Critique My Photo

[Diamond Lil]

This critique thread is intended for photos that you would like honest and objective comments about from our members. Each photo should be accompanied by a description.

To gain the most from guidance offered about your photograph, here are a couple of thoughts to consider;


The critique offered by members is about the photograph and not the photographer. There will be both negative and positive objective feedback offered. Please be prepared.
If you are working on any particular technique or would like specific feedback, please do not hesitate to include that in your posting. Requests here can be regarding original recording of the image and/or post processing.



For those who are offering critique;


This is a friendly forum and thread. The purpose is to help and encourage each other.
Offer objective and fair critique with The Ethic of Reciprocity or The Golden Rule in mind.
Comments are restricted to those about the photograph only.
Always tell us what you like about the photo and why.
Always give specific feedback regarding what improvements you think can be made to the photograph.

[Diamond Lil]

Winter at the City Pier

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/530/Winter_At_The_Pier_sm.jpg

Winter scenes can be beautiful here. The photographic challenge for me has
been to record that beauty in all its splendor in spite of the constant overcast
and lack of variation in color. I'm open for anything you all have to offer from
the nits to the big criticisms as it is a goal to get better and better at these images.

[EZE RIDER]

Great composition. I am new at this but it appears to me that the white balance was thrown off a bit? There is a blue tint even in the mountains in the background.

[pegdragger]

Lil, I would recommend maybe a stop or two higher or a higher ISO (by higher I mean lower as in 200). Seems like you are losing the sky in this pic. Perhaps a UV/Haze filter as well for the mountains. JMHO. Hope it helps

[Kodatech]

"Winter at the City Pier"

I think the composure is good, but in my HUMBLE opinion I would like to see it under-exposed.

Bring out the sky some more. Dont worry if the ducks end up like silhouettes, I think it would look ok. Did you use a polarizing filter? That may help as well...by the way, what camera and lens are you using?

[Diamond Lil]

Ed, Michael, you've both nailed my struggle. Most of the duck pictures you've seen are in the same very hazy, overcast, super filtered sunlight. I was thinking of experimenting by changing the white balance to sunny as I've been told it should make a picture like this one warmer. Have you ever heard that?

Michael, you've reminded me of something I should have remembered; hazy, foggy or otherwise moist air days means try an ISO higher. If I were to do that on the duck pictures, the colors would not be vivid at all.

If I am already using a haze filter, do you think a polarizing filter might help?

[Diamond Lil]

Kodatech, I just saw your post. I used a haze filter. The picture was made with a Canon Rebel XT through a Canon EF 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM.


PS
The input is great everyone. Thank you. As Michaelangelo said, "I Am Still Learning".

[Kodatech]

I would try a polarizer instead of the haze picture. Just experiment...the picture is really good, but i think there is too much reflection on the water and a circular polarizer would help this.

[tude]

Aperture?
I don't know for sure but what AP did you shoot this?
I too love the composition but did you shoot this manual?
There is so much I love about this shot but am frustrated figuring what I would have done different.
Going forward if we give exif data we all might learn from this thread:D

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, you are so right about the data. I apologize for not including it in the image post.
Here it is:
Shutter speed: 1/500
Aperture: f/11
ISO 200
WB: automatic

[tude]

Cloudy day shooting from 350 yds with a 70-200 @ f5.6 ISO 200 then PP w/ Elements 6, Lucis art and Nik software.
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/005.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/005ed.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/005ed2.jpg

[polizzio]

I like the first frame exposure especially. Nice composition. There seems to be some sort of abberation or anomoly on the right side in all 3 of the exposures, like I've seen occasionally on film. Or am I mistaken?

[EZE RIDER]

Tude, cool shot. No critiques here. Just the reeds? that Polizzio mentioned.

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, I love the object and composition. I like the first one best as well, but then again, what else would you expect? ;) I love that it is a softened image.

I don't know how your PP works, but wonder if there is a way to pull the detail in the sky out which you have recorded in the image?

I'm thinking the detail being noted on the right is blurred tall grass. I wonder what a crop reducing the green grass to half of what it is now would do?

[polizzio]

Ok, reeds or cat tails up very close and out of focus. My error.

[tude]

Ok, reeds or cat tails up very close and out of focus. My error.

Yes sir a big weed:D
Thought I had all out of the composition but that one "snuck" in
Thanks for the comments and Li' I will try to play with the sky albeit I think a gradient filter is all I can get with out using some cloud brushes.

[tude]

A few from my favorite model...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_0409ed.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_0405ed.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_0402ed.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

Yes sir a big weed:D
Thought I had all out of the composition but that one "snuck" in
Thanks for the comments and Li' I will try to play with the sky albeit I think a gradient filter is all I can get with out using some cloud brushes.

You can paint clouds? Wow, is this a foreign world to me!

[Diamond Lil]

A few from my favorite model...


She ought to be. She's beautiful and your photos are very well done. The first one rocks!

[tude]

Thanks Lil
I love natural light and she is the reason..

[polizzio]

The last frame is just beautiful tude, the pure smile of a child.

[tude]

TYVM
She makes it easy

[echo3]

The last frame is just beautiful tude, the pure smile of a child.

My favorite too, for the same reason.

[tude]

TYVM Echo:D

[Photogirl]

O.K. Here is photo number one. I like the pic in general, but it looks so flat.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/2/medium/DSC01624_1_.JPG

I know I need to use a polarizing filter. That would probably help with the hazy look!!

[Diamond Lil]

It is good to see someone else making lakeshore photographs. :) Lakes can be truly beautiful and change every moment.

