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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 32 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
HI Lynne! Yes, I will go over (short version) what I mean about creating mood (as opposed to creating "mood" or certain aesthetics in digital post-production).
In this example, you had a certain "vision" on how you wanted to represent the scene (the structure in this case): 40's-50's mood: if you shot film,(color or BW) the natural grain inherent in film immediately has a very specific aesthetic - pretty much like your finished image. Alternatively, being captured with a digital sensor, we can mimic some of these film-like aesthetics by changing in-camera settings (or as I like to say, changing or experimenting with different camera dynamics). One way is to select a High ISO setting, regardless if you need to (in low light situations we may need to turn up the ISO to capture the scene without flash, for example). The added "Noise" mimics film-grain (to some degree) or in other words gives that sometimes edgy feel or in some cases, soft interpretation.
In any case, this example shows one way of "creating" from behind the lens (or "creating" using natural camera dynamics.). Please, read my article recently posted on PHOTOPXL.com talking about this in more detail with several examples. It is a good read. I invite everyone to spend a few moments and read the piece - I hope you find it to be a great Tutorial.
https://photopxl.com/softer-digital-interpretations/ |
Nov 18th |
| 32 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Hello, Lynn. (I am visiting from Group-83 and Group-87).
First, is this a color film shot that was scanned and then converted to BW? If it is - the scene "naturally" offers the film noir interpretation I think is wonderful. On the other hand, if you have added the grain to a digital image conversion, well, lets say, I rather you had shot the scene with a very high ISO setting to induce the grain (or digital noise) in hopes of "creating" using natural camera dynamics. (We can discuss this further, if you want).
On the other side of this view - I like your choice to capture this structure - it hold lots of feeling, indeed. A good back-story on a composition like this is also important.
I disagree that you need to bring out more detail in the bright, cement wall. The soft look is an integral part of the overall antique or film noir interpretation.
Regards,
Lance A. Lewin |
Nov 14th |
| 32 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Gloria, a lovely photograph of your grandchild. F/7 really kept a relatively deep depth of field, and in this type of shot works well to define the space. However, next time try also, taking a couple of shots with the aperture more open (F/4.5 for example) and the camera would have likely triggered at a faster speed so the child's face would have been more clear. (I assume you were in Aperture Priority). The skin tones seem a bit swollen and not as crystal clear as it could be.
Another alternative, set the camera on Shutter-priority and set the speed to stop motion. 250 is a great place to start.
But of course, the weather (and lighting in any space) can dictate a lot how a shot will be captured.
Kind regards,
Lance Group-83 - 87
visualizingart.com |
Nov 2nd |
| 32 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Beautiful photography, Tom. I love visiting and photographing old missions and churches across the Midwest - this shot is well done!
Kind regards,
Lance A. Lewin |
Nov 2nd |
| 32 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Gee! Full screen on my desk-top monitor I can almost feel and hear the chains! The textures, lighting and depth is engaging. Well done. Bet this photograph would be powerful printed on metal.
Best regard,
Lance Group-83 |
Nov 2nd |
| 32 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
On Composition:
Hi Michael. Wonderful composition. I love the BW rendering and your decision to leave the buildings, the two boaters and other artifacts that define the space, it all work well. Stephen's crop is OK, and works well to highlight the two boats, but then loses the wider more defining perspective you have chosen. Thank you.
Kind regards,
Lance - Group-83
visualizingart.com |
Nov 2nd |
| 32 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Stephen, I feel this takes away the entire sense of Place. I especially miss the (full) lovely brick wall that lines the left side of the composition - the added texture is intriguing.
LAL
Group 83 |
Nov 2nd |
5 comments - 2 replies for Group 32
|
| 83 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Georgianne, by all means a trip back will prove rewarding. I look forward to seeing those images sometime in the future. :) |
Nov 9th |
| 83 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Everyone - I just want to say I have really enjoyed being part of this critique group - I love the shared visions and techniques spread across a variety of skill sets and artistic visions. However, I wanted to Host a Mono group and the PSA executive branch said if I do I must leave Group-83. I will be heading up Group-82 (just next door), so for all practical circumstances, it will seem I never left, as I will chim-in every month to see everyone's work - and I expect you all to visit Group-82.
This all said, PSA is waiting for 2 more seats to be filled before opening up the new Group-82 for December. Fingers crossed! |
Nov 9th |
| 83 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Georgianne - this is a lovely architectural scene. What is especially keen is the scope of Tonal-Range that actually mimics the color version quite closely.
However, did you try (and do you have) somewhere maybe an alternative composition that includes the peak of the house. I feel this added dimension may have brought all the angles and dimensions into a final Gestalt. |
Nov 9th |
| 83 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Judy...I love this composition!
