|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 6 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Charissa, more on "Gestalt" ...Please, read my Article in the issue of the PSA's March Journal; (see link on the Bulletin Board). Thank you. |
Jul 17th |
| 6 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Another well executed Floral composition!
Here, a less organic vibe; instead the image echos a more technical tone, even one comfortable in a museum setting.
Nice work! |
Jul 12th |
| 6 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
A very lovely, soft and inviting Flower Portrait!
Well done! |
Jul 12th |
| 6 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
I am really enjoying the "floating" nature in this image!
Very much a classic "museum" representation, indeed.
Would a Square Crop be more respective to viewers'?? |
Jul 12th |
| 6 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Good Question, Charissa: I would suggest using a circular PF on the front of the lens will change (to some degree) how the light/shadow shape the overall Pepper: in this case, I also suggest this change is more an artistic one, rather than a technique/tool to make exposure corrections. |
Jul 11th |
| 6 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Lovely Doris! The late, great, Edward Weston would appreciate this image.
Similar to Ruths composition in many ways, but here the use (or the emphasis) on the Light and Shadows to the left-side of the subject provides enough interest ... and actually the Light/Shadow emphasis ... along with the subject ... enjoyed together provides a well defined (or perceived) Gestalt.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor |
Jul 10th |
| 6 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Happy Monday, Ruth! The lighting is wonderful and even provides a 3-D effect or otherwise provides "depth' to the scene.
In April, Charissa posted a similar subject and my comments here really echo what I stated in April 2022 : please, view and read my comments in the April 2022 post for additional insights.
In summary, I love the off-center presentation along with the subtle effects seen in the shadows. However, for a more engaging composition (or as I often say ... to create a "contemplative structure") to form a more definitive narrative .... add one or more "supporting actors", such as a spoon and napkin, for one example, and the spoon splattered with cream, and the napkin ... perhaps stained from the berries.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor |
Jul 10th |
5 comments - 2 replies for Group 6
|
| 11 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Hi Henry!
Lovely example of using open space to define a sense of "place" and to help form narrative. The particular mi-range Tonal Gamut seems very much what we would likely experience in real-time. Lovely work!!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Jul 27th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 11
|
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
... in addition, I increased (just a little) the Yellow Saturation ... |
Jul 21st |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
The image enjoys a unique quality in how the various shapes, and their sizes, textures, and of course, colors offer a most wonderful Floral Abstract ... worthy of being printed and hung in a Medical Facility, for one example where I see work like your featured subject, but within a more Abstract context like my Square Crop version towards an Abstract ideal.
Your thoughts? |
Jul 21st |
 |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
The image enjoys a unique quality in how the various shapes, and their sizes, textures, and of course, colors offer a most wonderful Floral Abstract ... worthy of being printed and hung in a Medical Facility, for one example where I see work like your featured subject, but within a more Abstract context like my Square Crop version towards an Abstract ideal.
Your thoughts? |
Jul 21st |
 |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Very engaging image!
The texture/colors are so real! I can almost image what these textures feel like! |
Jul 21st |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Well, Fred ... I may suggest the image was overexposed? Can a re-edit on the exposure help? Can you share the original (in-camera) image file for our exploration?
In any case, neither less or over-sharpening will fix this this image. |
Jul 17th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Very happy you stopped by, Charissa!
Often, images (paintings/photography) reveal narratives when the entire image is taken as a whole: this exercise in viewing visual art becomes a bit more easy when we view and contemplate B&W images and movies. For more on this topic ... please, read my Article in the issue of the PSA's March Journal; (see link on the Bulletin Board).
Indeed, it is always a question how projected images will be revealed as a tangible print ... and of course, how small or large the print is also a very important consideration.
Your very articulate description/comments convey precisely how I wanted the featured work to be enjoyed. Thank you so much, Charissa! |
Jul 17th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Hi Tom!
Ah, this presents too much "sharpening" .... especially if I make a large print ... the grain (noise) will mitigate the soft aesthetic in the original composition. Even Bev's is on the cusp of a similar issue, but the B&W version has seemingly enhanced the effects of Noise. |
Jul 17th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Yes, it does. : ) |
Jul 12th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
A very comforting floral pictorial. Well done! |
Jul 10th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Lovely subject, and I too, prefer Original-1 because it is more natural: original-2 and the featured version seem blurred due to excessive sharpening and / or "structure" use.
