Interesting...
Oct 25, 2011 22:43:25 #
Julie wrote:
Ok Rach
.how long have you been doing photography? what are your credentials?
WOW! What a way to thank someone for taking time out of their day to offer you advice on how to improve your images.
Before I take the time to offer my C&C, I will actually ask... "Do you REALLY want me too?"
and before you ask:
I've been into photography, seriously for just over a year.
I am not a professional photographer, don't have any want to be one and really am just A Mom With a Camera.
MWAC
Oct 25, 2011 22:56:06 #
Ok, if you can stand one more critique, I always start with the positive; I absolutely love the way the lane through the trees draws you into the picture down the lane (great depth-of-field). I personally enjoy the framing, and the only thing I would change is the contrast of the colors so that the greens would be a little brighter, and the browns a bit darker. I also like the depth-of-field used on the coursage to give the blur effect, however I really do not like that it is in the center of the photo; I would have it off to the right, with maybe even an eight of it cut off the edge. Just my opinion, of course. And I have to be honest and say that although I love taking very odd photos myself, I don't find much to appreciate in the first photo other than the color contrast which is lovely.
Oct 25, 2011 23:39:40 #
Puff ball shot is great! I remember loving to kick those puff balls as a kid, okay I still do.
Oct 26, 2011 00:03:19 #
Julie wrote:
ok
I dont know what the thirds are..but I will learn...
Google it thats what i do on a lot of things i am still learning
Oct 26, 2011 10:18:02 #
Personally, I love the long lane. However, I don't care for the gates and believe the pic would be better without them. Perhaps you can crop it? Also, I agree that the color (sky especially) would look better with a polarizing lens. And it might be better if off-center a bit. Still a nice pic, but these things may make it a better pic.
The rose? I really do like it. Great color.
It does seem to me that the comments here are all constructive criticisms. I know that I have learned a lot from other people. That's the only real reason to ask questions. I loved some of my shots .... UNTIL my husband insisted I try a polarizing lens. Now I don't leave home without it.
The rule of thirds is reallly the most basic part of composition. You can't be a serious photographer without knowing and using it. Essentially, draw a tic-tac-toe grid. Line your subject up with one of the cross points of the grid. Most people do not find a centered photo pleasing to the eye.
Only you can judge your pics. I'd suggest you try shooting the same pic, or similar, with the polarizing lens and using rule of thirds. Then, you decide.
:thumbup:
The rose? I really do like it. Great color.
It does seem to me that the comments here are all constructive criticisms. I know that I have learned a lot from other people. That's the only real reason to ask questions. I loved some of my shots .... UNTIL my husband insisted I try a polarizing lens. Now I don't leave home without it.
The rule of thirds is reallly the most basic part of composition. You can't be a serious photographer without knowing and using it. Essentially, draw a tic-tac-toe grid. Line your subject up with one of the cross points of the grid. Most people do not find a centered photo pleasing to the eye.
Only you can judge your pics. I'd suggest you try shooting the same pic, or similar, with the polarizing lens and using rule of thirds. Then, you decide.
:thumbup:
Oct 26, 2011 14:17:55 #
Rule of thirds is where you put an imaginary tic tac toe grid in your view finder then you place your main subject on the vertical line insted of in the middle of the picture. your off centering the main subject.
Oct 26, 2011 14:19:23 #
Julie wrote:
ok
I dont know what the thirds are..but I will learn...
Rule of thirds is where you put an imaginary tic tac toe grid in your view finder then you place your main subject on the vertical line insted of in the middle of the picture. your off centering the main subject. It can really make an impact when you use a shallow depth of field to draw the attention to your main subject
Oct 26, 2011 14:42:19 #
Rachel wrote:
quote=Julie nope your right! /quote br br Julie... (show quote)
Lol I have to disagree on "white skies". I live in the Pacific Northwest and we see a lot of White and Gray skies.. not alot of blue here. heehee
Oct 26, 2011 16:42:07 #
Julie,
I have studied your three images. Also, I have read the other posts and comments, which I believe were all given with the best of intentions. Before I share my thoughts on your images, let me comment briefly on the "comment" aspects on blogs like this. First, internet posts do not allow for seeing facial expression, nor tone of voice. Not everyone has a writing ability worthy of the Times Best Seller list. Finally, opinions are not law, they only refect the mind set and view of the person offering the opinion, which may or may not agree with the opinions of others. Remember, every world class surgeon has had a first time operation. . .and, the same holds true for photographers. Everyone has a beginning from which they move down a path of THEIR choice.