I know we can look it up somehow, but to help, would you provide aperture, shutter speed, white balance and ISO settings?

[EZE RIDER]

I'm just learning to do post production editing. I'm not very good at it yet but I find it helps quite a bit.


http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/DSC01624_1_-2.jpg

[tude]

Another edit in plain elements
Lighten shadows
Bump contrast+ (to your taste)
Warmify the temp a smidge
slight sharpen
If it was a higher res photo you could use a gradient in the sky and render lens flare in the left corner for sunshine..
Really its easier to got out at sunrise and sunset:D
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/DSC01624_1_edbasic.jpg

[Photogirl]

It is good to see someone else making lakeshore photographs. :) Lakes can be truly beautiful and change every moment.

I know we can look it up somehow, but to help, would you provide aperture, shutter speed, white balance and ISO settings?

Sorry Lil!! That's what I get for posting half asleep!! Shutter speed 400, f/3.5, WB on auto as well as ISO. It was dusk, with the sun behind me. I wasn't sure what to use for the light settings.

[Photogirl]

Editing, very cool!! I know there is a lot of red in the pic. Sunset behind me!!!

[Heavens Thunder]

Nice picture and pleaseing to the eye of the coast line.

[Kodatech]

I'm just learning to do post production editing. I'm not very good at it yet but I find it helps quite a bit.


http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/DSC01624_1_-2.jpg


I have to say this is my favorite edit. I think the sky is a little blown out, but you could probably just change the crop a little.


Scroll down untill most of the sky is chopped off by the top of your computer screen and you will see what I mean.

[EZE RIDER]

Thanks KT. Coming from you that means alot. Your right about the sky. I have to learn how to use the graduated mask in Lightroom.

[Kodatech]

OK I have given my $0.02 on a few photos here in this thread.....its my turn.

Lay it on me and be brutal. I am trying to improve, so if you see an area that needs it let me know.


http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/19/l_81b35afe4a49419d8853a539b0bfd99f.jpg


If you can, try to ignore the JPEG artifact. It is an unfortunate circumstance of myspace file compression.

[Diamond Lil]

O.K. Here is photo number one. I like the pic in general, but it looks so flat.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/2/medium/DSC01624_1_.JPG

I know I need to use a polarizing filter. That would probably help with the hazy look!!
Sorry Lil!! That's what I get for posting half asleep!! Shutter speed 400, f/3.5, WB on auto as well as ISO. It was dusk, with the sun behind me. I wasn't sure what to use for the light settings.

The sky is so bright that it makes auto sensing challenging causing the flatness of the rest of the image. I know this from way too much personal experience. If you want to rely upon auto settings to a good extent, try using a daylight WB and ISO 100. Let the camera do the rest.

[Photogirl]

Thanks Lil!!! I'll definitely use it next time. (Got a couple shots in mind) I am always afraid to adjust the light too much and wash out the back of the pic. I like to see most of the detail there!!! This will work wonderfully!! Thanks a bunch. I'll post a new and improved one now!!

[Diamond Lil]

You might even consider exposure bracketing. Another experiment would be to titlt the camera a bit downward away from the sky and depress the shutter button half way. While keeping the button depressesd move the camera upward a bit to frame the photo you are attemting to make. Doing this may just allow the metering sensors to set exposure levels better for the rest of the photo. The risk is that the sky may totally blow out.

[tude]

You might even consider exposure bracketing. Another experiment would be to titlt the camera a bit downward away from the sky and depress the shutter button half way. While keeping the button depressesd move the camera upward a bit to frame the photo you are attemting to make. Doing this may just allow the metering sensors to set exposure levels better for the rest of the photo. The risk is that the sky may totally blow out.
Great Idea Lil

[tude]

OK I have given my $0.02 on a few photos here in this thread.....its my turn.

Lay it on me and be brutal. I am trying to improve, so if you see an area that needs it let me know.


http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/19/l_81b35afe4a49419d8853a539b0bfd99f.jpg


If you can, try to ignore the JPEG artifact. It is an unfortunate circumstance of myspace file compression.

Ok Brutal..
Powerlines and photos are like water and oil..
The bird silhouette needs a tree branch or something more interesting for the focal point (less of course he was flying).
I love the sky color cast and the gradient tho and think it would be an awesome photo with a different composition.
I am like you in trying to become better and I learn everyday but am just am amateur not a pro so... that being said my "honest" opinion lest you agree is bumpkis.
If you like the photo who cares what anyone else thinks:D

[Kodatech]

No U hit it....thats what it needs....something natural as opposed to the lines.


Thanks!!

[pegdragger]

I will third that. My eyes were immediately drawn to the sky color. It is a beautiful capture. Love the color, love the vignetting (or gradient). The bird is great also.

[Kodatech]

You got it right, it is vignetting. I used a UV filter, and a lens hood. There was a SLIGHT amount of vignetting that was enhanced during post processing.


I'm glad somebody pointed it out though....I kept looking at the picture thinking...I like it but SOMETHING isn't right....Its the natural look of the bird and the sky.....destroyed by the un natural power lines!!!!

[Diamond Lil]

...
http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/19/l_81b35afe4a49419d8853a539b0bfd99f.jpg
...

Okay, the power lines have been torturing me. It is not that they cannot work. They can somehow, strangely fit in this picture because of the horizontal gradations seen in the clouds. It finally hit me what is disturbing about them; there are too many. If you could have found the perspective that would have reduced them to two or by some tremendous feat down to one the effect would have been striking. I love what you tried to do.