The Black background, as Pinaki suggested, does lend itself to this type of flower portrait, indeed. |
Jul 10th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
That looks great!! |
Jul 10th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Hi Bev ... see the color version above. |
Jul 10th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Though the color version is nice ... its Gestalt is harder to ingest: and why B&W photography often presents spectators' a more involving canvas in which to contemplate the subject. However, I also understand the beauty and interest color photography can bring as well .... I have several images that I only Print as color. |
Jul 10th |
 |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Excellent idea! I do the same, Bev. |
Jul 10th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Appreciate your positive remarks! What is most important to me ... and within an educational atmosphere, as PSA Digital Dialogue groups provide .... is to offer background information on the entire process: this may include both technical, as well as underlining emotional factors in visualizing and composing the piece. |
Jul 10th |
| 24 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Hi Pinaki!!
I love the overall composition! This is a wonderful perspective from behind the viewfinder!
Criticism: No excuse to leave out-of-focus spots (or whatever the marks are) in the sky. This is a simple fix in post-production. |
Jul 4th |
7 comments - 9 replies for Group 24
|
| 25 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
My pleasure, Bollin. |
Jul 27th |
| 25 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Hi Bollin! Passing by when my eye caught this very relaxing domestic composition.
I will argue, the featured work best illustrates a strong photographic image in virtue of including all the details we enjoy in the frame: in this case, removing any part then reduces ingredients spectators' use to help form narrative.
I especially like the ray of light that falls all the way from the top of the window onto and past the green draws ....
The off-center approach used to compose the featured work really invites so many memories of Home, regardless if our own, a dear friend or perhaps grandpa's study ... for just some examples of narrative. Removing anyone of the registered visual components, may actually weaken narrative options. Lovely Work!!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Jul 27th |
1 comment - 1 reply for Group 25
|
| 26 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Hi Terry! I was passing by and this striking B&W image caught my eye!
First, Kudos for being able to Visualize beauty often hidden all around us ... the subject and its Abstract narrative is wonderful .... but allow me to speak about a couple of points"
"Points to Ponder" .... 1. the F/18 which consequently can induce (and did) very Slow Shutter Speed, which can hinder clarity, is best used with a Tripod, so this setting choice must be questioned, and 2. as the narrative speaks "mostly" to the abstract nature embedded in the narrative, the image needs to focus this more: in this case, the surrounding space interferes with this Abstract .... an example shows how your visualization becomes more pronounced.
In other words, I am suggesting, the image be more focused as an "object of art", and less about the structure's location or sense of "place". This is one instance where defining a "Place" does not sit well with the object we are trying to make prominent.
I need more room to speak about this, but I hope I have at least made some progress in explaining myself here.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Jul 29th |
 |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 26
|
| 45 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Good day, Cindy!
Well, I must suggest the original registered image includes details that will help viewers form narrative: in this case, the Inclusion of the foreground chair and right-side lab coat very much increases interest/balance. I also suggest, the original Deeper appearance adds greatly to help define a sense of "place".
In summary, I are argue, we see too often these smaller details being deleted via crop or worse, manipulated-delete's .. in an attempt to create something more, but in fact, maintaining more of the artifacts (and space) within a given scene usually proves more powerful, and thus engaging. (It is the strength we often notice in well composed Street Photography, for another example).
Lovely work!!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Jul 27th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 45
|
| 62 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
"Bracketing" exposures is a sure way of maintaining proper exposure in (all) photographic situations. Meaning, "for all practical situations", register 2 to 4 images of the same "composition" on either film or digital sensor and in post-production review for best results; this workflow is viable for both film and digital formats.
Film of course can get a bit tricky when you consider developing times, but again, a series of "bracketed" exposures will go a long way in making for a successful photo shoot. : )
|
Jul 30th |
| 62 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Hi LuAnne, hope you are well!
I still enjoy seeing this image .... the natural lens bokeh is a treat .... on AI, well as we have spoke in the past, and commenting on Oliver's question ... where will AI be in the future .... I would hope it is Categorized as another Sub-Genre within photography.
A recent incident involving an AI generated photographic image was entered into an exhibition (without identifying it as such) and Won! The Artist Photographer came clean and told organizers its an AI generated image ....and he was just testing to see how it would be interpreted .... the artist was appalled the organizers did not disqualify him and / or take the image down from the website when they were told of the ruse .... they finally deleted the image from all Ad's and their website.
AI does not belong anywhere near "classic tradition" in photography, but by all means it (may) have a place within a special sub-genre with proper "tagging" when on display.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Jul 29th |
0 comments - 2 replies for Group 62
|
| 76 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Hello, Henriette. I was passing by and was drawn in with this lovely B&W perspective! I love when I see the artist pushing beyond the norm ... here you use the dramatic sky as the star and the landscape as supporting actor .... which often develops into a forming an images Gestalt.