Rule of Thirds: The first and most important aspect of learning the rule of thirds (you might want to write this down), is knowing when to break the rule. It is only a guide, not something etched in stone. . .we are not talking Ten Commandments here! But, that being said, it is a good guide and you should know how it basically works. If I may suggest, take a piece of art board that has been cut in size to 8" x 10". With a straight edge, draw two even spaced straight horizontal lines, followed by two evenly spaced vertical lines; to wit: The tic-tac-toe grid. You can now turn your 8x10 either as a landscape or portrait orientation. For horizon lines, these might look best either near the top line or at the bottom line. . .depending on subject and what you want your image to express. Generally, not dead centered. But, depending on what else is in the image and what the main point of interest might be, then maybe dead center works and is better. Some will argue that your image's main focus element should be at one of the four intersections of the lines. Maybe so, maybe no. . .use your mind's eye and you decide, it is your artistic expression. Think in terms of where you want the viewer's eye to first go, and then how you compose the image to draw the eye into your image. Try to avoid conflicting elements that compete for the viewer's eye. . .unless confusion, eye strain and headache is your message. Finally, I can tell you that I break the rules all the time!
Puff Ball. This is fun. For some, it makes them look more closely in an attempt to figure out what they are seeing (you have engaged this viewer, and that is good). For those who recognize what the image is, they do so out of fond memories (also good). The aspect ratio of the image posted is pretty much square. Somehow I doubt that you shot this with a square format camera. Therefore, you cropped a good portion of the original image. This image as posted works for me, mainly because there is a nice diagonal that grabs and takes your eye. Only you can decide if a different crop might have been better. . .and only you can determine the meaning of "better". Remember, almost all artistic images are more than the sum of their parts. There is warmth, cold, and emotion to be conveyed as well.
Gated Tree Lined Road. In many respects this is a perfect image just as you have presented to us. It not only tells, it also asks. The viewer is engaged in a magical fashion, drawn into the image as questions begin to work to the front of the viewer's mind. Some have said they didn't like the gates; however, without the gates, the image loses much of it mystery, strength, and its place in time. Also, I love the fact that one is opened in, while the other is opened out. To remove the gates would be cheating the viewer of their imagination. They sky gives us our mood and temperature. Then there is the latent conflict between the bright meadow in the left background, as compared to the more foreboding turn of the road to the more dark right. When an image draws you in, makes you see and then wonder, and begs for the right caption. . .you very likely have a real winner.
The Rose. Great color and detail on the primary subject, using a narrow depth of field. Yes, it is in the "bulls eye" placement; however, the Baby's Breath placement, with its brightness, allows the astute eye to not worry about silly rules. This is, after all, a macro shot. Think in terms of the image's potential use; e.g., crop harder to a 5x7 aspect ratio in a vertical format. Print it as a greeting card, to be given to your daughter/niece on her 16th birthday. Or, crop it tight in a square format and blow it up to a 30x30 wall print, and stand back and listen to all of the "ooh and aahs" from all who view.
One final note. Thank everyone for their comments; and, then ignore most, as they do not have your vision against which to test their vision.
I have studied your three images. Also, I have read the other posts and comments, which I believe were all given with the best of intentions. Before I share my thoughts on your images, let me comment briefly on the "comment" aspects on blogs like this. First, internet posts do not allow for seeing facial expression, nor tone of voice. Not everyone has a writing ability worthy of the Times Best Seller list. Finally, opinions are not law, they only refect the mind set and view of the person offering the opinion, which may or may not agree with the opinions of others. Remember, every world class surgeon has had a first time operation. . .and, the same holds true for photographers. Everyone has a beginning from which they move down a path of THEIR choice.
