|
| Group |
Round |
C/R |
Comment |
Date |
Image |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Yes, the rider in the red shirt as the main subject works for me. |
Jun 23rd |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
I like your idea, Mary Ann, to print this on metal. I have always wanted to try that process myself and I agree with you this would be a great image to print that way.
lt
|
Jun 19th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Kieu-Hanh,
I remember back in October 2017; you submitted a photo similar to this race where you did another pano. I bet it was a good time watching these athletes do what they love; riding as fast as possible!
I agree with Michael and Ruth; the main subject is not in sharp focus. I am wondering what your focal length was for this photo. You used a 1/40s shutter speed, and your lens was 24-70mm (focal length was not provided with the photo).
It is possible the shutter speed was too slow for how fast the riders were going. I would recommend a faster shutter and experiment with shooting moving objects (like cars on the road) to get a feel for sharp subjects and blurred backgrounds with various shutter speeds. Did you shoot in shutter priority? This might help.
Shooting in continuous autofocus (on Canon, AI Servo) is recommended; you did not specify if you did. What type of focus point are you using (single point or grouped focus points)? Recommendations are to use grouped focus points because you have a moving subject but not too many points so that you can control the focus point on the rider's face. I do not shoot Canon, so I can't explain the focus points on your camera, but this info should help.
One example I read about was someone doing a bike race through rough terrain. His focal length was 200mm, and he shot at 1/250s shutter speed, but it was too slow because riders were going too fast for this shutter setting. So he upped to 1/1600s shutter speed and got the sharp focus that he wanted.
Shooting action is a lot of trial and error, so you can expect to take hundreds of photos for a handful of usable shots (that's the nature of the beast).
Shutter speed is usually (at a minimum) 1/over the lens's focal length. If you shoot at 70mm on this lens (and if this is an APS-C cropped sensor), then you need to be at least 1/over focal length times crop factor which is 1.6 (example: 70mm x 1.6 = 1/112th of a second) or use the next highest shutter speed on your camera 1/125s.
I hope this helps, and I hope you continue to shoot action!
Best regards,
lt
|
Jun 12th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Kieu-Hanh,
I remember back in October 2017; you submitted a photo similar to this race where you did another pano. I bet it was a good time watching these athletes do what they love; riding as fast as possible!
I agree with Michael and Ruth; the main subject is not in sharp focus. I am wondering what your focal length was for this photo. You used a 1/40s shutter speed, and your lens was 24-70mm (focal length was not provided with the photo).
It is possible the shutter speed was too slow for how fast the riders were going. I would recommend a faster shutter and experiment with shooting moving objects (like cars on the road) to get a feel for sharp subjects and blurred backgrounds with various shutter speeds. Did you shoot in shutter priority? This might help.
Shooting in continuous autofocus (on Canon, AI Servo) is recommended; you did not specify if you did. What type of focus point are you using (single point or grouped focus points)? Recommendations are to use grouped focus points because you have a moving subject but not too many points so that you can control the focus point on the rider's face. I do not shoot Canon, so I can't explain the focus points on your camera, but this info should help.
One example I read about was someone doing a bike race through rough terrain. His focal length was 200mm, and he shot at 1/250s shutter speed, but it was too slow because riders were going too fast for this shutter setting. So he upped to 1/1600s shutter speed and got the sharp focus that he wanted.
Shooting action is a lot of trial and error, so you can expect to take hundreds of photos for a handful of usable shots (that's the nature of the beast).
Shutter speed is usually (at a minimum) 1/over the lens's focal length. If you shoot at 70mm on this lens (and if this is an APS-C cropped sensor), then you need to be at least 1/over focal length times crop factor which is 1.6 (example: 70mm x 1.6 = 1/112th of a second) or use the next highest shutter speed on your camera 1/125s.
I hope this helps, and I hope you continue to shoot action!
