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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 6 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
So I am clear, the featured work is very Artistic! I was just making general statements that reflect the relationship between Technique and the resulting Aesthetic. Hope to see more like this, including some where you experiment with larger apertures. Ciao. |
Dec 18th |
| 6 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Good day, Georges. Interesting conversation regarding the focus: and within the realm of Macro photography, this is quite expected in terms of in-and-out focus areas, but I must add, far more "Artistic" and "real" then what focus-stacking reveals. The shot is amazingly beautiful!
First, it is known this lens at F/32 severely limits quality do to pixel-diffraction (which all digital sensors suffer from). As a consequence, if you have the opportunity, re-shoot at a larger aperture (F/10 for example). This will yield a far more sharper image, without losing the creativity I am speaking about. Of course, choosing the distance from the object and focus-points go a long way in the creative process from behind the lens....
...Another approach (at our F/10 example) try different focusing-points, and I do mean just barely moving the focus ring (as AF for these types of photography are generally failures). Also, do you have Bokeh settings on your Macro lens? This is also a huge plus in controlling "creative power". Thank you, Georges.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director |
Dec 16th |
| 6 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Hi Jim! Yes, a lovely composition that "draws the viewer in", as long as the exposure correctly reveals "depth". Lansing's example brings this (Depth) visualization more in line in what I expect you saw at the time of capture. You obviously have a keen eye in finding these types of perspectives other may find hard to see...well done!
You can reach out to me anytime to discuss exposure and color correction, as well as setting up or choosing different, what I call..."camera dynamics" in capturing the subject or event through the lens of the camera. Of course, you have a wealth of knowledge here in this group, as well as visiting other groups and asking similar questions about exposure & color corrections in post-production. Look forward to hearing from you, Jim!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
Administrator DD-83 Mono and DD-87 General |
Dec 16th |
1 comment - 2 replies for Group 6
|
| 31 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Happy Holiday, Paul! Gee! What wonderful perspective of the Brooklyn Bridge: it is always nice to find alternative views from so many that seem repetitive. Well Visualized!
Some thoughts on this particular final "performance", (as philosopher Dr. Dawn Wilson refers to final prints): viewed on my large desk-top monitor, contrary to other comments, I do not see anywhere in this image a lack of "pop" or otherwise need to brighten it. The play between light & shadow are providing a pretty or (Pictorial) presentation.
However, I have one reservation,though you said "basic editing", it is clear a "layer" of some type has been applied, and I suggest it is adding too much "grain" to the surface. This may well be proving too "busy" through virtue of eliminating any way to truly separate the textures and even lines that define the compositions salient features.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
Admin DD-84 & DD-87 |
Dec 24th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 31
|
| 32 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Hi Diana! Wow! very impressive creative work. I like to express similar works as "photographic mixed media". Well designed and executed! Are you a member of one of the "Creative" DD groups?
Lance
Admin DD-83Mono & DD-87General
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor |
Dec 1st |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 32
|
| 39 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Happy Holidays! As I like to point out in workshops, don't forget to look up, the best scene may be above you! The play between light & shadow are well conceived and captured...a wonderful location and scene! However, I have a few remarks:
The 11mm often causes focusing issues and I see this here, on the entire right-side rock formation. It is giving this area an "over processed" "look" due to being out of focus our Blur caused by movement. Some remedies: Tripod and using hyper focal distance focusing techniques may conquer some of these common issues. Of course, PSA does not allow high-resolution photos to be uploaded, so this may be affecting the image as well.
Thank you.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA BW Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
|
Dec 29th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 39
|
| 50 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Happy Holidays Cindy!
As Chuck mentioned, this is the type of scene that allows photography to shine, as it were. The vertical format helps identify or define the intimate space you are trying to capture. The natural lighting is a wonderful source for revealing details in a scene like this. Beautiful work.
However, I have some points I want to share:
Using ISO-6400 was necessary (especially when we want to convey and capture a natural state without Flash), and within the Digital Photography realm, actually "adds" the Film-like Noise we enjoy so much in BW film photographs. As such, I embrace digital noise to help me define a narrative, or at least design an aesthetic that compliments my subject. In my opinion, you have over-processed the scene which gives it a very unnatural aura. By all means, reducing digital noise is prudent, but a lighter touch may prove more beneficial.
In the case where there is too much noise, then recalculate the scene and determine, what I refer to as camera dynamics, need to be used to render the photograph with less noise. For one example, shooting at a lower ISO and placed on a Tripod will allow longer shutter times that would result. In any case, I look forward to seeing more of these engaging intimate spaces from you in the future.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director |
Dec 29th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 50
|
| 64 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Happy Holiday, Helen! Once again, well done in "seeing" this most engaging play between light & shadow, but allow me share a few thoughts:
Contrary to some comments, I suggest the piece would work better without the far-background, period. It does not fit the narrative, I think, you are trying to convey.(see attached edited sample).