[EZE RIDER]

Power lines ruin so many photographic opportunities it isn't funny. In this case I wouldn't say it ruined it because there is nothing else whatsoever in the shot. They just made your beautiful shot less than perfect. The most redeeming quality for me is that the photo has a calming effect for me as if I was actually there. Very nice.

[Kodatech]

Ill just have to go another round with the bird!!! :O)

[scol]

A few from my favorite model...
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_0409ed.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_0405ed.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_0402ed.jpg


Hi Mike great usage of natural light, on the little girls face. My eye keeps going to the door and window on the right and the door in the back ground is distracting. Backgrounds can be very distracting one way to control this is to use wider aperture or move the subject, bracket, bracket, bracket some more. Tip focus on the eyes hold focus then include rest of face. When shooting people and animals eyes need to be the sharpest thing in the photo. If outdoors and shooting wild life use flash if necessary and available. Look at National Geographic the eyes have it most always. I see huge potential for portrait photography here, go for it Mike. How many frames did you shoot? I'd have don at least 10. I don't know if you guys know this or not, professional photgs throw away around 40% of the pix they take sometimes more, I've burned through 2 - 3 rolls of film to get one shot I wanted an thrown away the rest. Hope I wasn't to long winded.

[Diamond Lil]

One of the reasons I have an incredible amount of respect for Annie Leibovitz is that she is known to at times make one photograph and be done with it. The John Lennon and Yoko Ono portrait she made just hours before his murder is one very famous example. Just one Polaroid and the portrait session wrapped up.

[scol]

I've seen her work but not familiar with her technique. How does she control a sneeze, blink, bump, twitch, human unintended movements?

[Diamond Lil]

All I can tell you is that she is a master.
For those who aren't familiar, here is just a smattering of her work: Andrew Smith Gallery (http://www.andrewsmithgallery.com/exhibitions/annieleibovitz/americanmusic/index.htm)

tude posted about her Disney work earlier. You can find it if you search. She has photographed three US Presidents and many other politicians at special events for spreads in Vanity Fair. She does portraiture for many celebrities. Her work is world renowned.

[scol]

She did the Queen of England recently and pissed her off, as I remember ? :rofl::rofl:

[Diamond Lil]

And that, in all probabilities did not phase Leibovitz at all.

[scol]

And that, in all probabilities did not phase Leibovitz at all.

If I remember correctly she asked the Queen to take her crown off and the Queen had a hissy fit and walked off the set. Funny stuff.:D

[Diamond Lil]

One persons sense of propriety is another's.......
http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/laugh.gif

[tude]

Hi Mike great usage of natural light, on the little girls face. My eye keeps going to the door and window on the right and the door in the back ground is distracting. Backgrounds can be very distracting one way to control this is to use wider aperture or move the subject, bracket, bracket, bracket some more. Tip focus on the eyes hold focus then include rest of face. When shooting people and animals eyes need to be the sharpest thing in the photo. If outdoors and shooting wild life use flash if necessary and available. Look at National Geographic the eyes have it most always. I see huge potential for portrait photography here, go for it Mike. How many frames did you shoot? I'd have don at least 10. I don't know if you guys know this or not, professional photgs throw away around 40% of the pix they take sometimes more, I've burned through 2 - 3 rolls of film to get one shot I wanted an thrown away the rest. Hope I wasn't to long winded.

Thanks Bob and you are right about the door but it was essential for the shot..
Wide ap wouldn't work for the shot cause it was hand held and the room is orange (daughter unit loves colors) and Gdaughter sez Poppa mike I am done taking pics so there is my dilemma..
Long winded? Not
You are a published and respected tog postscript being where I wanna be and I embrace your critiques..

[scol]

Thanks Bob and you are right about the door but it was essential for the shot..
Wide ap wouldn't work for the shot cause it was hand held and the room is orange (daughter unit loves colors) and Gdaughter sez Poppa mike I am done taking pics so there is my dilemma..
Long winded? Not
You are a published and respected tog postscript being where I wanna be and I embrace your critiques..

Got it, when they are done they're done.

[Kodatech]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/The_Setting_Sun.jpg

Well lay it on me...what do you think?

[Diamond Lil]

I like it.

Strength: Dramatic. Good use of light and darks in composition. Good choice of subject.

Weakness: Depth of field penetration leaves the foreground a little too indistinct from the background.

I'm so darned curious what this would have looked like had you had the good fortune of being able to use a tilt shift perspective lens.

[Kodatech]

So you think I should have gone with a more shallow depth of field? I got a few different versions I could process and post.

[Diamond Lil]

It might be interesting to see.

[EZE RIDER]

Great sunset. I think if most of the left side was cropped out it would look better. Thats of course is just my opinion and is probably totally wrong. Lol

[Kodatech]

I actually have a few pics where the sun is to the far left....so I don't have to crop it, i just need to process another one...working on it now.

[Kodatech]

Here is Take 2 on the same sunset.



http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Sunset21.jpg


Almost forgot about this one...so here is Take 3

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DownTownSunset.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

...

Almost forgot about this one...so here is Take 3

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DownTownSunset.jpg

What a photograph to forget! For my eye this one takes me into the sunset. It is as if I could walk into the sun's fire. I really like this one.

Now, may I get bold?

Just try this and never show us if you do not approve. Crop about 1/7 from the top and 1/10 from the right.

[pegdragger]

Mike, I really like the take 2 pic. Take 3 isn't too shabby either. Take 2 has some great color.

[Kodatech]

What a photograph to forget! For my eye this one takes me into the sunset. It is as if I could walk into the sun's fire. I really like this one.

Now, may I get bold?

Just try this and never show us if you do not approve. Crop about 1/7 from the top and 1/10 from the right.

