|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 3 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Indeed, this is a very striking visual experience we normally do not encounter. The technique (or the idea) of flipping all or part of an image is well rehearsed with a variety of aesthetic consequences, but I will say, upon initially confronting the featured work I enjoyed a momentary shock! My mind immediately tries to find the (expected) clear alternative, but none is found!
In this sense, the work does imbue sense of, 'shock and awe', as it were. Well, perhaps not as violent as the term refers to, but nonetheless contemplative, indeed. But allow me to stretch this conversation a bit further ...
"Points to Ponder"
Let me speak about something you said ... 'hard to make these "iconic" scenes original'. This is true, but I just want to offer a reflection on what that statement means within the digital manifesto that seemingly permeates throughout 21st century photography, and how your words are interpreted within the "classic tradition" of photography. Simply, the former "creates" in a way that actually disrupts our sense (and meaning) of the physical world ... (e.g., most "conceptual" based photographic work, for a prime example). Alternatively, when the artist photographer who follows a traditional workflow (regardless if in a Wet or Digital Darkroom) and decides to push the boundaries for (creative) originality, such users focus on their visualization skills while in the field: in this sense, the user determines which lens, location (or position) to stand, choosing camera dynamics (e.g., aperture, shutter speed, ISO ... etc.) and perhaps later in post-production beyond basic exposure and color corrections, use techniques (such as Flipping or mirroring) the image to provoke more than initially meets the eye.
This may even mean converting to B&W or shooting B&W (or color) film to create a different aesthetic experience from previous (iconic) like-images. But the actual physical attributes are very much part of the real world; only as a photographer, we present them in a way most spectators never actually visualize themselves. And this is very different from most conceptual photographic imagery which define what we would likely encounter in a virtual world, instead of reality.
In summary, your work is very provocative, and actually more provocative (in a Conceptual Context) then perhaps work created in a classic manner, but my words today are only to interject, in my opinion, the slowly diminishing practices realized in classic workflows. As usual, and I am not surprised, you continue to bring new ideas and thus a wide scope of photographic imagery through a combination of classic and digital methodologies. Bravo Michael!!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
Lance.visualizingart@gmail.com
|
Aug 14th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 3
|
| 6 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Hi Jim!
Really cool perspective! Though it may not be exactly a "closeup" image ... nonetheless, I feel the entire featured composition enjoys a definitive narrative: here, we are shown the bridge, its length, and array of Locks extending into a seemingly infinite horizon .... any means of cropping this composition thus loses part (or all of its narrative), in my opinion. Lovely work!
|
Aug 21st |
| 6 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Karen, this work has a certain Abstract quality to it! The finished piece is well exposed and finished!
The use of space has indeed enhanced the tiny creatures size and its existence within the larger framework of nature. The Golden color is just amazing against the natural green background! The off-center structure is perfect!! I love it!! |
Aug 6th |
| 6 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Good day, Charissa!
A lovely subject, indeed and I do like the B&W interpretation. You have chosen a lovely, soft, mid-tone gamut I think works very well. However, I have a few comments on the Compositional Structure and technical points:
Though I love the clippers resting on the planter, it needs to be in full view: in other words, I suggest, for this particular composition, the hidden portions have no relevance in helping to define a narrative.
If you would have stepped back a few inches the subject would have centered better; and again, in this particular composition, a centered view, I suggest, works best with the full view of the clippers.
Now, it is interesting you selected F/32 !!! I need to ask why?? The long exposure seems to have registered a less than crystal clear image, unless this is due to low resolution for the PSA ... 2.5 sec is a long time and even a slight vibration on the floor will cause blur while sitting on a tripod. Of course, another factor could be how/where did you focus? And still another (but not common) "Diffraction" due to the super-small f/32 aperture ... which in some cases (usually printing enlargements) will makes lines less clear.
I would love for you to redo this photo shoot "Bracketing" with F/2.8, F/5.6 and F/11 (three different shots) with the aforementioned outlined above. Then post all three B&W images for the group to ponder any differences between them. Manual Focusing is vital in this exercise and using F/2.8 may induce some bokeh around some of the pedals, but with the 100mm, perhaps not. Have Fun! If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me via email.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Aug 6th |
3 comments - 0 replies for Group 6
|
| 11 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Absolutely Love this!!
Nice to see something outside the normal visual box, if I may .... I often tell students in my workshops don't forget to look straight up ( and behind) as we stroll with our cameras in nature.
I will suggest making the sky more dark will take away from the structure; in this case, I think in "Print", the sky and structure will look perfect ... hope you print this one with an appropriate paper, matte and frame.
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Aug 9th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 11
|
| 24 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Can't wait to see other compositions in the future! : ) |
Aug 21st |
| 24 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Hi Pinaki! Lovely colors!!
I may suggest, in the future try a different perspective that would eliminate the right-side flower, which I must suggest interferes with the two main (larger) subjects.