The fact that we know it (is) steps, (clearly defined from the hardware and handrail details), it is still defined as an Abstract, but within a definitive subject.
But the narrative (if there is one) is trying to capture the beautiful play between light & shadow, or otherwise showing the what a common place feature in our daily lives, can also reveal Art or Beauty. In this sense, you have done a marvelous job, but the alternative crop, in my opinion, will help reveal (and focus attention) to the "Abstract" qualities.
|
Dec 24th |
 |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 64
|
| 74 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good morning, Don! I recently had a similar exercise shooting the interior of a very old Bourbon facility in Kentucky...and understand your excitement and focus for detail. These Documentary-Artistic compositions, in my opinion, always survive best rendered in BW, and your featured work is very interesting and powerful, especially as you shared the background, which goes a long way in helping viewers' interpret work.
The current Geometry is what is actually giving the scene the extra "visual prick", if I may. I would not fix this, unless the work is a pure documentary record for a client, and even them, I would reveal this shot to them before correcting the Geometry, if they actually asked you to.
The natural lighting is superb, exposure sharp, thanks to F/9 that helps, and ISO-640 may have added a small bit of noise to make the scene less "digital", but likely, the overall aesthetic is a combination of all these dynamics. Well Done!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director |
Dec 2nd |
| 74 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good day, Haru! A calming, relaxing landscape perpetuated by the lens of the camera. It is amazing how we get to relive such beautiful places in such charming light.
The single white duck pinpointing our immediate gaze before we experience and enjoy details all around. Again, a great example how BW photography helps reveal compositional gestalt: where viewers' take in (or gulp) the whole scene to appreciate its entire beauty. A lovely place I hope you often visit, Haru. |
Dec 2nd |
2 comments - 0 replies for Group 74
|
| 83 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Hello, Jose.
My feelings echo Dianne's. Without the description I would have guessed this was a moon rise or alternative, setting.
In any case, it is pleasing in its portrayal of a dark and ominous scene. |
Dec 27th |
| 83 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
An engaging scene, full of contemplation: what is he thinking about and doing...the street seems empty, and he seems alone.
Merry Christmas! |
Dec 27th |
| 83 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Sorry for the later review! Gee...time for the wife and me to fly over and tour the Vineyards!
Actually, though the color is a great photo..."actually, most are"...its more about "How", to make a color photo, as inviting, in BW.
Sometimes it cannot be...but I suggest, this is not that time. There is really not enough "business" or conflicting elements in this scene to condemn the photograph to be viewed only as a color one.
I edited it a bit different: in changing the Hue to less warm and more cool (custom Cooper-Silver) I see more "contrast" between the objects Jose was referring to. In any case, and in my opinion, the pointed objects still do not spell rejection for this composition.
In the end, you have captured a very keen, enjoyable and appetizing documentary/travel photograph.
|
Dec 27th |
 |
| 83 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
...another important part of viewing a lot of Art...including Paintings...is stepping back from them. Most critical in viewing many types of Film based photographs, especially a lot from the 20th century. Thank you for your constructive comments! |
Dec 19th |
| 83 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Happy Sunday, Ed, and again, welcome!! A most delicate and intimate portrait: I commend you on visualizing and presenting the subject in this manner.
Let me contribute an alternative, more emotional, narrative, as opposed to the current study on the Singularity of the Orchard.
"Points to Ponder"
The example I made ensues virtues that open the space and identifies how fragile the Orchard appears in its rather, large space just outside the open window. (Pretty much taken from your original view through the viewfinder).
In this example we are viewing a common scene, (but cropped through the viewfinder) reveals an intimate connection between the lovely subject, and its immediate environment. We are giving (and studying) the Orchard, a personality, as it were, instead of studying its physical posture.