Something more like this?

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DiamondLilCrop.jpg


After seeing it i think you are right, there was too much 'dead' space at the bottom of the picture before.
Thanks for the suggestion! You even got credit for it in the file name ;)

[Diamond Lil]

That is perfect! And thank you so very much for the honor.

[Kodatech]

Thanks for the critique. I am going to retry my "reflection sunset" this weekend if I get a chance.

[Diamond Lil]

Thanks for the critique...
You are a good sport. You're welcome.
...I am going to retry my "reflection sunset" this weekend if I get a chance.


Now that I look forward too!!!

[Diamond Lil]

My turn. Any criticism welcome.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/530/Night_Sky.jpg
Night Sky

[Kodatech]

It is a great photo Lil, the ONLY thing that bothers me is really minor....the cloud at the bottom, its the only dark silouhette type cloud in the picture. I wonder why it turned out that way....great shot though. Nice colors!

[Diamond Lil]

Thanks Mike. Do you mean the centrally placed thin one or the white which turns dark toward the right side? That is the way they were in the sky. Do you think it would be better to have change the scene to have avoided them?

[Kodatech]

I mean the one black cloud at the bottom of the scene, close to the horizon. I don't think there is anything you could have done about it, its just the way the light hit the cloud.

The picture is still great...just an observation. :)

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, thank you. I appreciate your perspective.

[Kodatech]

This is from this morning with my broken tripod incident. You can read about that in another thread. :D Any critiques are appreciated.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3602072598_7999f370aa_b.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

That is spectacular Mike!http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/plause.gif

[Kodatech]

Thanks, but I will say the photo doesn't do it justice! For anyone who hasn't driven their car to a high altitude and dodged deer jumping across the road at 4:30am.....DO IT!!

My suggestion is to do it during or immediately after alot of rain...there will be lots of low lying fog, and to watch the sun come up ABOVE a layer of clouds , and call it breathtaking is the understatement of the year.

It is easier to take clear photos at sunSET, since the heat of the day burns off the mist...but to experience a sunrise at the top of a mountain is like nothing else.

[Kodatech]

Oh one more thing....to try to put in perspective how beautiful it is in person, that photo is NOT over saturated and was minimally processed. Adjusted contrast, ramped up the blacks a bit for some deep shadows, and upped the "clarity" slider a tab in adobe camera raw.


It was THAT color in person!!!!

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, not that they need it at all, but you should write accompanying text to your pictures when the mood strikes you. I did not think it possible, but you made that photograph even better.

[Kodatech]

Thanks. Maybe Ill try that once in a while. :O)

[polizzio]

Oh one more thing....to try to put in perspective how beautiful it is in person, that photo is NOT over saturated and was minimally processed. Adjusted contrast, ramped up the blacks a bit for some deep shadows, and upped the "clarity" slider a tab in adobe camera raw.


It was THAT color in person!!!!

Then why do any PP to it? I guess I'm a purist but I believe in recording what my eye saw and what the camera sensor recorded. All this post processing......some of em are on the verge of cartoonic, they no longer represent the image as it was recorded. Not trying to offend anyone here but whats wrong with posting or publishing an image as it was taken or recorded, like in the purist sense?

[Kodatech]

I had to process it. It was shot in raw. I know what you mean about the purist stuff, but sometimes its ok to get creative too. :)

Alot of what I shoot in HDR is kind of surreal, but I am not always going for a scientific representation of what was there. :D

[Springer]

Had to do some shots for an engagement tonight. These are a few and havent done much to them yet so tell me what you think.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_0991.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_0992.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_1000.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_1011.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_1017.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_1019.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_1026.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y114/FLSTSC/_MG_1035-1.jpg

[echo3]

#4 and #6 are my favorites :)

[Kodatech]

I like 4 and 6 the best too. OK since you posted this in the critique section I am gonna lay it on you...I hope you do the same for me. Take this all with a grain of salt though, I am a moron.

Photo 1. My only suggestion is to have them do something else with their hands. The hands on the pockets thing makes them seem uncomfortable or almost "scared" to touch eachother.

Photo 2. GREAT! Pleasing and non distracting background, they both look happy and at ease. Nothing wrong with that one in my eyes.

Photo 3. Again, the only thing for ME is the hand placement..they just seem...."stiff"...know what I mean?

Photo 4. Looks good to me! They look relaxed and the shot is just nice!

Photo 5. I like the idea ALOT. The hand in the pocket thing bothers me so much...sorry. :( And there is a bit of a shadow behind "her". I think that can easily be fixed in PS though.

Photo 6. Perfect to me. I like the whole thing from Idea to execution.

Photo 7. I like everything about it. The background and again the couple looks relaxed and intimate.

Photo 8. Everything is good except..yeah I know I am a broken record..the hand in the pocket.....


Take all of my critiques with a grain of salt dude. The photos came out great, and those are just my opinions. I was recently in my sister's wedding, and I kept getting yelled at during photos.....anyone care to guess why the photographers were yelling at me? :D




Oh yeah one more thing...this is all coming from a guy who doesn't even like to shoot people because I can't seem to get it right. :)

[3 Olive Martini]

umm the only critique i have has nothing to do with you .. her choice of clothing makes it look like her bra is showing.. i KNOW its tank top but not every one would.. especially in photo #2..and #3.. i have the same to say about #1.. they look like they dont like each other much ..

[Kodatech]

I would have NEVER noticed that 3Olive.

I have to agree that my gripes don't really have anything to do with the quality of the photographs.

