|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 31 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Hello, Michael! Technically, I would not change a thing, especially the glow around the sign and the flare/glare of the other lights illuminating the pump area. These are important components that help define the narrative.
These types of photographs either document local vernacular or if presented in a series, may actually be something important to visual sociology: in this context, indeed studying our connection to such late night oasis (as Ella stated). Refer to one of my favorite writers/photographers that relates to this type of work, David Company and his book, Gasoline Mack Books 2013.
Well done! |
Apr 27th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 31
|
| 39 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
A lovely composition, indeed. And the models attire works well with the characteristics of the room, well designed and executed!
"Points to Ponder":
Technical: though your digitally assisted final presents viewers' with a strong and detailed narrative, alternatively careful ISO setting, aperture and fill-in Flash (and other traditional camera dynamics like exposure compensation, and general "bracketing" to name two) would have resulted in very similar results.
I feel it is very important to expose skill-sets and mechanisms/tools of photographic technique so we don't stray too far from the uniqueness that defines the photographic genre from a traditional posture.
Thank you.
Lance A. Lewin
BW Photography Mentor
Admin DD-83Mono & DD-87
Georgia Membership Director |
Apr 4th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 39
|
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
Good points....I too, wish our model had a bit more prominence in this composition, and not via cropping, but as suggested, taking the shot at a lower height. |
Apr 19th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
And I appreciate this focused observation/analysis....however, let me comment on "deleting: out artifacts: in both your examples, I had to focus my attention to find them, as these particular items/artifacts are part of the scene and define the near-landscape character: in my opinion, these items (not being unrelated items, e.g.soda can, paper, or a modern trash can) help define the overall aesthetic or narrative.
Now, what would I do if I came upon this scene and in fact these other types of "trash" were within the frame? |
Apr 19th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
Appreciate your observation/analysis, Cecilia. Thank you! |
Apr 19th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
A very viable alternative to photographing this subject, indeed. |
Apr 19th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
Looks terrific! : ) |
Apr 19th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
Very interesting. Thank you. |
Apr 18th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
...that's a very interesting point, Dianne. I like that. We move our focus to the "whole" instead of the individual parts. This is not the best example, of course, but indeed this qualifies. Thank you for that input. |
Apr 16th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
This is a really neat composition! Took a while until I saw our model. How high were you flying the drone above her? |
Apr 16th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Wow! very neat shot! The sense of speed, action and danger is well presented in this most exciting narrative!
I presented a slightly tighter crop (the same 2:3 ratio as yours) to bring us into the action. Note I got close to the tail, to off-set subject to viewers left, allowing the right to point to the direction the horse is running, as one attempt to show direction instead of manipulation.
"Points to Ponder": next time shooting at this or similar location, try alternative lenses to create space (or less space) in creating the narrative: practice the technique of "Panning" at both slow & fast shutter speeds to produce different (levels) of the "sense of speed" while keeping the rider in crystal clarity, for just one possible result. And keep in mind opening up the space in the direction of the moving object (horse, race car, biker...).
Beautiful work!
|
Apr 16th |
 |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Gee! A wonderful Landscape! The approaching storm really creates the mood, and overall, presents a dramatic aesthetic. No, its not the stark Black and Whites of a Ansel Adams landscape, but there are many landscape photographers (including Minor White and Bob Kolbrener) that enjoy medium grey-scale values in their work. If I suggest anything at this initial view, it be to crop a bit tighter to (reduce) the dark portion of the sky. |
Apr 16th |
 |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Dirk, the off-center main subject is creative, but I must suggest I am not bonding or connecting to this composition emotionally: it does not present an aesthetic (or narrative) that works for me. However, it appears all the right ingredients are present; perhaps another go at this will yield a more solid presentation.
I will suggest, different lighting and exposure: I feel the over-bright white petals are disturbing the whole scene and a more calming exposure may work better before conversion to BW. In the BW conversion process, then, you could brighten exposure (maybe) to bring the flower its prominence. : ) |
Apr 16th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Debasish, a very complex scene, and I am saying this in a good way: as Dianne pointed out, the bottom (ground) is a bit bothersome as it may relate to Club or even Artistic type photographic rules, but from the standpoint of Documentary-Art, I think it sits well, even if I wish (less) bottom ground was in the frame.
If you do not live too far from this location, I would like you to re-work the scene, but I still feel your (inclusion) of all the different shapes, lines and grey-scale tone are engaging. Work the location beginning early or late and see what else you can present us. Very creative/complex "through the lens" composition! |
Apr 16th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
Appreciate your encouraging words...it is a cool scene and the tree kind of "holds" the clouds...but surely a better job in compositional articulation could have yielded something more. Maybe not. : ) |
Apr 16th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
No. If the shot does not work...or is weak, then the location needs to be revisited.