So I am clear, my suggestions (may not favor) "competitions" in the PSA or Club environment, but 1. allow one to investigate another means of identifying with nature (in this example) and its relevance or connection to human nature. 2. A lesson on "opening" the scene to create a sense of "Place", which can be used in almost anytime of photographic scene. Thank you, Ed. |
Dec 19th |
 |
| 83 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Good day, Dianne! Interesting...you are bothered by "only" seeing the reflection of the sky...something I may have to contemplate more. As with Jose's comments, you also feel it is too busy. I will have to make a test print and judge the merits of this type of aesthetic, though this type of grainy-busy aesthetic is (part) of my current artistic path. Appreciate your insights. |
Dec 19th |
| 83 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Hi Jose! Yes, I can see (initially) why you feel it is too busy, but film (sometimes) reveals (within the landscape genre) features with abundance of texture, especially when purposely using Coarse-Grain films, like this Eastman Double-X/5222. The purpose (is) to enhance micro-features,( thus, the creative-design of the user), but being a film-based image, also, needs to be viewed from a distance, and with good lighting, which will help in decreasing the grain and revealing more absolute structures. Always appreciate your insights, Jose. Thank you. |
Dec 9th |
5 comments - 2 replies for Group 83
|
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
A very touching and emotional scene: nice capture, Cindy!! |
Dec 19th |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Appreciate your kind words, Dale...thank you!! |
Dec 19th |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Hi Chan....happy you like it...thank you so much! |
Dec 19th |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
And here the full vertical formatted scene completed via PSCC and Silver Efex Pro-3 with Cooper-Silver toning: (Dodge & Burn in PSCC and BW conversion through Silver Efex Pro-3).
|
Dec 5th |
 |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good morning, Will! This is a great location and absolutely a wonderful piece of beauty you have plucked from nature! Yes, the Vertical Crop seems to work much better, but as it relates to your original capture: in my opinion, the very top section which includes the entire section where the falls begin (and the lovely trees that frame this section), I feel best completes the scene.
I may try and play with this color version shortly and try to bring out the same details we enjoy in the color original, also within a BW rendering. |
Dec 5th |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Gee Steve! Great capture! The expressions and intimacy revealed in our two charming distant ancestors is wonderful.
The Crop is perfect and allows the viewer to get a sense of the subjects environment, while coming in close enough to enjoy their fine facial details.
Of course, this has to be in Black & White!!! LOL! Beautiful work, Steve! |
Dec 5th |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good morning, Chan! A wonderful photograph that imbues our sense of comfort in our private spaces.
As said by the others, the natural light reveals a soft aesthetic: a very calming effect that parallels your wife's relaxed expression and pose. I also think the featured photograph allows all these feelings to manifest, while Steve's close crop is of course a viable option, does not imbue our senses in the same fashion. Well designed and captured. |
Dec 5th |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Thank you, Jennifer. Yes, snow, and shacks, barns and mountains seem to appeal to our spirit of what constitutes a type of beauty: as in Wabi Sabi, where images of the old, decaying and dying seem to inspire this same connection. The Blue: yes, a tad bit calmer would indeed suffice. |
Dec 5th |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good morning, Dale! See my comments of Jennifer's featured photograph, you supply a similar compositional structure, and satisfying result! My comments on exposure echo Steve's. Wonderful work, Dale! (Yes, hope the ice is really thick!! But I am guessing this is a designated place to remove snow and ice skate?) |
Dec 2nd |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good morning, Jennifer! Yes, another well composed subject that includes a lot of space to define "Place". Here you are allowing viewers' to sense the vastness of the space in front of you and your subject. This works as a combination documentary and artistic record.
So often I review work that is too-cropped, as it were, that only try to define or make salient a particular subject, but instead, sometimes opening up the shot to include more of the surrounding environment can actually make the subject standout even more. Well done!
|
Dec 2nd |
| 87 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Hi Steve! Indeed, the power lines are part of the photographic-event, "and they must stay". Granted, I did not "work" the scene in trying to obscure the power lines, and if I can be criticized for anything, it would be that, indeed. Perhaps I will get the chance to rework the subject in the future.
Film of course added to the rustic aesthetic that helps define the compositions gestalt, thus hoping it would take away the "modernness" of the power lines. The strong Blue is intentional, and I still like it for this particular subject, but can also see viewers feeling it is strong, as you commented. Note the work never went to "print" because of the power lines, which might be a mistake.
As always, really appreciate your constructive criticism.
|
Dec 2nd |
6 comments - 5 replies for Group 87
|
| 99 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Hi Randy...though I understand your theme or vision for the featured photography, I am saying it does not sustain the visual power of the original (regardless if color or BW). Instead, the featured work is an example of being "overcooked", over manipulating a photograph (regardless if via film negative or digital image file) in quest for creativity.
Converting to Black and White is the springboard for creating the nostalgic narrative you were looking for, but again, I suggest another recipe be tried to reveal this narrative differently. You can reach out to me through the PSA Mentoring service or reach out to me on FB via PM. As I said before, I look forward to seeing more of your travel photographs. Enjoy a Joyful & Peaceful Holiday. |
Dec 16th |
| 99 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
My pleasure...re-cropped, Dodging of the models clothes and face, and minor exposure alterations all in PSCC. BW conversion via Silver Efex-Pro 3, where I adjusted exposure a second time, and added the custom copper-silver toning. |
Dec 16th |
| 99 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good evening, Linda! These events are always educational, indeed, and even more exciting is they usually offer the photography-artist a lot of choice for capturing fine work. You have done so here.