[3 Olive Martini]

that is cause you are a guy.. it looks from the side as though she has on a black bra.. it just draws my eye to it.. i am very concious of those things.. maybe it has to do with my trials and tribulations about finding the right bra to wear under stuff.... LOL.. and of course.. guys dont have that problem

and of course i think she could have found a more flattering colour than red to wear.. it (in my opinion) rarely photographs well .. and it doesnt look good on most ppl.. especially that orangey shade of her sweater

[Kodatech]

LOL well I noticed it after you pointed that out. :D

[3 Olive Martini]

that is the beauty of this place.. all the eyes see different things..

i bet she notices it when she looks at them ..

[Diamond Lil]

JB,
I love the settings you used.
The poses, other than the few Mike pointed out are great for the purpose. You captured a loving couple nicely in all of the others. The fourth photo is my all around, stand out favorite. Very well done.
The fifth is a photograph I think you should recreate for many couples you work with in the future. What a smart and stylish photograph. It captured a brightness in them both that is unparalleled in this series.
Now, here is a question. Will you be lightening up the backgrounds?
Nice work JB!

[Springer]

Thanks all. The critiques are what I'm looking for because these posed shots are not something I'm real comfortable with as you've seen. I never noticed the hands till I had downloaded the pic's or the bra strap until you pointed it out 3 Olive so thanks for the help.

[Kodatech]

Well next time just tell the couple to loosen up a bit. :D

[3 Olive Martini]

well the thing is its her tank top but if you arent paying attention it looks like her bra.. and they do look a little stiff .. that has nothing to do with you LOL...

[pegdragger]

Excellent pics! Wow! And I really love covered bridges. Where did you find that one?

[Springer]

It was built by the local High School heres the story of it.

http://summerville-novascotia.com/darlingtoncoveredbridge/

[EZE RIDER]

If you ask me they look like pro shots. Some have pointed out how to make them even better but they are pro caliber in my book.

[Diamond Lil]

If you ask me they look like pro shots. Some have pointed out how to make them even better but they are pro caliber in my book.

I would agree.

[Springer]

I have to say thanks for the vote of confidence but I think still have a long way to go before or if ever I get to that level. The one thing I do think that helped the look of these shots more then any thing else is not using a camera mounted flash but instead using a remote flash and a shoot through umbrella. That really made a world of difference between these shots and others I have shot using a camera mounted flash.

[Diamond Lil]

JB, I don't know about where you live, but I've seen engagement and wedding photographs that are not as good as what you showed us here. Have I seen photographs that would make us all weak kneed? Yes, of course, but you could get work around here.

[Kodatech]

I will agree with that one Lil. Even though I pointed out some very MINOR things. These photos are alot better than my own wedding photos. :(

[Springer]

After seeing the shots that every one here has posted Ill take all the advice you guys are willing to offer.

[Kodatech]

Went on a motorcycle ride today that ended up going further than I thought it would. I didn't take my Nikon, just grabbed the Kodak easyshare PnS. The ride ended up spanning across Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina......


Didn't have much time for photos, but as I stopped once for a break, I saw a road that looked like it needed toe shot....here it is.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2474/3627527046_5ce68bfe9b_b.jpg


Don't go easy on me for composition and things like that....but remember it is a pocket camera, so try to ignore any digital noise or lens distortions if you can.

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, I like why you made the photograph. It comes through, but I would crop out the roadway in the foreground all the way up to where the greenery starts on the right.

[Kodatech]

I was thinking that the "portrait" orientation might not be right, so I took one holding the camera the other way too....so no need to crop! :D

How is this?

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Dirt_Road_2.JPG

[echo3]

Now it draws your eyes right down the road...good job!

[EZE RIDER]

Both shots are very inviting to me. Looking good!

[Diamond Lil]

Good. Different than the first one, but good.

(You don't have to show us, but crop the first one. It would end up square, but I think you might like it.) http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/hidesbehindsofa1.gif I'm sorry. I can be annoying.:D

[Kodatech]

Here is the crop of the 1st photo. The differences also shows the downfall of shooting in JPEG. Having the camera on "auto white balance" and JPEG sometimes produces different results. Using my Nikon I shoot in RAW, this allows me to correct the white balance AFTER the shot.

Enough small talk...here it is.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Dirt_Road.jpg

[3 Olive Martini]

that is exactly where i would have cropped it .. not that that means much LOL.. i love the shot though

[Oriondk]

I like the composition on the second shot. On the first shot, even in the cropped one, for some reason the leaves on the left side look out of focus. Was there a breeze blowing?

[Kodatech]

I like the composition on the second shot. On the first shot, even in the cropped one, for some reason the leaves on the left side look out of focus. Was there a breeze blowing?

Most point and shoot cameras don't have great image quality, especially at the edges of the frame, and some even use PLASTIC (gasp) for some of the lens elements.

Not sure why they are out of focus...but My bet is going to be the cheap camera. ;)

[Diamond Lil]

I do like it, but understand the downfalls. The composition as now cropped is much more pleasing to my eye. It takes you down the road in a more inviting way.










PS
Plastic lens elements http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/faint1.gif


http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/laugh.gif

[polizzio]

Most point and shoot cameras don't have great image quality, especially at the edges of the frame, and some even use PLASTIC (gasp) for some of the lens elements.



I'm guessing Nikon is using synthetics for lens material these days too. I know my 18-55 mm lens is so light, even my 55-200 mm is very light. Manufacturers have come a very long way in technology and materials.

[Diamond Lil]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/530/Backyard_Tonight.jpg


Just to keep trying with the challenge this photograph was originally posted in the Are you up to a challenge thread. I've added it here because it obviously needs help.
It is not my best. It was an attempt to record the detail of both the land and sky.