As it relates to both your No2 and also Final BW image - the texture captured (and especially through the BW conversion) is marvelous representation of capturing the emotion of the location: I cam almost smell the staircase and the area in which it is built.
Sometimes, we overthink and question otherwise well done projects in our lives - in my opinion, this is one of those.
As seen on my large desktop monitor, "Orignial-2" orientation and finish is ready for a 20"x20" print.
Now, on what substrate?! :) |
Nov 9th |
| 83 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Hello, Georgianne.
Well, I will be honest - this Pictorial extreme is not for me, though I appreciate the suggestion, and for many this "look" or interpretation is appreciated (and nowadays, likely more than not).
Alternatively, if I had intentionally wanted to employee Bokeh in this composition - your ideas may have worked well in a composition that centered the wheel (perhaps straight-on) with natural lens-induced bokeh circulating the subject. Points to Ponder. Thank you, Georgianne. |
Nov 9th |
| 83 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Hi Judy! Though I do not see a sample of my revised photo, your detailed description is good enough for me to make an assessment: similar to Dirk, your thoughts and consequential revisions seem to right-on! I am happy you pointed the strong balance between the dark steel and the more bright ivy caressing the wheel. It is the key aesthetic. Look forward to seeing the example you produced. |
Nov 9th |
| 83 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Hi Dirk - agreed. Its more focused.
In defense, I really wanted to explore the whole mechanical structure of wheel and axle, but your crop is still keeping me happy. Well done. |
Nov 9th |
3 comments - 4 replies for Group 83
|
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
ATTENTION: Hey Gang...I just asked to host a new Mono Group and need 1 or 2 seats to make it happen. At this point kick-off likely December. So, if you are interested, I will email your desire to join the soon-to-be Group-32 to Barbara Miller. Let me know today, Sunday 11-10-19.
Thank you, guys! |
Nov 10th |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Perfect! :) |
Nov 10th |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
The leaf is actually my favorite part in this photograph! I am happy you brought that into the conversation. Yes, can you believe I posted (and printed) a color photograph! My wife told me, Congratulations! |
Nov 10th |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Jennifer - for my information - what exactly does the Santa Fe class offer - what is the lesson plan? I am interested because as we head into 2020 I will be developing new workshops. Like to know what attracted you to this particular class. Appreciate your insights. |
Nov 10th |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
|
Nov 9th |
 |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Jennifer - that's what I like to hear - doing some hard work to capture a scene, perhaps many others would have not pushed to get. The Shadow is the focus in this scene - and we need to look at it for any post-production modifications.
You must know, I am immediately seeing this space in Black & White. Why? For me and for many who love the aesthetic of 19th and 20th century BW imagery, this composition - in its infinite simplicity screams to be viewed as such! BW works so well with abstract and/or work that offers a Minimalist interpretation.
Post-production: if this was me - you know I would have tried to work the scene (perhaps moving a bit left or right) to change the foreground bushes - but if this is the only frame captured then I would definitely "Dodge" the single sun-lite plant inside the shadow, while making the large shadow much darker - perhaps even, Ansel Adams darker.
I have attached my BW rendering of this scene. Note I have left the two people on the distance dune rim, but for printing I would remove them. I did some other fine-point adjustments and I will add these notes later. |
Nov 9th |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Gee, Graham, what a beautiful scene. A destination everyone must put on their Bucket List, especially if one loves photography.
If I were to be critical, guess I would have liked the dark clouds to be "lighter". Though there are other areas that some would immediately "Dodge"(or lighten)I feel the darkened scene (I would assume) was the time of day, and the mood you saw and captured through the lens - and, if in fact this is true, then the composition should get very little brush-up, in my opinion. :) |
Nov 9th |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Comment |
Hey, Mike. Yeah, this is a really cool photograph! Brilliant use of camera dynamics to capture this colorful abstracts of sorts. Great capture!
Now , I am going to be a bit extra critical this time around: as it relates to "setting the stage" as it were, and that may seem counter to my usual "straight" approach, but for such an interesting and maybe a rare chance to shoot this scene again, I would have asked the home owner to move the car before things got stated.
Yes, I hear you - but I am using your photography as an example for Thinking About the space surrounding a photo-shot. Just, Food for Thought. :) |
Nov 9th |
| 87 |
Nov 19 |
Reply |
Hi Mike. Really happy you like it - thank you for your support. Yeah, got to love overcast days for interesting photography possibilities. I enjoy finding and using back-lighting in photographing Flora - always results in some type of textural aesthetic.
|
Nov 7th |
5 comments - 4 replies for Group 87
|
13 comments - 10 replies Total
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