Best regards,
lt
|
Jun 12th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Los Vaqueros Reservoir is a beautiful sight in this photograph. The minimal image allows the viewer to stop and ponder the loveliness of the scene.
My suggestion to help improve the photo is that the saturation seems a bit strong, and there are sensor spots in the sky that should be removed if you can make them out. Additionally, the clone stamp tool in Photoshop could help repair two overexposed highlights in the clouds.
Have a nice day,
lt |
Jun 12th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Mary Ann,
What a great photo, and to have the courage to ask if you could take their photo was awesome! Now you opened the world of street photography to add to your repertoire. People in public, especially men, often love for women to ask to take their photos, so why not!!
If you have the patience, you can use field blur in Photoshop to blur the background after the fact. I used it in my sampled edit and took a very QUICK stab at it. I use field blur when I need it. If you want more details on how it works, YouTube is where you will find the help.
Regarding the highlights on the board: You have two choices. One is to correct it as best you can and say it is a candid street photography-style shot. Or two, have you tried Photoshop's clone stamp tool or reference color in another square to paint out the highlight on a RAW file? I often use the clone stamp tool and the paintbrush to remove highlights or a blown-out sky in photos; many flower artists use this technique in flower photography, like Rosy LaLonde, who I learned from who is a wedding photographer. The more you use it, the better your skills will be.
I hope this helps.
lt
|
Jun 12th |
 |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Ruth,
Your perseverance has paid off this month; I love your image! I try as a photographer to think outside the box, and I am passionate about creativity, so with your photo, I was drawn to the pair of tulips. Still, the third one seemed to be a distraction for a few reasons (it's too tall, too close to the edge of the frame, and tips to the left instead of the right). I cropped with the golden ratio, added some pop to the color in Lightroom, and came up with this option.
P.S. I did break the rule of thirds intentionally.
What do you think?
lt |
Jun 12th |
 |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Ruth,
I did correct the title of your image.
I like your photo this month of a woman and her dog. I used to do a sport called tracking dog with our German Shepherd out in a field that looked almost exactly like the one these two were walking in. At first glance, I thought the lady was teaching her dog to prepare for a tracking exercise. Her Golden Retriever is a perfect breed of dog that loves to run in the tall grasses, so I have no problem with the piece of grass in the dog's face; it's part of what this breed of dog is all about and what they enjoy doing.
In my example, I darkened the background a bit and lightened the subjects. I also adjusted the color as the tones seemed to lack saturation; not a lot but a bit. Lastly, I used the golden ratio crop and put the impact point on the dog's face. The new crop brings the pair closer to the viewer. Curious what you think.
Have a great day,
lt
|
Jun 12th |
 |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Ruth, I did add the camera settings and shutter speed to the description of this image. You had a point about the shutter speed if this information helps do you want to comment further?
lt |
Jun 12th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hello Ruth,
Yes, I agree with you that the image has many curves! I have been learning to shoot in aperture priority with this camera. In the past, I always used manual settings. With available light and a stationary subject, the camera chose this setting. Next time maybe I will try shutter priority.
What do you think about the curves in the image?
lt |
Jun 11th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Thank you, Joan, for sharing your thoughts and opinions.
I am sorry to hear that you would do away with most of my photographs "extremely busy and distracting" elements, as you stated. Your vision for this scene appears different than mine, but that's ok; it's part of why we are here to share our thoughts and ideas. If I remove all the distractions you find, my photo will be nothing more than what everyone sees when photographing turtles. My goal is to be different by not creating the same image 'style' as everyone else; I want to be more creative; that is who I am as an artist.
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer. We have compositional "guidelines" to help us navigate and compose photographs. We can and should break these guidelines occasionally as they are not set in stone; this is how photographers can put originality in their images. As I see it, beauty often is in the eye of the beholder.