Here is the EXIF data
8:57 PM, raining
Aperture f/11
Shutter speed 0.6 sec
ISO 100

If anyone has any criticism and guidance on how to make such a photograph better, I am very open to it. Next time maybe an aperture of 1/16?

[Oriondk]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/530/Backyard_Tonight.jpg


Just to keep trying with the challenge this photograph was originally posted in the Are you up to a challenge thread. I've added it here because it obviously needs help.
It is not my best. It was an attempt to record the detail of both the land and sky.

Here is the EXIF data
8:57 PM, raining
Aperture f/11
Shutter speed 0.6 sec
ISO 100

If anyone has any criticism and guidance on how to make such a photograph better, I am very open to it. Next time maybe an aperture of 1/16?

The left side looks like it is out of focus or something. Was there a wind blowing? Did you use a tripod? What did you focus on? Did you focus using the hyperfocus principal? It also looks like there's a blue tint to it, which you could adjust with PS and warm it up a bit.

[Diamond Lil]

Dave, thanks for responding. This was made using a tripod and remote release. The wind and rain were both moving the trees and grass, which worked against me with that shutter speed. The focus point was mid hight on the trees and the sky in the middle of the image. Regarding the blue tint, that is truly what it looked like, especially the center of the shot where you see some fog. It is what caught my eye.

[polizzio]

Its a beautiful image, but it would be much better if the trees were in clear focus imo. No doubt the slower shutter speed accounts for this, a much lower aperture and faster shutter speed would have helped the image. This is a time where a fast wide angle lens would have helped. At what lens length was this captured at Lil? must have been long I'm guessing.

[Diamond Lil]

John, the 70-300 would not record at much faster shutter speeds as it was just before 9 PM and dark. It was shot in tight at 70mm. No doubt I should have changed to the 18-55mm. Laziness caught me there.

[polizzio]

I captured this image last weekend, something about the colors and the subject just really grabbed me. (notice the vines growing up the left side and the old wood shakes under the pealing tin roof) If only an old house could tell us stories.......Anyways, let me have it, what needs improvement?

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/633/medium/6-28-09_002_2_.jpg

[polizzio]

No comments or improvements?

[Diamond Lil]

Sorry for missing this John. It is an overall nice photo. The roadway seems to take away from the subject in my eye. I would recommend a crop of 1/5 off the left side and 1/8 from the bottom. Since you do not want to PP, I would suggest boosting saturation a notch in the camera to record the richness of the natural colors.

[EZE RIDER]

It also appears that the shot is off camber. A quick straightening in post would cure that otherwise interesting shot. Judging by the chair I'm guessing someone is living in that house?

[polizzio]

I'm not sure whether someone lives there or not. Thx for the input.

[Oriondk]

No comments or improvements?

I've been back a couple of times trying to decide on this photo. To tell the truth it seems kind of lifeless to me and I couldn't figure out why. I think it's the overcast sky. I was thinking how great this house would look with some early morning or late evening sun hitting the house; not sure what direction the house is facing as to whether that would be possible. The road in front of the house is somewhat distracting to me, also. Maybe a different angle would've worked. I really like how the bright blue chair stands out against the natural look of the weathered wood. I would have tried some different angles to highlight that contrast.

[polizzio]

Yeah, I definitely need to cut out the road Dave. The house is fairly close by so I may just give it another try with different lighting. I was passing and it caught my eye and I actually turned around after another 1000' or so to go take a photo or two of it. I also thought the bright blue folding chair provides stark contrast to the old weathered wood of the house and the bright green vegetation everywhere. I have another image more from the left side which shows the vine's progress better but the porch column centering impedes upon the doorway and window centers.

[echo3]

Maybe when you go back the little old man with his corncob pipe and hound dog will be on the porch! :camera

[Heavens Thunder]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/bikes_011.jpg[/IMG] Nice place in Sunbury,Georgia to eat on waterfront .

[tude]

Yeah, I definitely need to cut out the road Dave. The house is fairly close by so I may just give it another try with different lighting. I was passing and it caught my eye and I actually turned around after another 1000' or so to go take a photo or two of it. I also thought the bright blue folding chair provides stark contrast to the old weathered wood of the house and the bright green vegetation everywhere. I have another image more from the left side which shows the vine's progress better but the porch column centering impedes upon the doorway and window centers.
Bet a cool shot from the corner of the house taken with the fisheye:D
the old wood has so muck texture and color I bet it would look awesome.

[Kodatech]

HT, I think I might try bumping up the saturation on that one, OR even go the other way....and a black and white conversion.

[polizzio]

I like it Jeff as is. You have the sun bleached tall grass, the magnificent trees, the pastel blue on the railing and the porch, and the small bright red of a neon light thru a window. But I'm a purist like Ansel, "straight photography" is what he called it.

[Kodatech]

I like it Jeff as is. You have the sun bleached tall grass, the magnificent trees, the pastel blue on the railing and the porch, and the small bright red of a neon light thru a window. But I'm a purist like Ansel, "straight photography" is what he called it.


OK +1 on that....Changed my mind....I guess I didnt really realize the grass was sun bleached....I just thought it looked washed or something, but when I looked again after polizzio's post......It looks much better. :D

[EZE RIDER]

A quick straightening would make that photo really shine. It's a bit off kilter.

[Heavens Thunder]

Thanks John, it is all natural and eye catching and beautiful site looking out at Shrimp and fish boats. Kodatech a black and white photo would be pretty too !

[Heavens Thunder]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/bikes_007.jpg[/IMG]Picture takein from inside building looking out at port and shrimp boat and grass is green from this side.

