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| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
That works quite well. Thanks for lending a hand in our group. |
Apr 20th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Thank you, Marti. I appreciate the nice and informative comments. Assuming you mean "light stroke" as a border, I'm not a big advocate of borders, but it's something to consider here. |
Apr 20th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Comment |
I saved yours for last, Ed; mainly because I couldn't think of much to add from what was said above. Technically, everything as far as focus, exposure and color balance seem good. The composition feels right to me as well. I agree with Paul about the white doors. See if you can tone those down a little. The viewer's eyes would be more free to roam around without being drawn to the bright doors. It could be me, but I feel a very slight downward pull on the left side. The image might be level, but there's a perception that it's off a small bit, perhaps do to the angle of the fence. Michael's observation about the cows is very perceptive. It's really the heart of the story. If I could offer anything, it would be about the shrubs on both sides of the tractor. They feel like two blobs that interrupt the visual flow of the image. They distract from what the cows are going to. If you're not ethically opposed, consider cloning them out using a separate layer. If you don't like the result, delete the layer. Insidently, as I examine the trees behind the barn more closely, I see what might be evidence of cloning. There is some repeating patters that reveal something was done back there. I'm not against eliminating distractions, it just needs to be done more randomly. Please excuse me if I'm wrong. It's a good scene captured well. |
Apr 15th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Comment |
Darcy, I think this would be a completely different image if this was taken during the golden or blue hour light. You would have the benefit of more even and softer light. I often refer to myself as a mid-day snob, so please pardon my bias. But during those softer hours, you have the luxury of making long exposure so you can have that nice feathery water. September would offer fall colors too. The problem is that we can't always be at the perfect place at the perfect time.
With that aside, your composition is well done. I like how you had not revealed the top of the bridge. A little mystery is always good. This is a very challenging subject to get just right. I wish something can be done about the trees and shrubs on each side. I was in this very same spot a number of months ago trying to make a good capture. I failed. Given the mid-day light, your exposure, focus and DOF are good. Another thought would be to convert this to monochrome. Then make it more dramatic with some vignetting. This would help pull the viewer's eyes away from the trees and shrubs.
If you have the opportunity, try returning in different seasons during different light. There's a spectacular image waiting to made of this scene. I think timing is everything at this location. |
Apr 12th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Michael's idea is a good one. Holding white water at an acceptable exposure is a challenge. Another way to approach this is to bracket your exposure in aperture priority. Paul, in you can use the same technique that Michael explained above. In PS, select the entire underexposed image (or reprocessed image) then drag it over and onto the working image. A layer is automatically created. Put a Layer Mask on the new image-layer, then click Control-I (PC) or Command-I (Mac) to invert the mask - the mask should be black. Now you can not see the new image layer. With a brush on white, brush over the overexposed white water sections. Adjust your opacity to perfect it. |
Apr 12th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Comment |
Hi Paul, from my perspective, you accomplished your goals perfectly. I like the sky the way it is. I see the dark, damp and chilly feel you're after. You captured the mood, just right. I like what Jerry did with the crop but I would leave the sky as you made it. It contributes to the mood.
What really makes this image work is your wife on the dock. The image would be mediocre at best without her there. She sets the stage for the overall feel and mood. Often, people in photos provide life to an otherwise "just okay" image. |
Apr 12th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
I can relate well with your thinking, Michael. I like how you are seeking out photographic subjects that are very ordinary, something that most of us would walk by without noticing. It takes talent and a lot of practice to do that. Keep it going.
|
Apr 12th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
I think you have it! Nice work in making the image more simple. It also does a better job with creating a more peaceful scene. |
Apr 12th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Thank you very much, Mark. And, thanks for visiting our group. |
Apr 12th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Comment |
Jean, you have an eye for excellent directional flow in an image. Specifically, here, you have composed your photo with three diagonal lines flowing from lower left to the upper right: The shrubs, the top edge of the dunes and the background mountains. A perfect use of 3s. You are also using the 3s effectively with the sand, mountains and sky.
Your color render is spot-on too. I feel that your first posted image is cropped too tight to the background mountain. Your original is too expansive. Perhaps find a crop somewhere between the two. The person on the left does not work for me either, but it provides the needed perspective. The following suggestion might draw some controversy, however, if you're inclined, move the person to the otherside. Death Valley is one of my most favorite places on earth. The dunes there are very challenging. With just a little tweaking, you have a terrific photo. |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Comment |
Hi Jerry; yes, very captivating photo. This would have been hard for me to pass up too. There something about lone trees. I'm the kind of person who will beat something to death before I give up on it. I really think working to either reduce the noise/aberration or working with the noise is worth the effort. But first, why an image shot 12 years ago?
Now, I would try two options: 1. Try some super-duper noise reduction software. I have had some success with Topaz. DXO has a very sophisticated noise reduction application. Or, 2. work with the noise to your advantage. I'm not very familiar with effects filters but there's a lot out there that can stylize your image where you use the noise and aberration to make it look purposeful. Klukosky has some interesting presets, Topaz too. I would also try various Orton effect techniques that might help. Try NIK Glamour Glow, ON1 or Luminar. I would like to see where you take it. Your image is worth the effort. |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Comment |
Hi Michael, what strikes me here is that I can almost hear the many sounds that would contribute to the relaxing feeling that Ed referred to above - the breeze against grasses, the water gently flowing, perhaps a frog... If the viewer can imagine the sounds from an image, it is highly successful. As we are out photographing, we typically react to a scene based on mood, a similar image we've seen in the past; it might tell a story. Nevertheless, we make the capture and if you're like me, several months later I'll look at the RAW image and ask myself, did the image come out as I saw it. What were your thoughts as you were composition this shot? Does it tell the story the way you saw it? Jean did a nice job in making your photo more concise. She eliminate the clutter on the right making it more simple without losing its purpose. You have an eye for the more detailed things of nature. Keep it going. |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
I appreciate the nice words, Paul. Thanks! |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Thank you, Jerry. |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Thank you, Ed. You're too kind. I'm sure you have an abundance of these types of forests. You definitely live in, what I consider to be heaven on earth. Look for foggy mornings where the sun is still low and trying to break through. |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Thank you for the nice compliment, Wayne - and thanks for visiting our group. |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Thank you, Darcy. I like what you did. It always amazes me with what other people see and I miss. |
Apr 7th |
| 93 |
Apr 20 |
Reply |
Thank you, Michael. During a photo trip to Mt. Rainier, one of the members of our small group took us up a little known road near Ashford, just outside of the park. I think the name is Copper Creek road (?) |
Apr 3rd |
6 comments - 12 replies for Group 93
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6 comments - 12 replies Total
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