saw that as a major deduction. He also felt the image did not look "natural" and wanted the BGH to have more "blue".
The Scottish judge says he does not like to judge by the the so called "rules". He prefers to assess the visual impact and looks for originality and emotional connections as being critical. He expects absolute technical perfection and scores down if it is not present. A image that "dares to be different (creative) gets his attention. He liked the color pallet.
The American judge from California wants the image flipped. Creatures should always be flipped so that they look the viewer directly in the eye as the viewer, being western and reads from left to right, will move his eye across the image from the left and thus confront the bird creating more confrontational impact. He feels that will add impact which he says is very important. He agrees with the Scottish judge in that he wants an image that feels original and shows shows a creative approach. He likes machines (cars,etc) that move from left to right)
So there you have it. Any thoughts? You are welcome to your opinion on the flipping issue. What is your preference?
Just something to think about. Last week I shot a bunch of images of a GBH flying from his nest to gather sticks and then returning with the stick to his nest. I have a bunch of herons going in both directions. Now what do I do with these??? This is why I keep you guys around, to make these decisions for me so get busy :-)
|
Mar 6th |
| 67 |
Mar 22 |
Comment |
Hi Michael. I'm judging a PSA Exhibition tonight. There are 5 of us judges on the jury---I'll ask them their preference and get back to you. |
Mar 5th |
5 comments - 4 replies for Group 67
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10 comments - 7 replies Total
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