[Adudollah]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/negateich.jpg

negative black lake in the magick psycho forest

[Heavens Thunder]

Special look for Black lake in a forest !

[Adudollah]

:) if I had a real camera my photos would rock!
This is just a 5Mb handy shot... Sony Ericson K850i on auto

[EZE RIDER]

:) if I had a real camera my photos would rock!
This is just a 5Mb handy shot... Sony Ericson K850i on auto


Kick it up a notch!

You know you want to. I'm sure you would put any new equipment to very good use.

[scol]

Black lake pic just pulls you in! I keep coming back to it great shot nice abstract look. I'm liking that alot!!!

[echo3]

black lake is beautiful, or should I say bluetiful?:D

[Adudollah]

Thank you for your kind comments. I often take photos at work for securing evidence or fault description, so the basic idea of making a good shot is understood.
Bottom line is that it's possible to make interesting photos even with simple gear with a bit of imagination and a feeling for perspective.
Negative images or colour changes are simple but effective tools, it's fun playing around with this :) and I'll chime in again here.

[Heavens Thunder]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/downtown22.png[/IMG] HGTV Dream house 2004 was built in town and got a chance to see it before christimas with all the decorations and special tour.

[echo3]

Beautiful house Jeff, but it looks rather spooky!! :hide

[Heavens Thunder]

It was the Hgtv dream home built in stmarys,georgia. I got picture of inside rooms and it was nice.A lucky family from cailfornia won it.

[Diamond Lil]

It does look spooky. It is a good composition and my personal feeling is that just one thing would have helped and that would have been to make the photograph earlier in the day so you could see more of the house.

[Kodatech]

I dont know if the situation permitted it, but I would maybe use a tripod and NO flash next time...but the composition and subject are very nice....IMHO.

[Heavens Thunder]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/hgtv_house.jpg Does this look better Lil for a day shot to compare and see the beauty !

[Diamond Lil]

Jeff! It is not spooky any longer. :D

[Kodatech]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/hgtv_house.jpg Does this look better Lil for a day shot to compare and see the beauty !

Not a bit of critique needed for that shot....great capture!!

[echo3]

My dream home!!!
Awesome shot Jeff!
Looks professional!

[Adudollah]

I like the design but why do you always build woodhouses, got no bricklayers?

[Heavens Thunder]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/downtown24.png One bedroom in dream house.

[Heavens Thunder]

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/downtown23.png The other bedroom in the HGTV house and had 4 bedrooms and other rooms too ! I hope it shows how nice it was to see.

[Diamond Lil]

As a kid I loved to put my stuffed animals on the bed.
What did you use to make these photos Jeff?

[Diamond Lil]

If this were sharper I'd be thrilled. That being said, shooting right into the tree made for some big ole bokeh components in the composition. Do you think they are too distracting or that they diminish the photograph in some other way?

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/510/House_Sparrow_-_Passer_domesticus_In_Tree.jpg

[scol]

There is some thing wrong with this pic my eye is missing it just doesn't look right to me. would you mind giving it a look. Thanks Scolhttp://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Town_Cove.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

That is probably just what the scene looked like when you made the photograph and it is understandable why you did so. The colors had to be beautiful and the composition expresses the quietness of the evening. To make it more visually pleasing I would try playing with levels, maybe shifting the blacks to the right and the mids to the left. It might work. The whites seem to be fine. But what do I know.

[scol]

That is probably just what the scene looked like when you made the photograph and it is understandable why you did so. The colors had to be beautiful and the composition expresses the quietness of the evening. To make it more visually pleasing I would try playing with levels, maybe shifting the blacks to the right and the mids to the left. It might work. The whites seem to be fine. But what do I know.

Apparently you know how to shift.:D

[Kodatech]

There is some thing wrong with this pic my eye is missing it just doesn't look right to me. would you mind giving it a look. Thanks Scolhttp://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Town_Cove.jpg

The only thing I see that is wrong with the photo is the horizon is a bit crooked....Other than that?...not much....Maybe crop off the lower portion of the shot that isn't water?....Mostly, its just a bit crooked, thats it. Nice shot!

[scol]

Thanks imput I'll play around with it, going out may not get to it till next week.

[EZE RIDER]

I agree with the previous two posts. Great shot, The sky is the star in this shot so level off the shot and crop out the overly dark foreground and it will be even better.

[EZE RIDER]

If this were sharper I'd be thrilled. That being said, shooting right into the tree made for some big ole bokeh components in the composition. Do you think they are too distracting or that they diminish the photograph in some other way?

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/510/House_Sparrow_-_Passer_domesticus_In_Tree.jpg

The leaf bokeh is great but the twig is just a tad distracting. Nice tight shot!

[Kodatech]

This is really a "just for fun" shot, but this sticky topic hasn't had much action lately....so.....have at it....critique at will!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/3873633704_8d10644258_b.jpg

[tude]

Love the finish work would work better in b&w after PP was done (gothic moody) but that is just personal taste.
Only shot crit (and again personal taste) would have been to stand 5' further from the subject and include slight foreground and the ridge of the Vault then shift to the right slightly to capture some of the real cool headstones in the background..
Great job!

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, I really like what you've done PP-wise, but am distracted by the building being cut off on top. Great subject.

[echo3]

:them great advise!