Have a wonderful day!
lt |
Jun 11th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
That is an excellent answer, and I agree with you, Michael!
lt |
Jun 8th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hello Michael,
I am glad you like my nice image. You have created three interesting renditions of this scene, all possibilities. I like your approach to finding new ideas and potential compositions from the image.
But the compositions seem ordinary and a common way of viewing turtles. I don't see a wow factor or anything pop in the photos. In addition, the colors are drab. Adding the reeds to the first image makes the scene busy (reeds, turtles, a log, and water); there are too many elements; less is more.
I appreciate your ideas and discussion and look forward to your feedback.
Best regards,
lt
|
Jun 8th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hello Ruth,
Thank you for your kind words about my photograph! I also was captivated by the water's blue and green wavy lines. When I was at the location, I had no idea of the potential of this scene. This could mean I must "stop and smell the roses" more when on location. Perhaps I rushed too much to take the photo and worried about finding something else along the path, not noticing the potential of the water and turtles unfolding before my eyes.
The square crop and centering the turtles was an artistic choice I made, and I explained my intent in my reply to Kieu-Hanh.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards,
lt |
Jun 7th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Thank you, Kieu-Hanh, for your thoughts on this image. Your idea to reduce the water's blue color would make the image more natural - I agree. But I don't want to be or present my photos the same as everyone else. I want to try and introduce something new and different to capture a viewer's attention so they can contemplate a water scene differently. I want to break the compositional rules - that is who I am as an artist. That is why I chose to leave the blues more saturated (but not garish); the color caught my eye, and I want to share it with the audience.
I also chose to leave basking turtles that are not moving centered in the frame, another artistic choice I decided to make on my image. It is my hope there are enough ripples in the water to draw the eye away from the center to enjoy the abstract look surrounding the turtles.
All-in-all, an artist has to take a chance, or they will fade into the background of photographers before them doing what looks natural and predictable. I hope this helps you understand my intent for this photograph.
Best regards,
lt |
Jun 7th |
| 3 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Michael,
What a great idea to pick a theme and go out and create photographs based on a given topic. I love the idea of shooting through a window; it gives a viewer a different point of view. I have a deck of cards that has different photographic ideas on each card which I find helpful when I feel stuck for ideas on what to photograph next.
The first thing I notice is the woman is very studious. I notice her posture, the way she crosses her legs and how her scarf blends with the color of the wall behind her. She did find a quiet area between buildings, so she must be doing something important that requires a tranquil setting from the hustle and bustle of a crowded sidewalk cafe. Your idea is contemplative and I commend you on your efforts.
I do have a question. Is the idea of shooting through the window something along the lines of doing street photography? Would it be ok to straighten the window with a perspective app, or was the intent to shoot through a window to keep the idea simple?
Thanks for sharing an idea that is new and different you have inspired me to try my hand at a new perspective.
lt |
Jun 5th |
7 comments - 9 replies for Group 3
|
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hi Bunny,
It's been a while since I edited this photo. I may re-edit it and try a different technique. I used to use presets in Nik, but lately, I have been shying away from presets (because they are global edits) and editing with the sliders. Thanks for noting that this tree isn't one you would take shelter under; your comment has me thinking of new ideas.
Have a wonderful weekend,
lt |
Jun 22nd |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Thanks, Mark; I will consider your suggestion in another photo edit!
Best regards,
LuAnn |
Jun 22nd |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hello Bob,
Ya, maybe the branches are a bit too dark. I did use a preset on this image and struggled with the outcome it produced (darker edges). Since then, I have learned to use color sliders, which helps me eliminate the need for a preset and create a more natural and artistic look. We will see what you think of next month's image.
Have a wonderful day, and enjoy the journey of house hunting! |
Jun 19th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hello Oliver,
I agree with you; this image has many possibilities for editing. I like your edit; it opens the shadows around the edge, allowing the image to tell a different story. Thanks for sharing your idea with me!
lt |
Jun 19th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hi Mark,
Excellent photo from your travels to Portugal! I have to say I love what Israel did with the sun's rays.