Alternatively, if you have a high resolution file, perhaps crop very close for an alternative, close up portrait of one of the other. What do you think?
Hope you visit the arboretum soon in exploring new compositions! |
Aug 21st |
| 24 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Hi Frank .... this is a lovely image, but again, it is an alternative result from the more soft and natural nuances we experience in real-time. However, your practice of the technique is well documented here, indeed!
Instead of others abandoning traditional focusing techniques (which also include the effects of lens Bokeh) ... they must first learn how to perfect current methods ... but for sure, may try focus stacking towards exploring alternative visual narratives.
Please, read my short piece on the Bulletin Board which supplements this discussion. Thank you, Frank. |
Aug 21st |
| 24 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Frank, focus stacking can indeed provide an alternative visual aesthetic different from traditional focusing, and as I mentioned in my comment, also bring the affects from 'lens bokeh'.
My comments also mentioned both the documentary and artist photographer may choose to use focus stacking, too, but was clear on how its visual effects differ greatly from the method Charissa used ... or the choice in carefully choosing a focus-point and choice of aperture in creating a deep and penetrating, what I term, "contemplative structure" of the subject and its surrounding environment.
I hope you continue to use both methods in your own work to provide a wide scope of visual narratives. I look forward to seeing your work!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA Global B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Aug 21st |
| 24 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Good morning, Charissa!
First, the immediate depth we see in the composition is striking ... here, a good use of shallow (Dof) with good "compositional structure" offer viewers a pleasant image. I do however agree with Frank's suggestion on both accounts, though perhaps be careful darkening the background ... sometimes in "print" darker areas come out (more) dark; work with a good printer for accuracy.
As it relates to Focus Stacking, I am not a fan: Why? 1. resulting images do not represent how we actually see, 2. in most cases, the Depth found in various levels of focus (or levels of lens Bokeh) are lost.
On the other hand, if a particular work is part of a true documentary or perhaps science specific visual research, focus stacking can be used to present subjects with ultimate clarity: this can also be the vision of the artist photographer, but then we are moving past the virtues in visual complexity enjoyed through more "classic tradition" methods I speak about often.
Great work, Charissa! |
Aug 19th |
2 comments - 3 replies for Group 24
|
| 38 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Bravo Sylvia! The composition illustrates you seeing beyond what initially lays before us ... the overall featured work is well structured and finished ... and I must say, I enjoy the fact you limited post-production to just exposure and chromatic adjustments and allowed the registered (featured) scene to reveal its special aesthetic quality without pre-sets or other like "layers" or filters. Well done!
Lance A. Lewin
PSA B&W Photography Mentor
PSA South Atlantic Area Membership Director
lance.visualizingart@gmail.com |
Aug 16th |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 38
|
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
I posted a response to your DD-3 image! |
Aug 16th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Terrific!! |
Aug 16th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
A splendid composition that seems to have all the correct attributes for photographic success ... my comments echo the ones already mentioned above.
Question: at 1/2 second, and NOT using a tripod, can you explain to the group how you maintained a camera so steady (at 1/2 sec) that even the distant text (on the wall) is not blurred ... outside of you being Super Human in holding a steady camera ... which would be super impressive .... was there any other means of maintaining a steady camera? Thank you. |
Aug 14th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Thank you, Adi. |
Aug 14th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Yes, Debasish ... very good observation; leaving at least a small glimpse of the boat was vital for this type technique/perspective to work. Thank you for your positive remarks. : ) |
Aug 14th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Michael, at the top of each DD a drop-down menu allows the user to enter each and every (99) rooms ... in addition, each room has another drop-down menu where the user can choose the month/year to view images. Enjoy! |
Aug 14th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Indeed, Mark ... Venice is amazing regardless of the perspective.
Yes, the reflective image was flipped 180 degrees, as the other examples in DD-87 in August 2022. Thank you, Mark! |
Aug 13th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Micheal, I am very glad you are enjoying the depth of conversations we enjoy in this group ... your seat at the DD-83 table has helped us continue with vibrant conversations. Thank you! |
Aug 13th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
"Points to Ponder"
This image very much falls into the vacation or travel photography genre, but we also must understand this does not necessary mean the work is also documentary or research based photography: the featured work clearly represents what Mark saw at the time he came upon the scene. (Though I could agree a bit more Dodging of the shaded areas would not hurt, as long as the area in shadow still looks like ... it is shadow: in other words, there is no sense in destroying this otherwise intriguing scene which highlights beauty evolved between the play between light and shadow.
In summary, other than (maybe) a bit more Dodging the shadows we spoke about, I suggest the play between light and shadow offers a very moody scene in the Puglia area of Italy.
Thank you.
|
Aug 13th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Very good question, Michael: first, and foremost, the featured image is clearly an Abstract; that is, it does not provide a definitive narrative … (though it is possible for some viewers to be moved by this image in certain way by provoking their memory/connection to something/someone in their lives).