Well visualized! I look forward to seeing more like this!
So, you bring up an interesting discussion point: what Aperture is best to maintain a well focused exposure? Well, I will be very honest, following a "rule" that states it is best to use, such and such F/stop setting for clarity ... alone... is misleading.
This is a very involved discussion, but for now, a very short summary will suggest you balance between Aperture and Shutter speed, and most important ... How and Where did you focus??
Another dynamic in photography known as "Lens Diffraction" may cause some blurring in distant objects when using extreme small apertures, like F/22 for a perfect example. Mostly, I see this as an issue in extreme print enlargements.
There is a lot to speak about here .... I welcome continuing this conversation on the Bulletin Board or you can reach out to me via my email.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com
|
Jul 27th |
0 comments - 1 reply for Group 76
|
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Hi Don, and thank you for your very encouraging comments!
The slightly bright blanket actually balances the Mother's face ... and in print it looks OK, but indeed, a slight Burning may also prove beneficial.
I look forward to your continued productive critiques. : ) |
Jul 27th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Indeed, you bring up an important aspect in the visual arts, and especially photography: how just a slight change in how the subject (and / or surrounding space) is registered through the lens at any particular moment in time ... such changes can drastically change narrative.
Thank you for your thought provoking comments. |
Jul 21st |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
The space is the hospital room 24 hours (plus) after birth.
The main lighting is from a single, rather small, window in Ashley's private room.
There was, I think three shots, the others she is looking down or away from the lens, but for one moment she looked at me .... and I even thought through the viewfinder I knew this was the "one".
Thank you for your encouraging comments! |
Jul 21st |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Indeed. It hangs in my Son's home as a 16x24 Matte & Framed print.
Your identification of the "sharp eyes" is an important one, and goes back to my describing the importance of careful focussing when using very large apertures.
Thank you for your positive critique. |
Jul 21st |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Happy Monday, Michael!
Always appreciate your well spoken and often, articulate critiques.
A word on "Rules" .... Rules such as the one you mention, and others, (e.g., keep horizon straight, the '"rule of thirds" and others ...) are mostly listed for 1. photography for the masses, 2. young students of photography, and 3. cherished by camera clubs, including many members in the PSA and other online photography institutions ... for the serious Artist Photographer ... and for most professionals, (rules are a means in limiting one's creativity).
|
Jul 17th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Hi Don!
A few words on the question of the buildings Skewed placement in the composition: don't be to quick to remedy this ... sometimes these (and in this case, subtle) peculiarities can be the very component that makes a photographic image interesting, at least when we are speaking about Fine Art Photography, and not a pure documentary.
This particular artistic variation in perspective can also be enjoyed in the so called Cubism Movement in painting, and especially (and relative to this discussion) Cubism Landscape paintings.
Don't abandon the artistic variations such lens-ambiguities provide the artist photographer. |
Jul 17th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Again, welcome to the group, Don!
First, I like the idea we do not have to see the entire National Gallery of Scotland ... instead, you are presenting (and emphasizing) the architectural lines and shapes, through both your perspective and the treatment as a B&W composition.
In this sense, it is first, Fine Art, and then documentary. At least that is way I am ingesting and interpreting this scene.
You are very lucky to have such dramatic weather early in the morning! In any case, lucky to have Mother Nature offer her assistance in providing a dramatic and interesting contrast to the subject, indeed.
"Points to Ponder"
An alternative to the HDR workflow (and with a tripod) would be the use of Fill-in Flash and also Exposure-Compensation adjustments on the camera. Thank you. |
Jul 12th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
A very clever subject to compose through the lens!
Only one item interferes with my complete satisfaction: is that a toy helmet on the hood? If indeed it is, it would have been better to easily see this .... but this is only a minor distraction, and I feel the overall composition offers viewers a multitude of narrative options ... especially if you can add details of its location.
I love it!! |
Jul 12th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Wonderful rendering of an iconic location!
It is always a wonderful thing when Mother Nature provides a suitable background! |
Jul 12th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
First, I like the Sky acting as a balance to the one Lonely Tree: in this sense, these contrasting spaces offer ingredients for viewer contemplation, in my opinion.
Within your series this frame would surely fit ... and be even more of interest with proper text about the location and the Dead Sea's current status as it relates to its sea level.
Alone, I am not so sure this image hold enough strength ... at least not this crop. Perhaps (another) crop that will emphasis the trees solitude may bring more interest as a separate. (For example, try a 30x10 crop and see what you think.