The featured work is a dark and gritty interpretation and surely works appropriately when considering the subject, portraying an active soldier in war...but I will also explain an alternative that to some extent uses most of the well exposed features of our model: 1. the bokeh produced by your lens is beautiful and feel it actually compliments the subject, not detract from him. 2. the mans features reveal a gentle, but rugged individual, and I like this, too.
MY 5x7 crop offsets the subject to viewers-right as the soldier is looking to viewers-left, giving him somewhere to look. (Something that in most cases can not be achieved effectively in a studio shoot).
So, we are presented two version, both viable: the featured interpretation "creates", while the new version "presents" the actors features. The second visual exchange is the new version keeps the lens Bokeh as a supporting actor, instead of blurring this out for a more studio'ish look.
Two version, both viable, but each are completely different interpretations.
(Technical: I Dodged various parts of his face, neck, hair. Final version has a custom Copper-Silver tone.)
|
Dec 3rd |
 |
| 99 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Good evening, Linda! These events are always educational, indeed, and even more exciting is they usually offer the photography-artist a lot of choice for capturing fine work. You have done so here.
The featured work is a dark and gritty interpretation and surely works appropriately when considering the subject, portraying an active soldier in war...but I will also explain an alternative that to some extent uses most of the well exposed features of our model: 1. the bokeh produced by your lens is beautiful and feel it actually compliments the subject, not detract from him. 2. the mans features reveal a gentle, but rugged individual, and I like this, too.
MY 5x7 crop offsets the subject to viewers-right as the soldier is looking to viewers-left, giving him somewhere to look. (Something that in most cases can not be achieved effectively in a studio shoot).
So, we are presented two version, both viable: the featured interpretation "creates", while the new version "presents" the actors features. The second visual exchange is the new version keeps the lens Bokeh as a supporting actor, instead of blurring this out for a more studio'ish look.
Two version, both viable, but each are completely different interpretations.
(Technical: I Dodged various parts of his face, neck, hair. Final version has a custom Copper-Silver tone.)
|
Dec 3rd |
| 99 |
Dec 21 |
Reply |
Happy Friday, Michael! Yes, in comparison to the featured work, the color original seems too simple: the original does not speak loudly to me, it does not exhibit the "pictorial" flavor or vigor we see in the featured work. The pictorial flavor is a result of your photographic mixed media compositional design.
I am suggesting the original may need more from Mother Nature in way of providing a similar effect you achieved through digital manipulation. Thus, reworking the original location in a different light (both figuratively and literally) to capture a more natural means of depicting the scene, though likely not the same as your featured piece.
My point is to emphasize that another, more natural or classic way in achieving pictorial results are always close by, though admitting, sometimes hard to achieve. |
Dec 3rd |
| 99 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Hello, Randy! First, great eye in visualizing, composing and capturing this beautiful landscape. Reminds me of a lot of what I like when traveling across the Midwest states.
My first impression sides with Image-2. Why? I like the dramatic sky and open space that defines a sense of "place". Alternatively, the featured "ethereal" aesthetic does not prick me in the same fashion. One major reason is the close crop that eliminates the space I speak of in Image-2, and the image is also extremely coarse, not sure this was post-production issue or low resolution, but overall, I would love to see Image-2 as a BW rendering. Look forward to seeing more of these compositions from your travels!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & White Photography Mentor
Admin DD83-Mono 7 DD87-General |
Dec 1st |
| 99 |
Dec 21 |
Comment |
Hi Michael, always nice to view your creative work.
Well, the featured BW work is a well designed photographic hybrid, encompassing both "classic" photography and the manipulations via digital software, that alter not just exposure, but alter the original photographic event scene in the color version. (I sometimes like to refer to these types of photographs, as "photographic mixed media". It looks great!
The color version, in comparison, is almost a snap-shot. If you have time to re-shoot this location, it would be beneficial to try different times of the day (likely morning or late afternoon). Of course, if you are lucky, if severe weather moves in, that would help in the creative process as well. All of the above (may) offer more in presenting the lens the possibility for creative aesthetics - naturally.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Black & white Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership director
Admin DD-83Mono & DD-87General |
Dec 1st |
4 comments - 3 replies for Group 99
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23 comments - 12 replies Total
|