I just bought some light brushes from Joel Grimes Photography, so I want to try this myself.
Best wishes,
LuAnn |
Jun 11th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Bunny,
Your iPhone took a great image of this church, Bunny! I think your composition is spot on. The only comment I have to add is about the brightness; the church seems bright. Otherwise, it's a perfect image!!
My husband does not want to travel anywhere outside the house; it seems; so lucky you to be able to travel the world!
Have a wonderful day!
lt |
Jun 11th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Bob,
Bravo for you challenging yourself to continue down the line of creativity. This image does look good in black and white. I do feel I need a place to find sharp focus, you know, a place to rest the old eyes. What was your intent regarding the focus on this image?
Thanks for inspiring me to be different!
lt |
Jun 11th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hi Emil,
I like the contrast you have created in this image. I am not bothered by the dark edges. You have the necessary elements in front of the building in good light, so having edge detail may distract the eye from the main subject.
Well done, sir!
lt |
Jun 11th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Yes, Israel, there may not be enough skins to tell the exact story you saw when you were there, but the viewer can create their own story when viewing your image. So all is not lost; it's open to interpretation (meaning something can be understood in different ways).
lt |
Jun 8th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Reply |
Hello Emil,
Thank you for your kind words about my tree photo. I wish we had more trees like this with such character, but living in an area with sandy-lome soil isn't conducive to their growth.
I often use the 1x1 crop factor in macro or close-up photography. In this photo, the darkened area around the edges of the frame conveys a sense of a hiding place. I failed to note this in my description; I apologize. So the location is not just about the tree itself, but the feeling of being in the woods and finding shelter beneath this tree. Photographing a feeling you get when you see a subject can be difficult to put on paper.
I appreciate the feedback!
lt
|
Jun 6th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Israel,
If I think like a neutral viewer who does not know the story behind the photo, I can see a man working very hard, even though I can not see his hands or what he is doing below the brick wall. The expression on his face, his tattered short-shorts, and his bare legs in a space with a giant wooden drum held in a stop position by a 2x4 implies a sad and primitive working environment. I also do not know if he works in a tannery (no signage or evidence of his leather work). Even still, I believe you tell the viewer an important story of a day in this man's life.
The yellow monotone you have used also helps add something to prick the viewer's attention that something is different in this photograph. The tone adds a vintage style that compliments the primitive working conditions.
Thank you for sharing this photojournalistic style of photo this month; I enjoyed viewing it a great deal.
All my best to you, your family, and Israel,
LuAnn |
Jun 6th |
| 62 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
Hello Oliver,
You are an incredible portrait photographer! You captured a solemn expression and a commitment to what he was doing on the sidewalk. I like how you flipped the image and removed the logo on his glasses. I think this situation is perfect for conversion to black and white, in which you did a great job.
I only recommend working on the back of his neck a bit. Have you tried to clone this area in Photoshop? I have never tried it on people's skin, but it might help blend the site better; it seems too dark right now, and I see the original is blown out a little. With a bit of time and patience, this would be an easy fix.
I worked off the color image and didn't flip because I forgot.
Thanks for sharing a great image!
lt |
Jun 4th |
 |
5 comments - 7 replies for Group 62
|
| 80 |
Jun 23 |
Comment |
I really love this photo, Bob! The backlight is perfect and gives the flower a new look that I wouldn't typically see in a garden. I like the fresh new idea. I also think your color palette has a lot to do with the success of this photo. The yellows and reds are very eye-catching colors.
I could see this photo also cropped in a 16x9 taking a little off the top, or 1x1, and having the yellow daisy as the subject on the right vertical rule of thirds line. I did not try it, but you could do a triptych with three variations from this photo.
Excellent job, my friend!
lt |
Jun 22nd |
1 comment - 0 replies for Group 80
|
13 comments - 16 replies Total
|