Engaging work, Adi! |
Jul 12th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Yup! Very moody presentation ... I like (this) offering on an otherwise very well documented landscape.
The Tonal Gamut lends itself to a softer, calmer, and thus, moody (perhaps, dreamy) narrative. I have seen more vivid/contrasted B&W renderings ... they all look the same; this one is different and feels more organic, in my opinion.
Nicely done! (Hope you share more from your recent trip to this amazing location)! |
Jul 12th |
| 83 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
I especially like the asymmetrical design in virtue of the tunnels architectural structure .. along with your specific perspective (and lens choice) provide a remarkable contemplative image. This is a prime example where B&W presentation reveals a compositions Gestalt.
Well done!! |
Jul 12th |
7 comments - 5 replies for Group 83
|
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
All good, Jennifer! Yeah, its a bit fun experimenting this way! |
Jul 28th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Happy Friday, Dale!
I too, enjoy the "contrasts" in light and texture .... it is central to what this type of image offers the spectator. Thank you for your positive comments! |
Jul 21st |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
....very film-like in its appearance. |
Jul 17th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Very cool! |
Jul 12th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Gee!!! Great shot, Cindy!
A similarly Sharp image like Dales .... the High speed capture is really neat!
Question: was this a Hail Mary (single shot) or perhaps more calculating with a Multi-burst ... which is how I would go about getting these kinds of results ... thanks! |
Jul 11th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Symmetrical Beauty:
Indeed, (sometimes) less is more!
As Steve points out ... Kudos for visualizing and composing this subject. It really invites the spectator to hang out a while ... where the longer we stay the more we begin to see.
Now ... will this composition/subject work in B&W?
Good work, will ! |
Jul 11th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Dale, this composition Literally and Metaphorically sharp!
The image indeed, makes me smile!
Perfect focus and exposure! Well done! |
Jul 11th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
I love this, Steve!!!
Simply, the scene is well balanced and engaging! |
Jul 11th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Chan, I am so glad for the amazing success from Chris's treatments!
Indeed, you have captured a sense for Chris's ethos enabling him to transcend adversity ... Chris's steadfast demeanor illuminated in this most powerful portrait.
There are times when a Title or other Description interferes with an photograph or painting, but here the background dialogue you present to the group underpins, and thus strengthens the visual narrative.
Well done! |
Jul 11th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Hi Cindy! Thank you. |
Jul 5th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Full Disclosure: I came upon the unique aesthetic my cell phone camera created in complete darkness with only Flash to illuminate the subject ... about two or more years ago.
So far, my study has been limited to Trees, but I hope to explore other natural landscapes, like creeks and ponds in the future. |
Jul 5th |
| 87 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Hi Chan!
Good question! The photo shoot with the cell phone was a planned outing.
Next, the noise-grain is strictly natural: that is, caused by disturbances from low light, lens and high ISO (which was set automatically by the cell phone camera). As you should already know ... I never "add" any type of post-production "layer" or other pre-set to my work, except for the occasional dark vignetting.
However, I did use a noise reduction software to calm it down a tad. |
Jul 5th |
6 comments - 6 replies for Group 87
|
| 99 |
Jul 23 |
Reply |
Very glad you found my words useful; this makes me very happy! And to be clear ... "contemplative structure" is my term: in other words, I created the term to define those images (compositions) that reveal extreme interest .... the only other area I see a similar use is in the term "contemplative architecture ": here the use is most obvious ... as it describes architecture that promotes some type of reaction from viewers ....
Food for thought: another title for your image ... "The Boathouse" No other identifying words need to be added which would only state the obvious.
Thank you, Denice! |
Jul 30th |
| 99 |
Jul 23 |
Comment |
Good day, Denise! I was passing by and was "pricked" with this fine example of, what I term, "contemplative structure" of the main subject and its surrounding environment. The decision with a mid-range tonal gamuet is perfect as the softer tones reveal what we would likely experience in real-time ... while of course, supporting the calming aesthetic. The images Gestalt invites for longer viewing. Lovely work.
In this sense, the use of extensive open (or white) space acts to define narrative: where each spectator will be challenged in forming their own .. or none at all to enjoy the scene within the abstract if they so wish.
Hope you read my article that speaks more about open space as opposed to more centered, focused framing ... in the March Issue of the PSA Journal ... the link is found on the Bulletin Board on the second entry from the top. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Jul 27th |
1 comment - 1 reply for Group 99
|
30 comments - 27 replies Total
|