Rule of Thirds: The first and most important aspect of learning the rule of thirds (you might want to write this down), is knowing when to break the rule. It is only a guide, not something etched in stone. . .we are not talking Ten Commandments here! But, that being said, it is a good guide and you should know how it basically works. If I may suggest, take a piece of art board that has been cut in size to 8" x 10". With a straight edge, draw two even spaced straight horizontal lines, followed by two evenly spaced vertical lines; to wit: The tic-tac-toe grid. You can now turn your 8x10 either as a landscape or portrait orientation. For horizon lines, these might look best either near the top line or at the bottom line. . .depending on subject and what you want your image to express. Generally, not dead centered. But, depending on what else is in the image and what the main point of interest might be, then maybe dead center works and is better. Some will argue that your image's main focus element should be at one of the four intersections of the lines. Maybe so, maybe no. . .use your mind's eye and you decide, it is your artistic expression. Think in terms of where you want the viewer's eye to first go, and then how you compose the image to draw the eye into your image. Try to avoid conflicting elements that compete for the viewer's eye. . .unless confusion, eye strain and headache is your message. Finally, I can tell you that I break the rules all the time!
Puff Ball. This is fun. For some, it makes them look more closely in an attempt to figure out what they are seeing (you have engaged this viewer, and that is good). For those who recognize what the image is, they do so out of fond memories (also good). The aspect ratio of the image posted is pretty much square. Somehow I doubt that you shot this with a square format camera. Therefore, you cropped a good portion of the original image. This image as posted works for me, mainly because there is a nice diagonal that grabs and takes your eye. Only you can decide if a different crop might have been better. . .and only you can determine the meaning of "better". Remember, almost all artistic images are more than the sum of their parts. There is warmth, cold, and emotion to be conveyed as well.
Gated Tree Lined Road. In many respects this is a perfect image just as you have presented to us. It not only tells, it also asks. The viewer is engaged in a magical fashion, drawn into the image as questions begin to work to the front of the viewer's mind. Some have said they didn't like the gates; however, without the gates, the image loses much of it mystery, strength, and its place in time. Also, I love the fact that one is opened in, while the other is opened out. To remove the gates would be cheating the viewer of their imagination. They sky gives us our mood and temperature. Then there is the latent conflict between the bright meadow in the left background, as compared to the more foreboding turn of the road to the more dark right. When an image draws you in, makes you see and then wonder, and begs for the right caption. . .you very likely have a real winner.
The Rose. Great color and detail on the primary subject, using a narrow depth of field. Yes, it is in the "bulls eye" placement; however, the Baby's Breath placement, with its brightness, allows the astute eye to not worry about silly rules. This is, after all, a macro shot. Think in terms of the image's potential use; e.g., crop harder to a 5x7 aspect ratio in a vertical format. Print it as a greeting card, to be given to your daughter/niece on her 16th birthday. Or, crop it tight in a square format and blow it up to a 30x30 wall print, and stand back and listen to all of the "ooh and aahs" from all who view.
One final note. Thank everyone for their comments; and, then ignore most, as they do not have your vision against which to test their vision.
Oct 26, 2011 19:02:58 #
mooseeyes wrote:
Julie, br br I have studied your three images. A... (show quote)
Very thoughtful and reflective post. Wonderful information and compelling reasons as to why you liked the photos. I personally feel that too many people take critiques as definitive and tend to forget that their eye and vision are unique to them . Follow your eye. Great post Mooseeyes :thumbup:
Oct 26, 2011 22:01:32 #
Hi Julie,
I was just going to say that I like your photos. I love the second one. The only thing that caught my eye is they look over sharpened. Keep shooting you have a good eye.
I was just going to say that I like your photos. I love the second one. The only thing that caught my eye is they look over sharpened. Keep shooting you have a good eye.
Oct 26, 2011 22:49:44 #
Julie wrote:
Pls critique..thanks
I'm not a fan of the blured look in the flower pic but I like #1 & #2. Is #1 a type of mushroom that has dried out? What camera, lens, etc. were you using?
Oct 26, 2011 23:32:25 #
??? say MIss Pretty feather's
(ugh) ..you pop in.. say neg remarks..the fly away???? ok.. I guess that there are your credentials ??
Oct 26, 2011 23:42:27 #
Julie wrote:
??? say MIss Pretty feather's
(ugh) ..you pop in.. say neg remarks..the fly away???? ok.. I guess that there are your credentials ??
I'm going to assume since your negative attitude toward her offering you help she has placed you on her ignore list, and judging by this post, rightly so.
Oct 26, 2011 23:45:09 #
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