The second point here is "how" this particular photographic work was created: in this case, the "replacement" of the sidewalk to replicate a Blackboard or black canvas involves digital manipulation that renders the original scene all together different …. the featured work is very much a conceptualization in virtue of the aforementioned points and the overall finished aesthetic which clearly does not represent anything remotely related to the environment it was originally visualized, composed, and then registered onto the camera's sensor.
In summary, the work may actually be more representative to Graphic Arts, then what the masses expect from conceptualized photographic work.
|
Aug 13th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
Yes!
Michael, everyone .... to view three others, please visit DD-87 August, 2022.
I look forward to your critiques. |
Aug 13th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
I can appreciate that .... no special attachment, just a new way of seeing (registering or recording) my tour through Venice. This particular shot is (not) one of my favorites and wanted to see what others thought.
Do you understand how this was composed ?
Thank you, Adi. |
Aug 12th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Ethically speaking ..... if the artist photographer chooses to engage with these types of digitally altered scenes, then the work needs to be properly identified: in this case the work could be exhibited as such ....
"Two Men on a Mountain" Photographic Composite
by Margret Duncan
I argue, it is also appropriate to add this Category when posting the work on PSA discussion groups or within local camera clubs and the like ... so everyone knows at first view what they are looking at.
As for the composition, it is well balanced, I like you have the men off center and against a large sky. |
Aug 6th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
A lovely scene!! The shadows are well preserved and balanced against the bright sunlit portions of the courtyard. Well done!! |
Aug 6th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Hi Don! First, got to love how APS-C sensors give deep Dof !
The B&W conversion is very appropriate or complementary to the subject/composition: wonderful (wide) perspective really enhances the main subject, while treating the supporting architecture (and busy street life) for a well balanced photographic image. Well done!!
My only technical advice: Crop-off 1/4 inch from the right to "completely" eliminate the Key-pad lurking in the shadows ... and maybe, maybe, crop off the couple standing on the far left: doing so will not spoil the perspective, but I suggest, will help maintain fluidly in the overall "compositional structure". |
Aug 6th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Very lovely and moody narrative: along with the Title, we sense a time when, on such an early morning, either a new boat and / or local fishermen set out to see.
Beautifully composed and finished: the extra wide perspective is "right-on" in helping to define narrative: what I term, "contemplative structure" is emotionally charged. Well done!! |
Aug 6th |
| 83 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
I think this is fantastic! I love your sense of visualization in seeing and composing the abstract work!
The finished piece can be correctly Categorized as "Conceptualized Photography" in virtue of both creation of a solid black (canvas-like) background and stark white enhancement of the splash marks on the walkway .... seemingly creating a Jackson Pollack like canvas abstract. Brilliant!
I would seriously think hard about continuing a series of like images ... photographic images inspired through objects (stuff) we do not notice or think interesting as we move from one place to another. Then, print the entire series for exhibition! |
Aug 6th |
7 comments - 10 replies for Group 83
|
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Thank you, everyone! |
Aug 21st |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
My thinking (liking) echos Steve ... as I like the random splash of color in a mostly non-colored image. The seemingly late evening image, along with the wet pavement ... makes me imagine a cool breeze whipping through the street .... very pretty. |
Aug 16th |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
I guess the placement of the colored paper needed to be more precisely positioned ... need to check how straight the actual color strips are .... are they printed perfectly? Use a straight edge and check. |
Aug 9th |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Reply |
...not at all!! We look forward to seeing more like this! However, in the other specialized groups you are speaking with people that practice this type of photographic art on a regular basis. : ) |
Aug 7th |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Wow! Really cool stuff, Jennifer!
Now be careful following the other group you are signing up to do! LOL! |
Aug 6th |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Indeed, an interesting juxtaposition between symbols of life and death. I do like the subdued lighting ... however ....
... thought: go back and increase the orange saturation in (just) the sky ... but just a little to help balance the orange "Ring". Or, convert to B&W and see how it helps (or detracts) from narrative. |
Aug 6th |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Hi Dale!
I appreciate you finding this unique scene and trying to register it through the lens, it is quite educational, as I know little about how Bees collect pollen .... Thank you. |
Aug 6th |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Gee!! Another creative studio performance!!
Really neat visual effect! I do have one comment: wish the glass had been perfectly straight with the (outside) lines .... unless this is some kind of optical illusion. The glass does seem tilted to the right ... and makes looking at the work a bit uneasy.
Can this shot be done again ... or is this issue just a matter of post-production?
Thanks, Steve! |
Aug 6th |
| 87 |
Aug 23 |
Comment |
Very Creative Photographic Mixed Media! You are surely learning your way around all the tools/techniques in these most interesting digital creations! Well done!
(You may want to join one of the "Creative" groups, where more of this type of illustrative or graphic arts type work is discussed). |
Aug 6th |
7 comments - 2 replies for Group 87
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22 comments - 15 replies Total
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