[Kodatech]

Thanks....Ill try that next time. You know it was really kind of miserably hot that day, and I didnt realize I cropped the top of the vault until I got home and opened the files. I was trying to keep the sweat off the viewfinder. ;)

[tude]

Thanks....Ill try that next time. You know it was really kind of miserably hot that day, and I didnt realize I cropped the top of the vault until I got home and opened the files. I was trying to keep the sweat off the viewfinder. ;)
Brother I do the same thing all the time and i do mean all the time :D
Thinking about a grid for my camera to remind me and maybe improve my keeper rate..
If it makes you feel better though I have never seen anyone do better pics with a D40:cool:

[Kodatech]

Brother I do the same thing all the time and i do mean all the time :D
Thinking about a grid for my camera to remind me and maybe improve my keeper rate..
If it makes you feel better though I have never seen anyone do better pics with a D40:cool:

Well it does!...so thanks! :D

[Diamond Lil]

Thanks....Ill try that next time. You know it was really kind of miserably hot that day, and I didnt realize I cropped the top of the vault until I got home and opened the files. I was trying to keep the sweat off the viewfinder. ;)

Mike, I could make up a comedy of errors thread with all of the mistakes I've made. Your compositional intent and post-processing are both superb.






BTW I've found spray cleaner for plastic eye glasses works well to get sweat off of the viewfinder.
:laugh

[EZE RIDER]

Well to you it is a compliment but your creeping me out dude! :rofl:

Fantastic HDR effects!

[pegdragger]

Mike I love it. Such a great subject! Excellent processing.

[Kodatech]

Mike, I could make up a comedy of errors thread with all of the mistakes I've made. Your compositional intent and post-processing are both superb.






BTW I've found spray cleaner for plastic eye glasses works well to get sweat off of the viewfinder.
:laugh

Well if I am going to TN this weekend and I think the weather is supposed to be nice and cool....so I wont need the spray next time....Im bringing the camera with me..as always.

Thanks for the comments everyone!

Wait though...whats the creepy part?...hanging out in the graveyard? lol

[Diamond Lil]

Your thoughts?

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/508/Birch_Leaf1.jpg
Birch Leaf

[Kodatech]

I haven't posted in this thread for a while...so....be brutal.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4290005196_baf79b4d4c_b.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

Great idea and composition. The textures are perfect. Way too dark for my liking Mike.

[Kodatech]

How about this edit?

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Corner.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

A nice variation, but how about keeping the color? (I'm getting pushy now, aren't I? :rolleyes:)

[echo3]

It's hard to believe that is the same picture!:cool:

[Kodatech]

To be honest, there wasnt much color there to begin with, and it was definitely enhanced with the high contrast and dark tones. How about this to add some interest?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4292654328_98714ed740_b.jpg

[LunaTique]

Now that I really like

[Diamond Lil]

To be honest, there wasnt much color there to begin with, and it was definitely enhanced with the high contrast and dark tones. How about this to add some interest?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4292654328_98714ed740_b.jpg

Yes!

[Kodatech]

By the way, I made that texture in PSP using this photo that I shot for the "textures" theme of the week:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3859800698_f5d43cf7e3.jpg

[EZE RIDER]

By the way, I made that texture in PSP using this photo that I shot for the "textures" theme of the week:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3859800698_f5d43cf7e3.jpg

Thats almost the definition of texture. Cool.

[Diamond Lil]

Very cool Mike!

[AtillasGirl]

I like the first one better.... but I think it has something to do with me being blue green color blind.

[Vrod-Brad]

I like the edit best - reminds me of a movie poster somehow...

[Kodatech]

Lets have it...I was trying to imitate the old Lomography look on this shot.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4327303480_f6500b9f70_b.jpg

With all the snow lately, I have been working LOTS of overtime and have not had much time for shooting...so I am going through some old archives and uploading them a few at a time.

[Diamond Lil]

Close up, a bit over saturated in places, sharpened, vignetting.....

Okay, I like what you've tried to do and think it is a good composition for Lomo, but would like to see the vignette a bit tighter on the upper right and over toward the middle of the composition without muting the light tree. I do not mean down in front of and on the right side of the truck. I would also tone down the highlights, in ever so tiny increments on the ride side of the truck, just until a bit more of the detail/contrast of the body returned, but please, do not lose the reflection. It is masterful.

[Kodatech]

How about this one? http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4435957750_e7154b9527_b.jpg

[Springer]

Lets have it...I was trying to imitate the old Lomography look on this shot.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4327303480_f6500b9f70_b.jpg

With all the snow lately, I have been working LOTS of overtime and have not had much time for shooting...so I am going through some old archives and uploading them a few at a time.

I do like that

[Vrod-Brad]

Nice....

[Diamond Lil]

How about this one? http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4435957750_e7154b9527_b.jpg


Other than a little blow out in the clouds, this is perfect! I love it!

[Kodatech]

OK I had my camera with me and I had a moment to check out the 50mm lens and the HVL-F42AM flash together.....Just a boring shot of an old chair upstairs at work, so I added some grungy texture to it.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Troys_Chair.jpg

Oh yeah, in case you are wondering, I created the texture from a photo of a worn part of the shop floor...also taken last night. I have the unedited version too, but I figured I would mess with it a bit in PSP.

[Bluesbird]

I love it kodatech!!! Great work. I would love to see the original too.

[Diamond Lil]

Mike, I love the chair, the lighting and the texture. The tilt upward gives me a sense of vibrance and my imagination travels through the years of use it must have had. The middle of the photo, where the mechanicals of the chair, the lockers and the dark spots of the texture is a bit busy, but that may just work. I'm not sure.

You got yourself good lens!

[Kodatech]

Thanks for the comments. Ill put up the original some time this weekend, it is on my other computer.

[echo3]

Very interesting! Way to make the ordinary....extraordinary!:thumbsup