"Points to Ponder": There is no place, ever, to artificially induce or delete artifacts within the photographic genre: this is what makes the photography such a special and (very hard) art to master. It is not painting. We do not have the ability to (re-arrange or Re-group), only (Selection) and (Elimination) by choice, and as framed (or not-framed) through the viewfinder.
To engage in re-arranging, regrouping and including (adding) or (deleting) artifacts within this Frame, is beyond the scope of Photographic Technique and instead, as I propose, "Photographic Mixed Media". In this proposed 21st Century genre, most engaging and beautiful work is "created" by virtue of both through the lens (and) post-production digital (articulation/manipulation), respectively.
A possible fix for this shot: I can probably crop off some of the top...and this may actually balance the sky to the tree a bit better. And in the future, pay closer attention to what I am framing, as I spoke about above with Jose. Thank you! : ) |
Apr 16th |
| 83 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Hi Jose!
Good question, I asked myself the same thing when I got back to Atlanta: it was one of those shots that was rushed, as a result, I do not remember why the close-crop on left and right...as this was cropped through the viewfinder and no other record of the location is on record. In this case, we can check it off as, well, rushed and unfulfilling. |
Apr 6th |
6 comments - 9 replies for Group 83
|
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Yes, the technology is amazing! Can't believe how sharp our little friend it! Nice capture!! |
Apr 16th |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
Dale, this is a very good observational/point: where a particular aspect (component) or otherwise attribute within a composition brings intense interest. Of course, for as many people viewing the work, there can be as many interpretations and/or special points of interest.
Earlier, I was responding to a FB post by a photographer that captured two interesting nature-abstracts...he said, "I don't know why I like these images (or why you (meaning me) like it so much..) and I responded"..."Well, when we come across objects (or seen through the process of visualization), these types of Abstract Aesthetics are always thought-provocative, as such, sometimes "prick" us or otherwise hold deep interest and intrigue. But the most important aspect for the photographer is composing a similar "intriguing" subject through our viewfinders. And you have done just this".
Thank you for your comments, Dale! |
Apr 12th |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
...then do not hide that Blower too far back into the garage or shed... : ) |
Apr 12th |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Reply |
Jennifer...my favorite is the wide-angle composition, too, though the close-up frame (of a different subject) is unique in its own right. Two completely different narratives, indeed. As you pointed out, the juxtaposition of frozen liquid against the full force of the moving creek is key in offering an area of interest. Thank you for your point of view! : ) |
Apr 12th |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Gee!! Steve, this Work is outstanding! All the effort in planning and execution has brought a fine end product...well designed and executed!
So glad you shared the studio set up and procedural workflow! You know, what a great logo (or part of a logo) for someone this amazing photograph can be. Awesome! |
Apr 3rd |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Your attempt in digital assisted Pictorial effects looks pleasing. You are obviously a good student. I bet you are having a lot of fun! Enjoy! |
Apr 3rd |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Happy you decided to bring this scene back to life: in my opinion, I like the foreground exposure. Your exposure reveals the beautiful texture in the the stone wall...I love that!
The shot is more of an editorial on 21st Century culture; as we continue to photograph everything we see (as we see with our two subjects, one engaged in "snapshots"). Instead of just listening and/or reading brochures to learn, the constant need to take a visual sample seems so clear here: this is different than trying to capture a fine art photograph, it is more about taking notes.
Technical: I would have like to see the photograph without taking out the Noise: Noise (like film grain) may have added to this particular scene. However, I am aware you used a APS-c sensor, so it may have been a bit much at ISO-3200. In any case, Well captured, Chan.
(I enjoyed a similar experience in the Jewish Quarters in Prague, a couple of years back). |
Apr 3rd |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Actually, I like your crop better, and should have used it for the BW alternative composition. Mine helps highlight the bug a bit more. : ) |
Apr 3rd |
| 87 |
Apr 21 |
Comment |
Hi Dale! Very pretty scene - very Spring, indeed! F/6.3 really helped to keep both main subject and secondary (buds) part of the focused frame. The bug on the tip of the flower is absolutely a "conversation maker". Lucky, or did you wait for it to land? Either way, very nice.
Now, you know I involve myself with BW photography for the majority of work, and could not resist to edit your photograph in terms of how I would like to present it.
The sample photo went through a bit more exposure edit and new tighter 5x7 crop, then Silver Efex Pro-2 for BW conversion. The image was passed through a Yellow filter and custom copper-silver tone. This is an example of finding another photo, within the original, and presented it through a different aesthetic. |
Apr 3rd |
 |
6 comments - 3 replies for Group 87
|
14 comments - 12 replies Total
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